I took a photo to mark my first venture out of the US in years. Traveling solo, sheepish and silly, I took said photo in the corner of the ladies room. Strangely, for the past week and half I was getting nervous about the trip, missing my sis in particular before I'd even gone anywhere. Then Monday, unexpectedly really, anxiety gave way to excitement, and as I firmed up my first days' plans my excitement grew.

 Sitting there in the boarding area I noticed a guy and chic (not together) looking at me curiously. Realized I'd had a big grin on my face (as I was doing my pre-flight stretches. "Mon dos" doesn't like sitting for too long).

Arrived yesterday at Quartier Latin, a quaint part of Montreal, Rue Saint Denis. Its a vibrant, multi ethnic neighborhood with lots of great shops, restaurants, and the Univ of Quebec. Such beautiful, old buildings make up this part of l'universite, centuries old. It's kinda like U St or Adams Morgan except a more engaging but easy going vibe.

I'm in a charming auberge, my first ever B & B experience. It's been restful, and frankly...nice to be back in a bed after a week plus on the sofa (here's to having the flood problem solved when I get home!).  

It was a delightful day, even as I spent it grading. Sat for hours at Second Cup, taking a couple of breaks change seats and write in my journal. Two things were "brought home" in my first 36 hours here:

(1) Not only has it been 10 years since I've gone abroad, it's actually been longer since I last traveled to a place where English isn't primarily spoken. For years, esp. living in Ga, I yearned to be back in a multilingual environment but, 'til I came through customs yesterday, I hadn't actually realized how far from that routine/practice I really am.... As much as I watch foreign language programming, I was still unnerved by rapid fire french coming at me, channel after channel on the tele.

I found myself so very nervous to speak french, which has eased a lot today. Folks here are patient and quite warm. I'm getting back in the rhythm of speaking, asking "comment dit...x, y, z,...en francais?" to learn the right word for things I've forgotten.

(2) Hmm...how do I put it? Well, let's just say atmosphere makes all the difference.

....So, that's my first travel blog entry. Quite the novice here. Back to the last stuff to grade and Indiana's Last Crusade (lucky find on the tele n'est pas...et en anglais ;)  

Tomorrow it's global comm and social impact and a tour of Old Montreal.