The Times - they have changed!

Our first stop was Quebec. Been there several times. This time, we picked a different location - Sainte-Catherine-de-la-Jacques-Cartier, the longest name I have come across for a town! The location doesn't matter; it always feels like another country in Quebec. I like it though; it feels like I am in Europe without leaving Canada. I also like the fact that I have a boy who can speak the language.

 

However, the boy has been lately unlike his usual self. The first day, I ran into a Quebecois man who could barely speak English. As soon as ASid joined me, I proudly introduced him to the man as my son who can speak French. The man was delighted to learn this. I looked at ASid to start a conversation. All he did was look at me with a look that clearly stated, "Ma! I am not a performing parrot!" He grunted a Bonjour and shut down! The man left after a couple of minutes. Silence is sometimes just plain awkward.

 

On the other hand, a few weeks ago, I was at my parents' home and my mom wanted me to sing something for her and the people gathered around her. I was like seriously?! What am I?! A record player?! She was like just sing already!! So I did and instead of thanking me, she had this to say, "The sweetness in your voice is gone." I was like damn it Jim! I am not sixteen!

 

The point is that I still kinda listen to my mom when we are in company. In private, I can go disobedient child and rebel on her. In public, she gets her due respect. I am not saying that kids have to be mindless drones to their parents' commands. I am just saying that it would be nice if they could follow up on a request that doesn't take much effort. Making people happy, especially people who are parents, is not always an easy task; but it is not an impossible one either!

 

An aside: When ASid came across this cute girl behind an information desk on L'ile d'Orleans, his French came out effortlessly and without any prompting from his mother! Sigh! ... But on the positive side, he actually spoke the language! What does it matter who got him to speak?!