:o)

So, I may have found a new sport.

The good thing is, it still involves skiing.

I had the fortunate opportunity to try the biathlon yesterday at Chelsea Nordic – aww man, it was so cool! Really, it’s stupid how satisfying it feels to see a little white circle pop into view, which is what happens when you hit the target. Luckily, I heeded to my mother’s insightful advice, and managed not to shoot any people, so that was good too.

I think I might move to Chelsea some day. It is a little village about 15 minutes outside of Gatineau, with anything a sensible person could ever want. First of all, the Gatineau Park trails are within walking distance. It was near here that the annual Cookie Beiner started last weekend (distance ski + lots of free cookies = happy skiers). But beyond that, there is a delicious bakery; a cafe with a chill atmosphere, beautiful art, and very good coffee; and, a sweet pub that sells a really good stout beer that I haven’t been able to find anywhere else (though that could just be because I don’t have the French name right). Ok, so maybe most sensible people need more than skiing/hiking, beer, coffee, and baked goods to stay enthusiastic about life, but I think I’d be happy living there. Anyone want to join me?

Those are pretty much the highlights from this part of the country. The bagels still taste good. 85% of the world’s maple syrup is made in Québec, though that doesn’t mean it’s a good idea to pay $20 for a pancake lunch and maple sugar bush tour, unless you are planning on eating $20 worth of bacon and sausages at the all-you-can-eat lunch buffet (I was not). The parliament buildings have some sick architecture. And, in conclusion, I think bus drivers are some of the friendliest people I have met here. If you want to converse in broken French, they play along. If you’re lost and prefer some help in English, that’s cool too.

Hope moo town is treating you all well. Sorry I missed that Rugski socball match. Anyone do the funtathalon? Miss you guys! (Unless people I don’t know are reading this blog. I don’t miss you, as far as I know.)

Ciao for now,
Kyla