Chapter the fifth

Quebec City

After breakfast, they checked out and headed to Quebec City. Along the way Haimige spotted an A&W Rootbeer restaurant. “We have to stop”, coaxed Haimige. “I want to see if they have those little mugs. My sister will be thrilled to receive one for Christmas.” Haimige went to the counter with a $20 bill, but the lady insisted she was only allowed to accept Canadian cash. “There’s a bank at the end of this strip,” she exclaimed.

Down to the bank they went; however, not being bank customers the attendant couldn’t exchange their money. She did, however, explained that another strip mall existed closer to the City that had a currency exchange.

The money exchange was near a Dollar Tree. “Oh you know what, I want to check out the Dollar Store”, divulged Haimige. “Seriously!”, jeered Remus as they were exiting the Exchange. Remus turned and looked ahead, Noodles was coming out of a Japanese restaurant.

Noodles AKA Noudorlus was a young gentleman they met on the flight from Iceland to Boston, the last leg of their sixtieth celebration. It was his first trip to Boston. They immediately hit it off since it was their first time in Iceland. They shared stories and played cards. Because his hotel was near Haimige’s home, they were able to hang out a few more times and introduce him to Gingergirl. She, after all, was his age.

“Noodles!”, shouted Remus. “What!?! How are you here in Quebec City?”, asked Remus with enthusiasm. “Oh no way, guys! How are you?”, answered Noodles, as he bear-hugged Haimige. Stepping back to give Remus a bear-hug too, he said, “My college mate just moved here. She is trying to sell her family’s salts. They heard that Quebec City is ‘little Europe’ across the pond. She’s got a booth at the markets.”

“She figured that a booth at the Christmas markets might be the best place to start. It gives her an opportunity to meet people like you, elbowing Haimige. You know folks who are not from the area and the locals. Her family’s salts are selling quite well in Iceland. Hey, let’s meet for dinner tonight. It would be great to catch up and you’ll get to meet Heni”, said, an excited, Noodles.