Quebec city- hunting Bonhomme

As you will remember, the jury was still out as to whether Bonhomme (winter carnival mascot)was related to the creepy marshmellow man from Ghostbusters or just a rock star for kids. After nearly 5 days at the festival, I had not seen him except in ice sculpture form. I'd cuddled him, arm wrestled him... where was he? On Monday night of my stay in Quebec city I went outdoor ice skating with a few others.

The hostel loaned me a pair of wobbly men's hockey skates, which was not confidence inspiring- I am used to figure skates, with the stop on the front (put your toe down). These skates had no stops. I was gingerly making it around the rink, trying not to look like a completely frozen idiot. Meanwhile the locals were whizzing past, old Canadians doing leaps and jumps and tricky turns. Suddenly a man in a fluffy white suit appeared on my left and grandly held out his arm. It was him ! Bonhomme ! He gallantly escorted me around one turn of the rink and then whizzed off to greet some children, some of whom were thrilled and some little ones who promptly burst into tears.