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Montreal May 2022

April - May 2022
This is a trip to see my daughter in Montreal, Canada. This is the first time I'm taking the train. Read more
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  • TravelerMontreal May 2022
    Day 1

    First time on a train (in Canada anyway)

    April 30, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 6 °C

    My trip started early this morning at 6:30 am. I got up had my coffee, packed my lunch, took out the garbage and had my shower. Checked all the windows and left b 8:20 am. I have to use my full size C-PAP machine because the Air Mini and I are not getting along yet. I only mention this because it is an extra 20" X 20" bag that has to be brought and carried.

    Off I go in plenty of time to walk to the GO Station at West Harbour in Hamilton. It is only about 6 or 7 blocks from where I live, so this is perfect to get into Toronto. I'm heading into Union Station in Toronto to catch the Via Rail to Montreal. This trip is all about train travel. This is my first time taking the train in Canada. I have done this in Europe but it has been soooo very long ago. ( Thanks COVID!)

    The walk only took 20 minutes so I was early. The day is absolutely beautiful, ot too hot but the sun is shining bright! I need to learn to pack lighter! I have my carry-on suitcase full but also my personal bag. I also have the C-PAP bag! I'm going to hve to reconsider my packing strategies.

    Anyway, I have made it to the station, figured out which track to take and have made it on board with no issues. Off to Toronto. The GO train makes several stops between Hamilton and Toronto. It takes us about an hour to get to Union Station. I made it to Toronto and am now finding my way to the Via Station. It is not very well signed here when you get off the train so I ask for help from others on the platform.

    I have boarded the train to Montreal and am clckity-clacking down the tracks. i am sitting in a window seat so I get to look outside. Curretly loinng at Lake Ontario. I am also writing this blog while traveling, curtesy of the free Wi-Fi from Via Rail. Thank you!
    The seats in Economy are comfy and wide enough for my butt. I don't think I will be as lucky when I fly to Greece next month. The speed is not too fast that you can't enjoy looking outside. this is definetly better than driving and cheaper as well Plus I don't have to worry about parking in Montreal!

    The train ride is nice. They have a food cart that comes round. the coffee is very stong but acceptable. I packed a picnic lunch; sandwich, grapes and some cheese. Stuff that won’t las in the frig till I get home. Lunch is done and now you can sit back and contemplate life. Taking the train lends itself to a different thought process. You slow down and look at the fields and towns pass by and your mind starts to wander. The fields aren’t planted yet, still too early in the season but you see the first signs of spring. The trees are starting to bud and the snow is gone. As the miles pass by your mind gets a picture of a simpler time. A time when train travel was more popular. When we weren’t in such a hurry to get where we are going and the journey itself becomes part of the travel. You wonder why you didn’t use this mode of travel before now. I’m not stressed about traffic or getting lost. Timetables are out of your control. I think that is one of the nicest things about this trip. I don’t have control. I have no responsibilities. I had to make it to the GO Station on time and that was it.

    As I pass by the forests and fields, I look for birds and animals. I see cars stopped at railway crossings and wonder if they are annoyed or are they a little jealous of the people on the train. Do they wonder where we are going? Do they wish they could also take a train ride and escape they’re day to day drudgery of life? Yes, taking the train makes me stop and think. My mind wanders to trips I want to take in the future. Where else can I go on the train? What new adventures can I find? It also makes me think about how lucky I am to be able to travel. I am fortunate to be retired and have the time to travel. I also am fortunate to have the financial and physical ability to travel. I am blessed and won’t be taking this for granted.

    Well, I made it to Montreal all rested and ready to go. Laura (aka Kitten) picked my up from the train station and whisked me off to my new home for the next few days. Laura’s friend Kate come over to say ‘Hi’ and then we went to dinner. We went to a wonderful Thai place and had a yummy dinner. I had a white fish soup that was divine followed up with beef done in a black bean sauce with baby bok choy and peppers. The flavors just popped in you mouth. That with a glass of red wine and my welcome to Montreal was complete.

    I’m back in my studio apartment now and am ready for be. Tomorrow will bring new adventures, stay tuned!    Read more

  • TravelerMontreal May 2022
    Day 2

    Shopping and Old Port

    May 1, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    This morning I enjoy a coffee at my place, do some knitting (yes I bring that with me everywhere!) and wait for Laura to come over. I’m being very good by having yogurt and granola for breakfast even though I know there are almond croissant just down the street. They will be devoured, just trying to have some will power.

