I always like to take the chance to "pontificate" after my trips and get to the base level of what I've learned over the time spent. It helps me to "write it through" in an effort to step back and consider the bigger picture. Below are a couple of notes on some of the thoughts we have in regards to the places we visited.

Quebec City - I really enjoyed Old Quebec... the pace, the atmosphere the attractions. Essentially, it was quaintly European in so many ways. It had a mature character and oozed with cultural confidence. Admittedly, with only a day visit to the most "tourism bound" part of the neighborhood, the glimpse was short. Yet, I felt very at home in an area with a language I didn't understand and a history I'm vaguely familiar with. In the future, I'd be most interested in returning and exploring other parts of the city which I'm sure would provide a broader perspective on present day Quebec culture.

Toronto - Toronto I'm confused with. I never felt a clear connection with any real part of the stay. It was as if we had spun alone through it, instead of actually becoming part of something. We very much enjoyed the attractions, and the service people that we engaged with were very helpful, but I sensed we sort of moved from "clump to clump", with no unifying bonds between each. I also sensed that with the entire family traveling, I was less apt to explore the city in the free and wandering style that often uncovers the little treasures remembered when all is said and done. Unlike the condensed nature of our visit to one particular area in Quebec City, Toronto saw us flung from one side to the other, highlighting the wide area which Greater Toronto encompasses. Perhaps this contributed towards my inability to nail down a common theme, focus or identity for the community. All that being said, we enjoyed ourselves, the many attractions we visited and at all times felt very safe. Stay tuned!

Boston - I'm beginning to think we give the Yanks a bad rap. Sure they've got their issues, but the way I see it we're far from the ones to be criticizing just a few parallel north. The tourism delivery and service people we dealt with were top-notch. I'd heard tales of difficult driving and a city with an aggressive edge. Yet, Boston was open, inviting, and has established a unique sense of character. Boston, in some ways, has a real maritime feel (both physically and emotionally) similar to Halifax. At times I sensed brutal honesty while other times more fun loving... passionate and scrappy, loyal to a fault. I connected with their passion for sports and, as always, love the New England accent. The kids had fun and the attractions were beyond expectation, we felt very safe, and as long as I didn't have to drive I was content. I'll be less hesitant to stop here next time through, and I'd be looking for a Fenway trip without a doubt!!!