After the success of Grand #1’s trip to Alaska we were looking forward to learning of Grand #2’s trip choice for her North American Travel Scholarship. During one of her sleepovers we were talking about her trip and I casually asked where she was thinking about going. She quickly responded, “Quebec!”
It was so specific and said so quickly that I couldn’t help but follow up with, “Wow, that is so unusual for a 10 year old young lady to want to travel to Quebec. How did you come to choose Quebec?” After a few seconds, she placed her hand on her hip and said, “Well, you know, Paris wasn’t an option!”
During her 11th Summer she completed her application and when asked to write a paragraph on why she selected Canada (including Quebec, Prince Edward Island, and Nova Scotia) she wrote:
I want to go to Canada because I think experiencing different cultures is something that can really expand a child’s imagination. I also want to go because I’m part French and I want to experience that culture. I also want to spend time with my amazing grandparents because most kids aren’t lucky enough to have people as wonderful in their life.
In addition to wanting to learn about the culture she wanted to eat great food, learn to make French desserts, and shop. When asked why she thought she should receive the scholarship she said, “I think that I have worked very hard for all of my good grades and for all of my sports games too. I think I need a little relaxation time.” And, so she did!
Armed with the information from her application we planned a week-long trip to Eastern Canada and the Maritime Provinces that included wonderful meals and shopping in Quebec City, dinner in the Culinary Institute of Canada’s student training dining room, riding the ferry over to Prince Edward Island (PEI) where we participated in a pastry making class and lobster dinner in Charlottetown, and went on a whale watching excursion in Halifax before returning home.
Armed with the information from her application we planned a week-long trip to Eastern Canada and the Maritime Provinces that included wonderful meals and shopping in Quebec City, dinner in the Culinary Institute of Canada’s student training dining room, riding the ferry over to Prince Edward Island (PEI) where we participated in a pastry making class and lobster dinner in Charlottetown, and went on a whale watching excursion in Halifax before returning home.
The memories from our trip now live on in our hearts and through the pictures in the photo album that is presented to each Grand upon completion of the trip.
Mary Beth I have a passion for creating and experiencing unforgettable moments and sharing those with others. I hope that this story has helped you experience one of those moments.