    Laura comes over and we are going to head to Old Port but we don’t make it very far with all the shops around here. One of my favourite things to do is spoil my Kitten, so in we go to pick up some things for Greece later this month. Laura is so easy to dress since she is small and cute (Yeah, I know, Mother’s bias). We drop the bags off at her place and I get to see the pace for the first time since she has unpacked. She is making it her own and it is great to see her happy in an environment that allows her to thrive. The reason I’m not staying at her place saunters out of the bedroom. Ms. Bubbles is a black cat (I’m allergic to cats) with a haughty attitude to rival a Kardashian. We sit on her little balcony over looking Avenue Du Mont-Royale and people watch for a bit. They are stating to put up the outside patios for the summer season. I should mention that it is a beautiful day, sunny but not too warm yet.

    We take an Uber to Old Port and start exploring. Part of Old Port is blocked off for pedestrians but not all of it. I love seeing the old buildings and cobblestone streets. Takes me back to Europe. This is a typical tourist area with emphasis on shopping and eating. We check out an Inuit gallery where Laura had purchased a carved dancing polar ear. The Intuits believe in reincarnation and the dancing polar bears are celebrating their new life. They have some very nice pieces but are very pricey.

    A little further down is a quartet playing some wonderful jazz. We stop and have a listen with the rest of the crowd. Meandering farther I catch sight of the Ferris wheel. While taking pictures of that I see a person on a zip line. (Check out the pictures!)

    We head farther down the street and come across the Notre-Dame-de-Bon-Secours Chapel, which means Our Lady Of Good Help. Originally built in 1678 it burned in 1754. It was rebuilt in 1771. It became known as the Sailor’s Chapel because the sailors would come and offer their thanks for their safe return. The inside is beautiful a you can see above. I love the old churches with their stained glass and beautiful architecture.

    We have dinner at The Keg in Old Port. They are celebrating 50 years of service and have brought back some of the old menu favourites. As usual, too much food, not enough tummy. Delicious though as always. We take an Uber back and say good night. Laura has to work and I have a blog to write. Good bye for now.    Read more

  • TravelerMontreal May 2022
    Day 3

    Day 3 And More Wandering

    May 2, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ⛅ 14 °C

    Today we have to pick up a package Laura ordered from Purolator, so we head off to the store. Walking by a few more shops we com across a jewelry store. We head in because I wanted to check out a tri-coloured gold ring. Not quite working for me though. We continue to perusal the ring section and find another one that I do like. So, purchase it I do! They have to size it for me and it won’t be ready until Thursday. I’ll post a picture of it then.

    As we keep walking, we pass plenty of different stores. There are plenty of restaurants from grab a quick bite to full course meals. You see jewelry stores, book stores, food markets, specialty stores for cheese, pastries, fruits and vegetables, etc. You quickly come to realize that people here don’t hop in their car and head over to a large grocery store or mega mall, they shop locally from their neighbours. This is how you create and maintain a close knit community with in a huge world class city. They have your malls and Walmarts and large chain stores but everything you need for day to day living can come from right around the corner. Neat idea, huh?

    Anyway, we continue on and find the Purolator shop and pick up her parcel. On the way back we find a crepe shop that has gluten free crepes. In we go for an early dinner. I have a crepe with chicken, mushrooms and hollandaise sauce and a latte. (I’ve already walked my 8000 step) Laura has a buckwheat crepe with veg’s, I believe. They both came with a side salad. Both were yummy! I’m glad we can find more gluten free choices here for Laura, it makes it easier to eat out. Now that we are stuffed, it is time to head back. Good thing we walk everywhere to off set the calories.

    Since this is a slow day let me tell you about the place, I’m staying in. It is only a couple of blocks from Laura’s so it is super convenient. This place s studio with only 5 stairs to walk up. The location is great! It is very central to everything in the Mont-Royale Plateau area. It is also very reasonably priced.

    First the good. The bed is super comfy and the kitchen is fully fitted out with a full size frig, stove and microwave. It is very quiet here because I am on a side street. There I parking available in the back alley which is just steps from my apartment. This will be great when I leave to take the luggage out to Laura’s car. The owner gave me the codes to get in and I had no problem with that. The place is also very clean and nothing is broken. The finishes are all high end as well. There are ample hangers in the closet for your clothes but non existent shelving.

    Now the bad. The bathroom is tiny> I mean really tiny. The shower is a decent size with a high-end rain shower combo unit. Plenty of hot water and good water pressure. The sink is tiny on 15” X 8”. No counter space to put a tooth brush or anything. There are no shelves to put your things on so everything stays in your toiletry bag. There aren’t any shelves in the shower either. I use bar shampoo and soap and there is no place to put them while showering. This is very inconvenient. There are no towel bars to put wet towels on to dry either. Next is the toilet. It is a large toilet with an elongated bowl. Not the toilet that should be in this bathroom! There is only 5” from the edge of the toilet to the wall there is no way to sit (or stand, depending on anatomy) and do your business. You would think that if they used a tiny sink, they could use a toilet that would allow for ease o use. Check out the pictures and have a laugh. I wish that people who rent out these units would spend a few nights in them to see how things flow. I’m only here for 4 nights, so I can make it work.    Read more

  • TravelerMontreal May 2022
    Day 4

    Open Air Market

    May 3, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    Montreal May 2022.


