February 12, 2016 - Tanya's Trip to Quebec - Day 9

Tanya's Daily Scoop
CURRENTLY TRAVELING IN:
QUEBEC CITY

Good Times with Bonhomme

BOY was yesterday FREEZING COLD!!

Yesterday - Feels like WHAT?!

And that same Brutal Cold Arctic Air Front that will be hitting NY this weekend, is certainly not avoiding slamming us with Freakin' Frigid Temps that are all that much colder today!

TODAY - You can't feel anything when it's THIS cold!

With an expected high of 0 on Sunday -
Yup, you read that correct, ZERO is gonna be the HIGH and that is without the wind!

IN FACT - To quote The Weather Channel -
"Life Threatening Wind Chills Possible"
&
"Life Threatening Extreme Cold Incoming"

But is a little thing like the COLD gonna stop me?

NEVER!!

I just might need a warm up break every now and again ;)

WHO IS THIS BONHOMME???
Thanks to www.carnaval.qc.ca let's find out:

Since 1955, date of the first annual edition of the Carnival, Bonhomme Carnaval has personified the “joie de vivre” associated with this winter celebration.

A Carnival celebrity, Bonhomme is a recurring figure during all the activities. Upon his official arrival in the Capital, the Mayor of Québec gives him the keys to the city, making him the undisputed master of the kingdom.

Bonhomme Carnaval is the ambassador of this celebration to foreigners. 

​Bonhomme Carnaval is not a simple mascot; he acts officially and speaks for and in the name of the Carnival. He proudly wears the traditional red hat and arrow sash. He is a character that moves and dances, expressing his feelings through a unique movements. He is surrounded by an air of mystery and most of all, an authentic respect.

First name: Bonhomme
Last name: Carnaval
Date of birth: 1954
City of birth: Quebec City
Height: 7 feet
Weight: 400 pounds of compacted snow
Favourite colours: White and red
Favourite little treats: Ice cream and sorbet
Distinctive movement: The leg raise
Best friends: Winter fans
Childhood friend: Santa Claus
Greatest quality: Joie de vivre
Famous words: Happy Carnival!
Biggest dream: Eliminate climate change
Notoriety: Public personality people spontaneously associate with Québec City

WHAT ABOUT THE SASH???
The ceinture fléchée (French for "arrowed sash"; English: L'Assomption sash or "arrow sash") is a type of colorful sash, a traditional piece of French-Canadian clothing of the 19th century (of the Lower Canada, Canada East and early confederation eras). The Métis also made ceintures fléchées and use them as part of their national costume. The arrow sash is also one of the famous badges of the voyageur (courreur des bois). 

The ceinture fléchée had many uses. The sash was used for warmth, as a tump line and a support on the portage, as an emergency rope, and as a mark of distinction and origin. The term "fléchée" refers specifically to the original arrowhead design.

Many popular singers, folklore dancers and especially the Quebec Bonhomme Carnaval are contributing to making the ceinture fléchée known to visitors. They are also an icon of the Festival du Voyageur being held every year in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

*Métis people are Indigenous North Americans of mixed race. Métis are recognized by the government of Canada as one of the official Aboriginal peoples. They developed as the mixed-race descendants of unions between, generally, First Nations women and Western European men. The term historically described all mixed-race people of First Nations and other ancestry. 

So as you can see from the pictures, we went back to the Carnaval!
This time even Cosette got out there to play some hockey (Canada's National Sport) with Dominic!

Of course there was also more GIANT BOWLING - how could they resist?!

There goes Cosette!

And there goes Dominic!

And how could I resist my very favorite MAPLE TAFFY!!!

Bring on the syrup baby!

Read: A MAPLE MUST DO IN QUEBEC!

After all of our freezing fun at the carnaval, we strolled back into the walls of Vieux Quebec and did a bit of shopping.

Don't expect to recognize me when it's THIS COLD!!

We also found a very fun Ice Slide that we remembered from our last visit to Quebec!

Then finally making our way back to our hotel.

So while texting with my mom last night, she had asked me if I missed NORMAL LIFE yet?

My reply: When you vacation as much as I do, it is normal life!

Let's take a sec and look at it...
We are pretty much in the middle of February.
43 days into the year and we are on our Third Trip of the Year - and on our 32nd day of vacation!
NOT TOO SHABBY!

Still 6 more days to go on this trip and then home for a few days before heading off again!

Do you know where I'm heading next?
(Check out our Calendar to find out)

Well, I think it's about time to get my game on!
Send us warm thoughts,
-T

Elisa's Daily Scoop
NEXT TRIP DEPARTS IN: 36 DAYS

Fun Foods for Valentine's Day

Hey there!  TGIF! 

I am seriously ready for the weekend! The temps are supposed to plummet and as of tomorrow, we are to expecting it to dip as low as -1 degrees here on Long Island.  

There is no doubt that if this is the case, my girls will NOT be riding at the barn! Considering that next week is the start of Winter Break for the kiddies, and they will be doing a full week of Riding Camp, I wouldn't mind a low-key weekend, catching up on things around the house, including a few school projects that Kelsey has due.

Throughout the year, in addition to regular book reviews, she also has a few special book report projects.

Her latest one is a Biography book report for which the kids are required to do in the form of  "Campaign Poster," detailing information about the specific person, as if they were running for president.

Kelsey selected Walt Disney!  With so many accomplishments, great quotes and a very personal impact on Kelsey's life, she already started this poster today.

I have to admit, I had fun helping her collect the information and materials to complete it.  We will begin reading the biography tonight! 

Kelsey's Campaign Poster for her Biography Book Report Project - a work in progress

As part of my February Love-Travel Talk...
I featured My 3 Top Picks for the Most Romantic Broadway Shows.  (CLICK HERE to read).

As you know, today is Foodie Friday, so  I thought with Valentine's Day right upon us in two days, I would bring you the "Prettiest" Valentine's Foods.

If you are looking to make your sweetheart something breathtaking this Valentine's Day, feast your eyes on these.  Just click the picture for the recipe.

CAN  YOU GUESS WHICH IS MY FAVORITE?  SCROLL DOWN FOR THE ANSWER!

VALENTINE MACARONS

HEART-SHAPED SUSHI

HEART SHAPED LINZER COOKIES

ROASTED HEART POTATOES

CHOCOLATE VALENTINE KISS COOKIES

"SHOW THE LOVE" SALAD

RED VELVET & STRAWBERRY TRIFLE

PINK VELVET CUPCAKES

Anyone who knows me, knows that my favorite cookies of all-time are LINZER COOKIES.  I love them - doesn't matter the shape, the occasion - they are my FAVE!!!

However, I would not pass on any of the above!!

Enjoy your Friday!!

-E
xoxo