The Binghams rock Quebec and Ontario

A week ago we got back from a fantastic trip to Quebec and Ontario and we've both struggled to get back into the swing of things with heading back to work and other commitments. Despite this, it's been nice to be back in Victoria with friends and family.

We started our trip in Montreal, staying with our good friends Mathieu, Claudia and their trilingual wonder-child, Fenix. I (Matt) had never been to La Belle Province before, so it was an eye-opening experience. Besides shrieking out things in French almost constantly (mostly when we were driving), the other fascinating aspect of Montreal was the people-watching. The Binghams are avid people-watchers, so the city was a large helping of grist for that particular mill! One conclusion that we both came to: Quebec breeds a LOT of short men. Interesting. We was also able to spend some time (though not nearly enough!) with the lovely Michelle, librarian and humourist/blogger extraordinaire.

One of our favourite sites was St. Joseph's Oratory; the architecture and stories behind the place were fascinating and we spent a couple hours there. We hit the Old Port, Le Village, the shopping districts (Queen Bingham definitely enjoyed said districts), Mount Royal (as we Anglophones call it), Jean Talon market, and the National Library (of Quebec, which isn't an actual nation. Classic Quebec!). Mathieu and I even took in a Montreal Impact football match in the pouring rain, which was a fun, if cold and windy, experience for the two of us! The food in Quebec is fantastic. Of course we had poutine (twice) and I had one of the most incredible meals of my life, accompanied by neon green melon sangria, at a restaurant in the Old Port called Jardin Nelson (click the link, the place is gorgeous! We ate in that garden in the back, which was stunning); I had a crepe called the Newburg, which was stuffed with seafood and this incredible sauce. Caitlin thoroughly enjoyed her meal as well, but I doubt anyone there enjoyed their meal as much as I did! Here is a selection of shots from Montreal:

A couple shots from the Oratory:


Lunch with Michelle and Mathieu at a funky restaurant after the Oratory trip:


Caitlin at Jean Talon market (she loved the garden centre):

The Binghams on Mount Royal:

Caitlin et Claudia:

Fenix, keeping it real in his stroller after a lot of walking:

Matt on some strange sculpture outside the Science Centre:


Our next stop was a highly relaxing week in London, Ontario staying with James and Hilary. We got to see almost everyone we wanted to and it was wonderful to catch up with the community that was so vital to us during our year spent there. It was like nothing had changed: much laughter, good conversation, and excellent food were in abundance! There isn't a lot else to say about London--there isn't a whole lot to see, so for us it was all about the people:

Jimmy gets the flip in the pool:

Pat, Jeff, and Jolene (who looks a bit stunned!):

With the Michael, El, and little Gordo:

Matt with the man, the legend:

At Grand Bend on a gorgeous afternoon:



From London we took the train up to Toronto for what was the main reason we'd come to Ontario: Caitlin's cousin's wedding. They were very close growing up and so there was no way that she was going to miss Melissa's wedding. We had a wonderful time and the wedding was easily one of the most enjoyable we'd ever attended: small, great food, fun people, and a great setting.

Caitlin doing the reading during the marriage ceremony:


The two of us got just enough time during the evening to fire off a couple self-takes--only this one makes the cut:


Caitlin and Melissa, the beautiful bride:


We had a wonderful time out East and it was so great to catch up with people we love, but the funny thing about going away is that it can do a good job of reminding you how much you love home. We were happy to get back to BC, the non-humidity, and the smell of the ocean. However, we hope that we'll make it back East again sometime or, better yet, that our friends will take us up on our offer of coming out here to see us!