Thursday and Friday were…interesting days. Actually Thursday was more of a shock to the system. Conference began, so I moved from Quartier Latin to Downtown. Having settled into the rhythm of French speaking, I was taken aback by the difference I’d stepped into: a world of English, corporate business, academia, etc. It was quite a shift in vibe and sensibility, an unexpected one at that. I was a bit sad actually for much of Thursday, wishing I was back in the older Montreal I’d be introduced to.

Thankfully, though, I started the day out right: first thing in the morning, I visited more of the Univ of Quebec and the Bibliotheque du Quebec (Quebec Archives), a beautiful modern building. Then, I explored more of le Quartier and chatted with some shop owners about Quebec. They’re quite friendly and welcoming; everywhere you visit folks say “bonne journee” (have a good day) as you depart. It was charming and heartening. More than anything, it reminded me to take time and be present, see the people I’m speaking with, take note, etc.  I was reminded that Interactions needn’t be entirely transactional, ya know?

So, after two days of this, I wasn’t expecting a change when I taxied downtown midday. It took me a few hours, but I finally realized and welcomed downtown’s own distinct flavor: It’s pretty much a convergence of cultures and people, a rather interesting snapshot of Canada in one place/time. At first it’s like a swirl, but then it all comes together: walking down the street you hear les Quebecois and other immigrants speaking French, English Canadians, with the “eh” at the end of their sentences, and us Americans…  How can I put it? A sort of fully functioning bilingual city. It’s quite a thing to experience and in many ways unique to Quebec given its long history. The people here, while warm and welcoming of everyone, so far as I’ve experienced it, clearly guard their culture and preserve it. Everyone where you go, French is primary, and then English. Unlike back home, though, they’re not hostile if you can’t speak French or do it poorly.  

So, I guess it wasn’t so bad, Thursday that is. Friday, however, was….dull. A full day of panels and professional business. The humanist in me felt “so not into” discussions where people studied discourse represented in schematized models and such. And there besides, having submitted final grades, I realized I am so done with the school year…for real! My resolve for the rest of my time here? No more wasting time with crap panels ‘cause of one interesting looking paper. Word?!