Their Instructors' Tales
~ Maria Desjardins ~ Leta L.-Malone ~
~ Maurice Michaud ~ Mary Lou O'Hara ~

The Fortress of Louisbourg
 

Founded in 1713, Louisbourg so far has enjoyed many peaceful years as a French colonial seaport. But next year, the New Englanders will capture the town. Ho! I wouldn't mind meeting a British officer, but since Louisbourg will return to France three years later, should I wait ‘till then? If I'm not married by that time, will that mean I'm will have to wait for the British to capture the town again? That should be around 1758. Will I be too old by then? Anyway, in 1760, the fortification will be destroyed so I will just become part or the ruins. So much for my beautiful dress!

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She's Driving Us Crazy!

— Okay folks! Here we are in Halifax. — Have you ever been here before, Louise? — No! Why? Don't you trust me, girls? You know, Halifax is not a really big city. It shouldn't be a problem. Besides, we're in the same country, eh! So don't worry: just follow the guide.

— Louiiise, be careful! There's a pedestrian crossing the street!
— For God's sake! Don't yell at me like that! I thought you had seen a moose! What is he doing there anyway? Is he trying to commit suicide or what?
— Louise, don't you know that here in Halifax pedestrians have precedence over drivers? Halifax is reknown for its uncommon politeness with regard to pedestrians.
— You sould have told me that before.
— Louiiise! Stop! Don't you see the red light?
— No, it's green! Look!
— You're not looking at the right one!
— Why are they all one next to the other and why aren't the streets perpendicular just like in Québec?
— We've been trying to tell you that! We aren't at home! Now would you please try to drive more carefully. Go this way. I can see the water so the harbour should not be too far.
— There it is! I would like to see the Bluenose. I know that you can see her in Lunenburg but I wonder if it comes in this harbour sometimes.
— The Bluenose! Never heard of it! Is it some kind of campaign like the "Red Nose" that we have in Quebec? You know, "If you drink, don't drive"?
— Ah my god, Louise! I can't believe you're telling me that. Are you kidding? Don't you know that the Bluenose is the schooner that we see on the Canadian dime? Don't even answer! Let me tell you, though, that she was built in 1921 and that she was the winner of many international schooner races. Now they have a replica of her and she's open to visitors when she's in port.
— Excuse me for interrupting girls, but I think that this is the third time we've passed that street.
— It's impossible! I might not be as cultivated as you are girls, but I have a good sense of direction.
— Louiiise, this is a one-way street and we're going the wrong way!
— Oops! Sorry girls!
— This is not funny!
— What are we gonna do with her?
— Well first, maybe we should try to teach her how to park the car!