So, after three hours on the Toronto International Airport tarmac, and two hours of scrupulous investigation and fine-tuning of the cabin temperature control system, we took flight for Paris with a faulty engine. Forced to turn back soon after hitting the Atlantic, our pilot decided to land in the sprawling metropolis of St. John's, Newfoundland at the convenient hour of 4:30 am. Luckily, we were pretty quickly bussed off to the pedestrian polyester splendor that is the Delta Motel. However, we will naturally have to adhere to the strict 12 o'clock checkout policy and gather in the conference room to watch Finding Nemo until we return to the airport at 5pm. Needless to say, Paris glimmers in the abbreviated distance as un vrai Paradis. Luckily, the sub-zero summer climate of Northern Canada will make the urban heat of Paris feel like the warm evening breeze of Saint-Tropez. And, as much as I loath Air-Canada at this moment, I did appreciate the delay punctuated by intercom announcements in both French and English, which served as good transitional language exercises. Alors...not off to the best start, but many good days to come. Cheers from the land of the Newfies! (A term Wikipedia deems as pejorative).
