Moncton Explore: Week Two Summary

Bonjour tout le monde,

Welcome back to my blog! Here's what's happened during week two of Explore 2013. Thanks for reading!

July 7th:

Tonight, after sleeping in and enjoying a relaxing day of studying and practicing, and our first sunday meeting, Paris and I met our friend Jeff at Café Archibald for some late night crépes and beverages. I swear, we're going to try just about everything on their menu before we leave... So good!

July 8th:

Today wasn't awfully exciting. Our atelier got out extremely early, after we were taught how to prevent and ameliorate a hangover (how useful!), we mostly goofed around, played French board games and practiced for our presentation tomorrow.

July 9th:

Paris and I presented our first project in front of the class today and did really well! It was all about French macarons. You can view it below if you'd like...

July 10th:

After class today, those who payed for the trip headed out to beautiful Shediac Bay for the "Conte de Homard" lobster tour.

We took some time beforehand to visit the kitschy little souvenir shops... 

...and grab some "créme glacée" before boarding the little lobster boat and heading out to sea.

While aboard the vessel, we were told all about Acadian lobster-fishing history and the lobster industry.

Then, some brave students pulled in the first lobster trap and the real fun started.

After, We were shown "the Acadia way" to dismember a cooked lobster: With our bare hands... The presentation was so intense, one girl started crying.

It was brutal!

However, all in all, it was pretty entertaining...

Cheers!

July 11th:

Today, after my first business-themed atelier, I used my free time to paint my nails! It felt good to pamper myself a bit after a hard week.

After, Erik and I went to The Pumphouse to harass Jeff and relax a bit. We stayed there forever just talking and drawing on napkins. I love that kid! 

July 12th:

Tonight, Paris, Jarrett and I walked through downtown to see the cars lined up for The 14th Annual Atlantic Nationals Automotive Extravaganza car show.

Main street was packed with people and impressive vehicles!

My camera hated the lighting situation, though, so I didn't get very good pictures.

Coincidentally, we ran into some of out friends from class and had a great evening out on the town!

July 13th:

Today, tout le monde got onto teensy school busses yet again and drove to the breathtaking Hopewell Rocks Provincial Park.

The views were incredible from the top of the viewing area.

One could see the mudflats created by the Bay of Fundy's extremely low tide for what seemed like miles.

When we climbed down, the mud was so squishy and difficult to maneuver in we ditched our shoes and got dirty.

But, a few students had a bit of trouble staying upright...

After, we went to Fundy National Park's Bennett Lake to swim enjoy the natural surroundings.

Across the lake there was a mama moose and her calf! I was so shocked and happy to good look at them before the meandered back into the woods. That's one check off my Canada checklist!

Shortly after, a group of students swam over to a small island in the center of the lake. A friend and I were following not too far behind until he began to panic in the water. Though I was able to calm him down and help him float on his back, I had to call for help! He was just fine when he reached the island, but it was really startling to imagine what could have happened had I been by myself. I'm so happy that there are lifeguards participating in Explore!

For the rest of our time at the lake, I caught gigantic tadpoles and palled around in the shallows with friends. Paris, however, went on to rescue another student on the way back from the island! She's amazing.

Bennett Lake trip: success! Death toll: 0.

I hope you enjoyed ready about my adventures!

Until next time,