Boxing day bonanza!

This event had been planned for months (apparently). Just like at home - because the shops have lost a WHOLE DAY trading they need to ensure society is still hooked on consumerism and attempt to make up the losses incurred the previous day by getting everyone (literally) out and about spending. And so they have boxing day sales in quiet Quebec too. None of us had ever had the pleasure of participating in this social phenomenon previously - the notion of being involved was visibly exciting the experienced shoppers in the team. Highlighted more so by the fact that stuff is (nominally) cheaper here. And so the whole day was dedicated to shopping. This was not the usual (this) blog described experience of shopping e.g. in unique markets in obscure places with wacky people dressed in kaftans selling strange goods and/or concoctions. This is the raw deal. Concrete centres with chain stores selling the same stuff worldwide. Difference here is the labels are in French, no haggling and there is always the unadvertised tax taking away any joy in thinking you've got a bargain. Unperturbed we set off. By taxi. Couldn't afford to stuff around on public transport getting there. This was serious shopping. Boxing day style. The whole town seemed somewhat subdued for 10 am. Arriving at the main center we discovered why. They don't open until 1pm! Aarrgghhhh.

Another lesson in the need to do your homework. Whiling away the hours wandering aimlessly around a deserted mall was the only answer. Formulating a plan of targeted purchases and prior reconnoitering of possible outlets to procure from seemed like a good idea. It all fell to pieces when some stores opened earlier and thus they consumed all the attention of the dedicated within the team. Slowly the hordes drifted in to the palace. The converted started to line up otside their preferred temple of worship. By the time the gods of consumerism had deemed it was time for the holy gates to be opened the sense of excitement in the air was palatable.

With a series of clacks and bangs the shutters rolled back and the crowds surged forward. The cash registers sang their happy tunes and all was good with the world. The girls had joined the biggest queue (Best Buy) which was longer than an Tullamarine international economy line on the first Monday morning of school holidays. Once they were funnelled in, spun around inside and spat out the exit they were grinning ear to ear. Hadn't purchased anything, but at least they went along for the ride. However, purchase items we did. Some significantly 75% off. Eventually exhausted, we fell out of the concrete cathedral and slipped into a taxi to return back to the room where a short recovery was welocome.

One last treck up that infernal hill (key point for future travellers to Quebec - get a room up the top of the town - whatever the expense!) for a cheaper dinner - burgers and beer. It is getting colder again. Snow tomorrow. BTW... We met a local who said that in her 65 years of living here she had never not had a white Christmas. How lucky are we :). Here's a photo from yesterday to give the post some visual interest.