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Poem - ‘Alan’ by Robb Jutras

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Mad as a hatter...?!

This page is dedicated to the diary of a McPurple Abroad

Monday 9th August, somewhere between Montreal and Quebec

So.... here I am, sitting on board a hydrofoil traveling down the St Lawrence river to Quebec.  Certain people (mentioning no names but you may recall who I was traveling with) forgot that Small Bears are unable to see out of the window, so at first my view was limited to a patch of sky, but now I am sitting on a table looking at all the sights and thinking how much I am going to enjoy lording it over all the other bears when I get back. I’m sure none of them have traveled so far away before (not even Darwin) and certainly not by Hydrofoil.

Talking of traveling - my journey to Canada was exciting if rather less comfortable - as Liz’s hand luggage was rather too capacious and a small bear such as myself tended to slide about rather in an undignified fashion. However, once in the plane I was given a better seat and settled down to enjoy the whole experience.  The only thing was - no-one had told me we were going to be leaving the ground! (gave me a terrible fright).

Anyway - I eventually got used to being a Bear In The Air and after a snooze and beverage I felt much refreshed and ready to enter Canada with impunity. Strangely enough for a bear of my colour and importance, no-one asked for my passport - perhaps because I looked so trustworthy? However- it would have been nice to have been asked.

We landed at Quebec harbour and luckily were spotted by a passing taxi or it is doubtful whether we’d have reached the hotel at all.  However I kept my opinions to myself about this sad lack of planning and we reached the Chateau Frontenac safely where I checked in (see photo) and took in my surroundings.  The lobby was tres grand (just polishing up my french) et tres splendide.  Much grander than the lobby at the Marriott Hotel. Not that I am materialistically minded but we bears notice these things.

Tuesday 10th August - A Very Good Day

I sat on the bed feeling rather dejected to begin with , as it looked like Mr and Mrs Bear were about to go off sightseeing without me.  However this was not the case (or they finally got the message!) and after a short ride in Mrs Bear’s handbag I climbed out onto a cannon in the gardens facing the hotel. I looked so impressive that Mrs Bear had to take several photos - see ‘Ursi’ for best one.

I rubbed my small purple paws together with glee thinking about returning home triumphant with both written AND pictorial evidence of my travels Abroad. That’ll show the other bears! Sometimes the smallest and purplest of us can have the biggest adventures.

A further walk down to the port ensued and after a ride in the funiculaire (I bet Darwin hasn’t been in one of those either!) it was time for lunch and then more posing for pictures in front of my hotel. After a short nap to recover from the day’s exertions I went out for a night on the town and enjoyed myself hugely.  I think Mr and Mrs Bear realise that an inquisitive bear such as myself needs to get out into the world more. I must break off now as it is time to watch the thunder and lightening from my hotel window. This holiday just gets better and better!