Finally, Haimige pulled into the parking lot and Remus rolled his bag to the passenger side and opened the back door. “Whoa, what is all of this?,” quipped Remus, as his wide eyes glazed over the full back seat.

“Oh, it’s Mom’s stuff…from the move, just shove it over”, explained Haimige. “It was pouring buckets yesterday and I didn’t get to it.”

“Hmmm”, sighed Remus. “Well, alrighty then! Nothing is gonna put a damper on this trip for me. I’m way too excited!”, declared Remus.

“Revive us, O God! Let your beaming face shine upon us with the sunrise rays of glory; then nothing will be able to stop us.”, announced Haimige.

“Someone has been reading the Psalms, this morning”, Remus said with a smile.

“To right you are, Psalm 80:3,” asserted Haimige.

“Now get in. I’ve got it all mapped out. Let’s hit the road!”

Part Two

Canada and the Christmas Markets

In 2008, Québec City opened its very own German Christmas Market. It was one afternoon only, in a packed parish hall!

By 2012, the Marche de Noel allemand de Quebec (MNAQ) closed Sainte-Famille Street and 27 wooden kiosks lined the street for 10 days. The MNAQ was making a name for itself and an event that looks more and more like a real Christmas village.

By 2015, for the first time, the magic number of 100,000 visitors is reached! The Marche de Noel allemand de Quebec now extends over four weekends.

“I learned a long time ago that trying to micromanage the perfect vacation is always a disaster. That leads to terrible times.” – A Bourdain