    After yesterdays rant let’s have a good post. I finally caved and had an almond croissant for breakfast. I have made it three days knowing their airy, buttery, fragrant tasty little pastries were just down the street. I discovered this last time I was here in February and am addicted. I know that some of you will say “Hey, Montreal is known for their bagels.” You are correct but these croissants are heavenly. They of course have other croissants and pastries but the almond ones are my favourite. That gently warmed with a coffee is all I need for breakfast. After this Laura and I went shopping for me. I thought Montreal would be cooler than it is and my clothes are too warm. There is a Reitman’s just down the street (surprise!), so we get to dress me. They have what I need so I will be much comfier for the rest of my trip.

    My trip was actually supposed to end tomorrow but I have extended it another four days. (The benefits of being retired!) I am going to stay until next Sunday now. I had to find a different place to live and change my Via Rail ticket but that is not difficult.

    This afternoon Laura and I go to the Jean Talon Market. It is an open-air farmers market that has everything. There are cheese shops, bakeries, vegetables, different stores for pork, beef, fish and even some soaps and lotions. It is still early in the season and mid week so there are not that many stalls open. We still had more then enough to choose from. I have been craving some fruit and picked up another bar shampoo. It was very pleasant to check out the different stalls and shops. Everything looked so fresh and yummy (except for the octopus!). Of course, the fresh air and the walking around have made us hungry. Laura found us a Venezuelan restaurant called Arepera. It was a little different in that you have to scan the menu and then you order on line. I guess that this cuts down on wait staff. The food comes to the right table so I don’t know how they know who ordered what. We had these huge sandwiches and a small side salad. Mine had chicken, plantains and black beans with a sauce, Laura when with pork bellies. The food was messy but good.

    With tummies full we head back. Laura is working so she needs a nap. I pack up most of my stuff to head over to the new place tomorrow.
    It is still early for me so I head over to the Casino. It is about a 20-minute ride from where I’m staying. This place is huge! I’m not sure how many levels there are but I think I toured around three of them. This is bigger than Fallsview in Niagara Falls. They have all your typical slots but also some blasts from the pasts that I haven’t seen in years. After making my donation to the local establishment, I head back for the night. It is raining when I leave and I think it will continue through most of tomorrow morning.
    Thanks for reading and good night.    Read more

  • TravelerMontreal May 2022
    1
    Day 5

    New Place, Bling and Pedicure

    May 4, 2022 in Canada ⋅ 🌧 11 °C

    Good morning. I had most of my stuff packed up and ready to go. After a quick coffee and shower, I finish packing and take two looks around to make sure I don’t leave anything behind. I leave and will not be back! Laura picks me up after she finishes work and takes me to my new home for the next 4 days. So, the next place is one block from La Fontaine Park. This is the same park that I talked about in the last blog when I was here in February. It was created by the same person who created Central Park in New York city. The new place is a third-floor walk-up and the lady who met us there and Laura just bound up the stairs. I on the other hand trudge up slowly. Now given the fact that I’m twice as old as them, I cut myself a break. This place is gorgeous! It was two balconies, a spacious kitchen, separate dining room, large bedroom and oh the bathroom. A place to sit in comfort and contemplate my next croissant. (Okay that was bad!) Check out the pictures, I’m living in luxury now. Both ladies leave me alone to nest. You know, unpack, put things where you want them. Wander around in all this space and mentally kick myself for booking the other place. In my defense the other place was closer to Laura but this place is still only 10 minutes away on foot. This place is not my usual Air BnB find. This place was actually on Booking.com. I don’t usually use them but I may have to start. In all fairness to the first place, I should also mention that this place is over twice as much to rent. You so get what you pay for.

    In the afternoon, I walk over to Laura’s and we go to get a pedicure. I don’t think I have ever had one. My feet (like the rest of me) are very dry and I need to get them into shape for Greece. The place is close to Laura’s so we don’t have to walk far. Up we go in the chairs and away they work. Just as an aside, I think this is the first place where no one except the front desk speak English. This was not a problem just a little confusing. My feet get scraped, nails get trimmed, a little message, some lotion and paint and voila my feet are respectable again. At least for a little while! Yeah, I know no body looks at my feet but a little pampering doesn’t hurt anyone. Laura and I get to chit chat for an hour about small stuff and then it is time to go.

