First Things First

Firsts are scary. And terrific. And one of my very favourite things.

First time riding a ferry at night. First time riding a ferry through ice.

First time listening to an old man play accordion to a flock of tired commuters.

First time for riding a city bus, which is a challenge at the best of times...

A first time for sitting on the back of a toboggan that's flying down an ice chute.

Also the first time I thought my life would end by bouncing off and drowning in the St. Lawrence.

First time standing in mist at below freezing temperatures. Oh - so below freezing.

First time smiling through teeth chatter.

First time for buying art off the street, while the seller surrounds me in a puff of cigarette smoke.

First time for getting so excited about a fireplace in a deserted courtyard.

First time hearing the New Year's Countdown in French. That apartment balcony looked like fun.

First time being chased out of the Citadel by a grumpy soldier, tired of tourists.

First time eating Maple Syrup creme brulee.

First time meeting a friend for several days, and then parting ways in a city neither of us know.

Firsts were done. Memories made.

xo ~Liv