Blogs from Montréal, Quebec, Canada, North America - page 63

"Welcome to Quebec, the Nation's Capital" read the sign from the bus. Well this was news to us; here we were thinking Ottawa was the nation's capital. It turns out that the Quebecoise don't like being a part of Canada much. You can kind of understand the logic behind this though. Journeying through the province of Quebec would be the equivalent to stepping onto a plane and travelling to France, but much cheaper. Montreal and Quebec are amazing cities, so if they choose to cross out the 'Canada' on 'Canada Post', let them we say. Montreal The downtown area is split into two halves: 'Ye Olde Towne' and 'Ye Neked Dancing Girly Towne'. Both had their merits we suppose, but the Olde Towne offered us a bit more. Dave learnt the hard way that rollerblading should ... read more

August 1 Montreal Everyone is still up when we get back. Discover it is Andy and Elaine's wedding anniversary. If we'd known we'd have brought wine, drink more of theirs instead. Boys straight back in front of the TV. There has been a new addition to the family while we've been away. Now in residence is a tiny hamster. Back to the basement to find that now only has our white washing been done but it has also been ironed - luxury. August 2 Montreal Sleep in while Steve takes the car back. They charge us for the wheel trim we scratched on a granite curb. Next time we'll choose a car that is less posh. Alloy wheel trims are expensive to refurbish. Trip to the supermarket where I experienced my first 'car order'. You do ... read more

Last day in Canada! I am so close I can almost taste it! Several years ago when I went to Italy for 18 days I remember thinking that all I missed was fried chicken, I even dreamt of friend chicken while there! Now though I miss my bed and cats. And I was surprised to get to Montreal to find out that I had 12 hours before my bus left to Boston. So I just sat down for a while. Then the thought occurred to just go and see the city. So I took the subway and somehow ended up on St. Helen's Island and then just went for a stroll. While wondering how I could waste my next 10 hours I saw before me Six Flags Montreal!!! I ran over and tried to ride as ... read more

Today was supposed to be a day of relaxation, to catch up with myself after having so many un-routine nights spent travelling and staying up late. And it sort of was. I must refer you to the previous days update, if only to see the pictures that I nowe have. And I'm updating this one before that one because I want any readers to see that I am alive and in case I don't finish yesterdays (Which is a highly likely possibility ;) ). So I fell asleep at a rather awkward time yesterday, as after the internet cafe situated inside a very suspiciously Borders-a-like shop (Called, get this, 'Chapters'), I went back to the hostel. I arrived early as well, and instead of attending the fireworks competition that was advertised on the Activities board above ... read more

On my way to Israel, I had an overnight layover in Montreal. I got in late, after a confusing shuttle ride from the airport that involved a bus transfer onto a minibus only slightly larger than my suitcase. But my room was fantastic. Dark hardwood floors and white furniture (aahhh...) I ventured down to the neighborhood late night cafe and got some yummy fresh homemade potato chips. The next afternoon, I spent a few hours travelling around Vieux-Montreal (that's Old Montreal for you non-French speakers out there). I had a great time just walking around and looking at the architecture. Went to the Banque de Montreal (lots of Marble - built in 1847) and the Place d'Armes. The Place d'Armes reads "You are the buckwheat seed which will grow and multiply and spread throughout the country" ... read more