Day Two

After a long, long day, the kids managed to wake up and be ready to go at 7:20 A.M.  Impressive.   We had a delicious crepe breakfast at Le Petit Marche.  Adam took over my camera for most of breakfast, and his photography skills put me to shame.

We then headed for our comedy improv workshop.  Unfortunately, the improv employees did not get the memo, and we were, for once, early for an activity only to be left waiting.  The kids rolled with it, and, as we decided how to rearrange our schedule, they made Ms. Hochkeppel proud by breaking into beautiful choruses of Sligo Creek chorus classics (check out videos below).

We decided to head early to our next activity, a visit/scavenger hunt/lunch at Marché Jean-Talon, a superb farmers' market.  The children enjoyed talking to the fruit and vegetable sellers, and the fishmongers, to learn the answers they needed for the scavenger hunt.  They also enjoyed having so many options, and so much time, for lunch.  Everyone felt very much at peace after our stay at Marché Jean-Talon.

Next stop was the Biodome, a quasi-zoo located in the Olympic park that showcases the ecosystems found in the Americas.  This was another big hit, and some kids spent a lot of time watching the animals, while others had just as much fun at the gift shop.

The only way was up when we boarded the double-decker elevator to the top of the Olympic Tower. From the top, we had views of all parts of Montreal.

We had hoped for some rest/pool time at the hotel before dinner, but, somehow, with bathroom breaks and maintaining everyone together, we are always playing catch up time-wise.  It was straight to dinner, this time in Old Montreal.  Needless to say, 43 kids in a restaurant is going to challenge records for noise level, but we were in a separate seating area this time, which helped contain our "enthusiasm."

After dinner, everyone, kids and chaperons alike, had a blast learning how to juggle bâtons de fleurs (juggling sticks).  Half of the group learned to juggle, while the other half learned how to personalize their own decorated bâtons, then the groups switched.  Creativity was in large supply as they designed their sticks, and most of the kids quickly learned how to juggle them, thanks to the great training provided by our instructors.

Our return to the hotel was at 10 P.M.  Most everyone started to pack (as we have to leave the hotel early tomorrow before a full day), and then some had a quick dip in the indoor pool.

The children are having a great time.

Video:

Video: