Montreal

So, my journey (sort of) begins in Montreal.

You see, I was just sitting on my dock (a shelf) in Le Petite Duck Shoppe. On and off customers will take me off, make me quack, laugh a little, put me back on. Funny beings these creatures. I had a bit of time to reflect on that shelf and I figured that, hey maybe this is my purpose, to entertain these human beings.

On a beautiful Saturday morning, I was picked up, squished a bit, quacked a bit. But woah, I was taken to the register and brought out of the shop!

There was so much to take in - the sights and sounds of Montreal city were colourful and beautiful to my ears.

Did you know that Montreal is the second- largest French speaking city in the world after Paris? Well, this is why. Wayyyyyy back before you and I came into being, in the 17th Century, French explorers and settlers established a colonial presence in Quebec. Everyone quacked around in the french language and culture was all french (baguettes, berets and so much more). Then in 1763, the British defeated the French in the Seven Years’ war - yes, the war raged on for not one, fiver or six years but seven long years. After the war was over, under the terms of the Treaty of Paris, the French- speaking population in Quebec was allowed to retain its language, legal system and religious institutions.

Pretty unique huh, this French enclave in the Eastern part of Canada.

Anyway, this would be the beginning of my waddling journeys and I am quacking excited to share them with you.