All Smiles in Sherbrooke

To be perfectly honest, which is the French way, I have never really considered Sherbrooke to be one of my top travel destinations. This was until I had the great pleasure of spending some time there. Jean and I arrived to a wonderful greeting from the staff at the Delta Sherbrooke. We were then escorted to a fantastic reception with some of the managers at a local brewery, which the hotel has partnered with in some charity events. This brewery, called Siboire, was fantastic, serving delicious food and even a beer specially created for Habitat for Humanity, with proceeds going to the amazing charity. The only thing more amazing then the location, was the company. We were sincerely entertained by the fine gentleman who sought so genuinely to make us feel welcome in their quaint city.

Beer for a Benefit!

After some pints and some nibblies, we were taken on a walking tour of the beautiful city of Sherbrooke. This year it celebrated it’s 225 birthday. The buildings are historic and the streets are lined with greenery and flowers. There are murals covering the city walls and even a magnificent water-fall flowing through the city-center. After a leisurely stroll we were given the great honour of attending a local production called Omaterra. It is a Cirque-de-soleil-esque show in water. It was a tumbling, bouncing, flying wonderment that left Jean and I spellbound for nearly an hour and a half. Though we didn’t want the night to end, Jean and I finally called it quits and headed back to the hotel for a sound nights sleep.

City centre water-fall all lit up!

We began today at a coffee-break with the hotel staff in honour of the Blood Drive event which would be held later in the day. We were able to meet many of the fantastic staff that make this team so welcoming. After some free-time, in which I continue to try to lose some of this “Cruiser Weight” as I call it, we met much of the management team for lunch. Where I proceeded to put back on the “Cruiser Weight” I had just taken off. C’est la vie!

The missing ones weren't me....

Finally at 2pm the blood drive with Hema Quebec began. Jean and I are fairly well versed in blood drives these days, as this is our third this week. However, we were completely surprised to arrive at the door where the clinic was to be held, to find 40 people already in line and waiting. The remainder of the day flowed as quickly as the blood into the Hema Quebec bags. Jean and I were given the great pleasure of making Mango and Strawberry smoothies for the donours, once they were finished. We enjoyed talking to the donours, as well as sampling the smoothies here and there.

Taste testers...

Needless to say, we were sad to leave the team, the hotel and the city behind. Sherbrooke was not a town I would think to visit as a destination, prior to today. However, after visiting it’s city streets and it’s people, I am certain that I will be back, when I go back to my “real” life, which is quickly approaching. For now, we are off to historic Quebec City, for one more blood drive and a ton of fun!

Big ole hearts!

Suzanne