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Published: June 13th 2011
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Our Rental Car
At $1800/day it was a steal Dear Readers,
Today we started out with our own walking tour in Old Montreal, as we could not all fit into our rental Bugatti. We walked through the 1750s Wall Street of Canada. We needed some cash, so we dropped into the Royal Bank. Most of the large banks are closing their lavish main branches due to costs. We all know how the banks are struggling financially. Many of the banks have been turned into theatres, hotels, etc.
We then wandered to a big street festival, Francofollie, to find out it only operates at night. The next festival was in honour of the Grand Prix and was in full swing. Rob and Bill had a contest with dueling impact wrenches, trying to change an F1 tire in the least amount of time. Even though we couldn't tell how he cheated, Bill won.
Next on the agenda was Schwartz's for famous Montreal smoked meat sandwiches. The lineup was less than we had expected, and we were soon enjoying huge sandwiches where the bread looks silly on top of a huge mound of smoked brisket.
We then took the Metro to a beer tasting festival in a convention centre
The Royal Bank
This explains the high service fees. in downtown Montreal. There were many Quebec beers available for tasting, largely Belgian style wheat beers flavoured with citrus peel and corriander. The guys really enjoyed themselves, but suddenly Lynda and Jen felt the need for a nap, so headed back to the hotel on their own for some reading and relaxation.
Dinner was a formal affair at a fancy french restaurant across the street, with everyone wearing their best clothes (still a little underdressed, but not as fashionable as the guy with the ball cap and ponytail). Because we did not have reservations, the snooty french maitre d' could accommodate us only if we could be gone by 9. He also did not appreciate Rob and Bill wrestling for the bill.
On the 12th, we split up. Bill wanted to take in the Grand Prix, since that's what 90% of tourists in Montreal were here for this weekend. The rest of us took a walking tour through Old Montreal with our knowledgeable guide Carole. She explained the history of the city and showed us the different types of architecture. We even saw part of the old city wall, which is in the process of being restored and
Pit Crew
The F1 Apprenticeship program displayed. Most of it was taken down when the English gained control of Montreal and needed to expand the city. For the most part, we stayed dry.
It was another story for Bill. Unfortunately, the skies opened up, and he got driven from the race. He did manage to see some of the race and experience the atmosphere and lose a bit of hearing. The race was delayed due to rain, so Bill headed back to the hotel to wring himself out.
Carole suggested a good bagel place that also served lunch, so we took the Metro to Mount Royal station. Once inside, we ordered and the downpour commenced. The bagels were delicious, and we stretched out our lunch as long as possible to avoid the rain. It didn't work. Wet jeans ensued, but we met Bill back at the hotel and decided to visit the Montreal Archaeological History Museum. After completing our education about Old Montreal, we decided to go to a pub and try some poutine. We discovered that in Montreal, pubs are hard to find. It must be an English thing. Much to our surprise, cheese curds and fries, doused with gravy is delicious.
F1 Street Fair
Lots of people We tried to work up an appetite by walking 1 block down to Stashs Polish restaurant were we devoured a Polish feast, complete with Zubrowka Bison Grass Vodka. It was herbal and smooth with a flavour that was reminiscent of cinnamon.
Tomorrow we are off to St. John's by way of Halifax. We might be enjoying some indoor activities, as the high is 9 degrees, but we are pretty sure there are plenty of pubs there. Our local guide, Jen's good friend Dawn, will surely show us the way.
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G & G Sizeland
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Good to hear!
Hi to all, We watched the F1 video clip you sent & that was LOUD! I can understand how you might be somewhat deaf now Bill. What a treat to see! I would have been there with you. A walking tour is a great way to learn about old Montreal. Georgi & I did that in Quebec City & Sienna Italy and thoroughly enjoyed it. Probably learned a thing or two as well. Sounds like, apart from the wet weather, you've had a grand start to your trip. The food alone makes the trip worthwhile. Swartz's……ah, I can almost taste the smoked meat on the guy's plate next to me! Hope the weather in St. John's cooperates with your sightseeing plans. Good to read your blog, & are looking forward to the next one. Cheers for now, Gary