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ALICE MUNRO: “MASTER OF THE CONTEMPORARY SHORT STORY”

TOUR LEADERMary Bird has been listening to stories all her life. She was entranced by the Irish stories her aunt told her at bedtime. She has studied storytellers ever since. Mary has attended many Classical Pursuits and led two. She has found that the shared inquiry approach to discussion yields very satisfying results.

OVERVIEW

Alice Munro now takes her place as the first Canadian to win the Nobel Prize for Literature, and only the 12th woman in the Nobel’s 100-year history. That a prize of such magnitude should to go to a self-taught author who writes so often of ordinary people and small town life is remarkable, or is until you actually read her work. We will examine Munro’s incomparable empathy for her characters, the depth of her understanding of human nature, and the grace and surprise of her narrative.

Many of Munro’s stories are set in pastoral Huron County, Ontario and have a strong regional focus. Steeped in historic charm and natural beauty, we will make our home in Port of Goderich on the shore of Lake Huron. Goderich takes pride in its reputation as Canada’s prettiest town and winner of multiple Communities in Bloom Awards. We will take part in the nearby Blyth Festival, a first-class theatre festival in a hamlet of 350 persons. We will visit the community of Wingham where Munro grew up and perhaps be lucky enough to meet again with some of her schoolmates.

“Why is it a surprise to find that people other than ourselves are able to tell lies?”- Alice Munro

July 25 – 29, 2015

WORLDWIDE QUEST INTERNATIONAL | TOLL-FREE 1-800-387-1483 / 416-633-5666 | [email protected] | 491 KING ST. E. TORONTO, ON M5A 1L9

A WORD ABOUT CLASSICALPURSUITS

What is a Classical Pursuits Literary Adventure? Ann Kirkland founded Classical Pursuits in 1999 to provide thoughtful vacations for inquiring adults, with the world’s best literature, art and music as our guides. By exploring and celebrating the particular visions of writers and artists in the location in which their works were created, we paradoxically discover the timeless truths that make these works great. Classical Pursuits Literary Adventures are a collaborative effort. Classical Pursuits develops the themes and selects the leaders. Worldwide Quest is in charge of production, expertly looking after all the logistical arrangements.

Most important, with a Classical Pursuits Literary Adventure you will not lose the spontaneity, flexibility, and sense of personal discovery you seek in your own private travels – only the logistical hassles.

WHAT MAKES OUR ADVENTURES SPECIAL IS A BALANCE OF:

• in-depth discussion of important literature;• guided walks to immerse ourselves in the cultural and natural

history of a place;• informal talks with local people to provide background and

context to our inquiry;• generous unscheduled time; • exceedingly convivial company; and• of course, lingering conversation over great meals!


What’s involved? The only prerequisites are to read before you arrive and to come with an open mind.

SIGNATURE MOMENTS

Visiting theLiterary Garden


Getting ThereThis trip immediately follows the Toronto Pursuits seminar. We will be picking up participants from a central Toronto location and returning participants to the Toronto Airport.

Saturday, July 25: Drive to Goderich Participants will meet in Toronto and we’ll travel by coach to Goderich (about three hours). In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a ramble around the village to get our bearings. This evening we plan to attend a performance (schedule permitting) at the Blyth Festival. The Festival was founded in 1975 to produce repertory theatre that reflects the culture and concern for the people of southwestern Ontario and beyond.Overnight: Samuels Hotel, GoderichMeals: Dinner

DAILY ITINERARY

ALICE MUNRO: “MASTER OF THE CONTEMPORARY SHORT STORY”July 25 – 29, 2015

Sipping tea at the North

Huron County Museum

Browsing the quaint shops in Huron County

Meeting the Village Bookshop owner and friend

of Alice

Exploring the Port of Goderich

Bay�eldToronto

Hamilton

London

ONTARIO

LakeOntario

Lake Erie

Lake Huron

Tuesday, July 28: GoderichAfter breakfast, we’ll have our final literary discussion and then explore Goderich. Steeped in historic charm and natural beauty, the Port of Goderich on the shore of Lake Huron enjoys a reputation as Canada’s prettiest town and is the winner of multiple Communities In Bloom Awards. We’ll visit the Huron County Museum here and enjoy a guided historical walking tour with a local architect followed by lunch on our own at a waterfront restaurant.Overnight: Samuels Hotel, Goderich Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Wednesday, July 29: GoderichAfter breakfast the group will return to Pearson International Airport in Toronto. We will expect to arrive by 12 pm. Please contact us prior to making your flight arrangements. Meals: Breakfast

Note: The itinerary and accommodation described here are subject to change due to logistical arrangements and to take advantage of local events.


