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Published: February 7th 2009
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Seagulls at the Marché Jean-Talon
Got a really cool shot of these nasty-ass birds at the market. I think they were trying to shit on me. Burn in hell, seagulls! "Homer, when are you going to give up this crazy sugar scheme?"
"Never, Marge. Never! I can't live the button-down life like you. I want it all: the terrifying lows, the dizzying highs, the creamy middles! Sure, I might offend a few of the bluenoses with my cocky stride and musky odors -- oh, I'll never be the darling of the so-called "City Fathers" who cluck their tongues, stroke their beards, and talk about "What's to be done with this Homer Simpson?"" The Simpsons Ow. Stupid head on pounding. I declaration pain! Sorry, I went on a pub crawl with a bunch of people from my hostel last night, and I'm paying for it now. It was totally worth it though - I had a great time. You ever have one of those days where you're kinda grumpy and don't feel like socializing, let alone going on a pub crawl? Well that was me last night. But you know if you go you'll have a good time, so you drag your sorry ass out there and end up getting faschnickered. Is that a word? If not, it is now. Fah- shnick-ered. You can use that people; you have
Artery-Clogging Ecstacy
So... BEAUTIFUL! *Sniff* I'm sorry, but I think I'm gonna cry! my permission!
Anyway, as you can tell by the title of this blog, I'm in Montréal right now. What a fantastic city! I've been a little blown away in general with just how different eastern Canada is compared to it's western counterpart. Too bad I can't make it to the east coast, because I bet that part of Canada is way different than Ontario or Quebec! Oh well, there's only so much time, right? If nothing else, it gives me a reason to come back.
I came to Montréal forgetting that the F1 race was going on this weekend. So the city is bumping more than usual, and by all accounts this place is
always bumping. I also didn't realize it was the last F1 race the city was going to host, so there were tons of festivities going on. I managed to go to the race site to see the track and the garages putting together the races for the big day, which was quite interesting. The track for the race is located on
Île Notre-Dame, a man-made island bullt for the '67 Expo. It's also a fabulous park area with some remnants of the Expo kicking around,
Me & Montreal
I know what you're thinking: The shirt says "party" and the shorts say "kick-ass". Well that's a kick-ass party, people! which makes for a nice, historic walk.
Speaking of history, that's one thing I really like about this city. You'll see it and feel it, whether you are in Old Montréal, Little Italy, or
Notre-Dame Basilica. It's something I sure appreciate, especially when you come from a place like Edmonton - there's just not that much there, and if there is, chances are it'll be torn down for future development. Old Montréal for example, is around 400-500 years old. You'd never see that where I come from! It's just so beautiful. Narrow, winding streets made of cobblestone; seasoned buildings lined with shops - It's like a little piece of Europe tucked away in Canada.
There are other spots offering a taste of history here too, such as McGill University and Olympic Stadium. That's right, I said Olympic Stadium. As unpopular as it is with the locals, the facility is a big piece of Canadian sports history (it did house the only Summer Olympics ever held in Canada, after all) that also has a certain charm to it. Although its gone to shit now, walking the grounds makes you wonder how great a spot this place could have been if
Arret!
I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto... everything had gone according to plan. Instead, its a run-down building that's rarely used, is falling apart, and as far as I know, still being paid for.
But Montréal's not only about history - it's a fun place to be! There's lots of cool clubs and bars (don't get me started about this crazy karaoke bar a few of us from the hostel stumbled upon), and there's lots of other cool places to go to as well, like Mount Royal Park and the Jean-Talon Market. However, there was one place in particular that a few people told me to go check out: Schwartz's Deli. It is the most famous delicatessen in the city (possibly Canada?) and I was told their smoked meat sandwiches are legendary.
Now anyone who knows me knows I live for things like this. Could this sandwich really be that spectacular? I mean,
Legendary? Really??? On principal alone, I feel like I had to eat this sandwich, if only to either call bullshit or dispel the non-believers. OK Schwartz's, it's on! I am now the self-proclaimed judge, jury, and executioner of your smoked meat sandwich. And you know who loves sandwiches? THIS GUY! So I
Montréal Grand Prix
A shot of the track prior to the race. won't be an easy judge. Let the
Quest for the Schwartz's Deli begin!
A quest can only be a quest if you have trouble getting to your destination. Well, check that off the list - getting to Schwartz's was quite the challenge! I had asked one of the guys working at the hostel, and he said it was close to the
Mont Royal subway station. Rather than try to get an address and, oh, I don't know, FIND IT ON A MAP - I chose to use my remarkable powers of direction instead. Two hours later, I'm still stumbling around trying to figure out where it is! Remarkable powers of direction indeed! What can I say? it's a guy thing!
Eventually hunger and sore feet got the best of me, so I caved in and asked someone where the hell Schwartz's was. Turns out all my walking wasn't a complete waist; I was actually pretty close. I also found out that if I had got off at the
Sherbrook station instead, I would've finished this quest a long time ago! Dammit! Oh well. What fun is a quest without some bumps in the road?
A few minutes
later I finally found Schwartz's Deli. Told you I was close! This place is often backed out the door, but I must've come at a good time because I actually got in quite quickly. Good, 'cause I'm hungry! Now since I was a Schwartz's virgin, I decided to ask the guy at the front what he recommended and ordered that. The end result? WOW! People, words don't describe how good this sandwich is. I imagine this is what a unicorn must taste like! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. The arteries in my chest are tightening too, and my left arm is tingling slightly. It is that good! I wouldn't sell my soul for one, but certainly my first-born child's. Boy, it's probably a good thing I don't have any kids!
So as you can see, I've had a fantastic time in Montréal. But as much as I've enjoyed the city, it's been very difficult for me on a personal level. Frankly, I could say that about this whole trip, but Montréal's been particularly bad. I'll keep the reasons to myself, but needless to say, I've been in a bad place. But that's life, isn't it? Full
Kimi Raikkonen's Car
The Finnish Flash is what they call him. If not, they should start, dammit! of terrifying lows, dizzing highs, and rich, creamy middles. And I want it all too; enjoying the highs is one thing, but you have to learn to appreciate the lows to truly grow as a person. Then hopefully you can claw your way back up to the highs again - or at least that creamy middle.
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Varpu
non-member comment
Hi Tom! Yep, I think "the finnish flash" is the term we use here in Finland:). Good writing again!