Published: 11.07.2025
The day actually began quite harmlessly:
Coffee in the morning, Mika back in the gym – then off, just a short drive into the French part. I already knew we would be staying in a so-called sugar cabin today. To be honest, I wasn't exactly sure what that meant. On the map, it looked like a forest, and the photos showed little wooden cabins – all sounded quite charming.
When we arrived, we could already smell the campfire from afar – I love that smell. We were greeted by an older man with white hair and a big bushy beard – a lot of Santa Claus energy. He is the owner of the sugar factory and proudly told us about his trip to East Germany.
Our cabin is... let's say: interesting.
In photos, it appeared brighter. In reality, it's quite dark, very rustic, with very little light, somewhat dim, and slightly eerie – but with chipmunks, black squirrels, and even beavers. So: plus points.
We were warmly welcomed – really personally, and that was nice.
Then we wanted to explore the nearby town – looking at animals and checking out the area. After a 10-minute drive, the car suddenly flashed: flat tire.
I remembered hearing a clattering sound before – typical nail noise. So we went back to the accommodation, called the service hotline, everything very exemplary. They promised quick help. Do you remember the insurance that the woman tried to sell us? It was supposed to be for this very purpose. We celebrated a bit that we had signed up for it 😅.
And then she appeared: a huge towing woman with a giant tow truck – who unfortunately only spoke French. Mika ran off to get help – and returned with the innkeeper, who translated for us. In the end, we were taken along with the broken car to McDonald's (yes, really) and from there by Uber to the nearest car rental.
Upon arriving there: nobody knew anything. No car. No plan. And no one spoke English either. At least, the kind man let us charge our phone.
I called seven (!) times, was constantly transferred, almost cried on the phone at the end, and begged for help: “Please help, I have a little child with me – I’m in the middle of nowhere!”
Nothing worked. No one could help and no one could really speak English.
So: back with Uber to the accommodation – deep in the woods.
By the way, the guy at the rental agency also explained to us that the contract with the company ends as soon as the car is broken. (Great.) I hope that's nonsense – but I can’t change it tonight anyway. Help was promised by tomorrow at the latest.
However, there was still a highlight at the accommodation: a personal tour of the “Sugar Road” – and now I finally understand why the accommodation is called Sugar Cabin. Maple syrup has been traditionally made here for decades – all by hand, without machines. The woman who explained this to us was fully engaged. I found it really fascinating – more about that tomorrow.
Now, Mika and I are sitting down for a traditional dinner in one of the large wooden halls – and honestly:
It was a crazy day.
Turbulent, unclear, hard work – but somehow also special.
And the insight of the day?
You can experience so much kindness right in the middle of chaos that the chaos almost becomes irrelevant. A nice Uber driver, a warm-hearted woman, and suddenly the day isn't so bad anymore, just a bit wild. And the second insight: Never travel to the French part of Canada. Or pay better attention in French class. Cross your fingers that the car situation gets sorted out tomorrow. And when I have Wi-Fi again, there will be photos.