Sunday, July 26 : Goderich After breakfast, we will have our first literary discussion. After lunch, we set off by coach to Wingham, Alice Munro’s hometown. The pretty, green countryside, dotted with red brick farmhouses seems straight from a Munro landscape. We’ll enjoy seeing the turkey farms that recall Munro’s wonderful story “The Turkey Season”. We’ll visit the Alice Munro Garden and other landmarks, followed by tea at the North Huron County Museum. Overnight: Samuels Hotel, GoderichMeals: Breakfast, Lunch

Monday, July 27: GoderichWe continue with a second literary discussion after breakfast. After lunch, we’ll visit the Village Bookshop in Bayfield to meet with the owner, a friend of Munro’s. Later in the day, we’ll join our local trail guide for a hike through the beautiful backwoods, with its abundant birds and waterfowl. The late afternoon is free to explore the terrific Bayfield shops or take a leisurely beach walk. Overnight: Samuels Hotel, GoderichMeals: Breakfast, Lunch

Samuels HotelALL ROOMS FEATURE:• Fireplace• Private Terrace• Superior Quality beds and pillows• Hypo allergenic pillows and duvets• Complimentary WiFi• Flat Screen TV• DVD player• Coffee Maker & fair trade, organic coffee by

Wolfgang Puck

• Hair Dryer• Blackout Drapes• Individual Climate Controls• Refrigerator• 1 King or 2 Queen Beds• Smoke Free Environment• Amenities by Crabtree & Evelyn• Ironing boards

TOUR DETAILSTour Cost (per person): Based on room type. Queen Village View Cost Taxes and GratuitiesSingle accommodation C$1895 C$346.35Double accommodation C$1495 C$294.35

King Riverside Cost Taxes and GratuitiesSingle accommodation C$1995 C$359.35Double accommodation C$1595 C$307.35

If you are travelling on your own and would like to share accommodation, we would be happy to try to match you with a suitable roommate. If we are unable to do so, the single cost applies.

Group Size:14 – 16 participants

What’s Included:• Accommodation in double occupancy, based on hotels listed

or similar• Transportation by private coach• Meals as indicated in the itinerary• All activities as indicated in the itinerary• All entrance fees• Readings• Gratuities for local guides, drivers, hotel and group meals

(as indicated above)• Taxes (as indicated above)• Fully escorted by Mary Bird


Payment Details:A non-refundable deposit of C$500 per person is required to reserve a space on this tour. Final payment is due April 5, 2015.

Not Included:• Roundtrip airfare from your home • Items of a personal nature• Meals other than those mentioned above• Beverages with meals• Travel insurance• Any item not mentioned in “included features” above

READINGSAlice Munro’s Best: A Selection of Stories


WHAT TO EXPECTLevel of Activity: EasyThis is a slow-paced trip, with the focus around literature and discussion. We will go for leisurely walks, but nothing too strenuous. If you have any concerns about being able to participate in this trip, please contact us for further information and advice.

AccommodationWe will be staying at Samuels Boutique Hotel in Goderich; a contemporary, boutique style hotel located on the Maitland River. Ideally located on the picturesque Maitland Trail on the shores of Lake Huron, we’ll have access to sandy beaches, local festivals, theatre and fine dining.

Transportation We will be travelling by private mini-coach.

WeatherWe expect clear sunny skies with average daytime temperatures between 25 and 27°C (74 – 78°F) and overnight lows of about 15°C (52 – 54°F).

Travel DocumentsWe suggest that USA participants travel with a passport. Canadian participants should travel with government-issued photo ID.

ADDITIONAL INFOTerms and ConditionsFor additional information about our terms and conditions, please refer to your booking form, the current brochure or our website. All participants booking with Worldwide Quest are covered by the terms of the Ontario Travel Industry Act (Worldwide Quest International, Ontario - License # 2667946).

Cancellation PolicyAll deposits are non-refundable, however you may transfer your deposit to another trip 90 days or more prior to your scheduled departure date. If you cancel within 90 days prior to trip departure, all associated trip costs are non-refundable. The tour price is quoted as a package. No partial refunds or credits will be given for services not used. In the event of a cancellation, you must notify Worldwide Quest immediately and in writing.

Travel InsuranceWe urge you to ensure that you have adequate cancellation and medical insurance in place, should an unexpected event cause you to cancel or interrupt your trip or should the tour not be operable per our terms and conditions. We will offer you Manulife insurance coverage. Medical insurance including emergency medical evacuation coverage is mandatory on all our tours.

TICO #2667946

HOW TO BOOKWhen you’re ready to book, please contact Amanda at the Worldwide Quest Office.

1-800-387-1483 | 416-633-5666

[email protected]