    After our pedicure we go our separate ways. I stop to pick up my ring that I had purchased the other day and a little extra bling. I think that tri-coloured gold is going to be my weakness! I go grocery shopping and we meet back at my place to have dinner. The kitchen here is very well outfitted so I make us some maple baked salmon, rice and green beans. Laura heads home for her sleep and I head to the park for my walk. It is so easy to meet your 10,000-step goal here! It is also nice to see so many people out enjoying themselves at the park. A group of friends tossing a football, people walking and playing with their children and lots of dogs. They have a separate section for a doggie park and everyone is enjoying the warm weather after being inside all winter. Walk done I come back to relax and read before going to bed.
    See you later!    Read more

  • TravelerMontreal May 2022
    Day 6

    Basilica of Montreal

    May 5, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 14 °C

    After a nice restful sleep, I enjoy a relaxing coffee and do some of my knitting. Danielle’s socks are almost done! Today Laura and I will not see each other. Guenther is in town with his girl friend Lori. While I don’t have an issue seeing my ex-husband, Lori is uncomfortable with us all meeting. Anyway, Laura will spend the afternoon with them and I am on my own in Montreal!

    Since I have my Ubering down pact I set up a ride to the Basilica in Montreal. (One place I know Guenther and Lori won’t be) Any of you who know me, know that I’m a church fanatic. I love to see the architecture, stained glass and décor of these magnificent buildings. Wandering around in these buildings you get a sense of was important back when they were built. This one like the others does not disappoint. Yes, they charge to get in but so do all the others. The thing I don’t like about this one is that it is on-line tickets only. That means that I’m outside (thank goodness for good weather!) getting my ticket. I understand the need to cut down on human interaction with Covid and all but what about people without cell phones and data plans? There are some of them around, my mother for one.

    Okay, rant done. The church is beautiful. Part of the outside is undergoing restoration and is blocked off but the inside is not. Construction started in 1824 and finished in 1829. Built in the Gothic style with two large towers that were meant to been seen all over Montreal. Unlike other cathedrals in the world the stained-glass windows here do not portray storied from the bible. Instead, they portray the religious history of Montreal. The pipe organ has 4 keyboards and 7000 pipes. That would sound beautiful! (Thank you, Wikipedia for the info). The wood carvings are very intricate and even extend to the pews. The pulpit is called the Pulpit of Truth and is comprised of Old Testament and New Testament symbolism. It is exquisite up close. The high altar seems to have a celestial glow surrounding it. The pictures just don’t do it justice. As you meander your way through the aisles you can see the different statues and side altars, I came across one painting that caused me to pause and think for a moment. It is of a nun and two children as she is teaching them the ways of the Roman Catholic church. The reason it made me pause is that the children are clearly Native Indians of the area. The thought that crosses my mind is whether these children were willing participants. Their facial expressions lead me to believe not so. It makes me wonder, with all that has been discovered the last couple of years with the children of Native Indians being abused and killed, whether we had a right to impose our beliefs on another race. Just my opinion and you are free to have your own. I take time to pray and thank God for all the blessings in my life. Way too many to list here! I light a candle for the loved ones I have lost. Also, way too many to list here.

    It has been an enjoyable afternoon and I head back to take another walk in the park. It is an absolutely beautiful day again!    Read more

  • TravelerMontreal May 2022
    Day 8

    Museum and Dinner

    May 7, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Today the three of us went to the Museum of Fine Arts. Once again we had to purchase our tickets on line. At least this time I did it at home. Still a pain in the a**. The museum is broken into several different buildings on different sides of the street. They have an underground walkway but still it is a little confusing. Kate later explained that some of the modern art is not so much about the final product but how the piece was achieved. Some are collaborations with other artists and some are not. You have to do a study of the piece to understand it. This is way too much effort for me. If I have to do research on a piece before I look at it not happening. There are several different exhibits and some modern art I get and some I don’t. they have a whole section on what I would call a ‘blast from the past’. These included an old Bombardier snowmobile, an Apple One computer (complete with CRT monitor!), old snow skis, etc. They had several old cabinets and chairs but then they had funky modern chairs that were not meant for use just to look at. Once again, some I understand and appreciate others not so much. They did have some beautiful stained glass pieces. It was a fine way to while away the afternoon.

    This evening we had dinner with Kate, Zac, Laura, Daryl and myself. We went back to Mekong on Mont-Royal. Before dinner I walked over to Kate’s to drop my unused food. I can’t stand to throw it all out so Kate was gracious enough to take it off my hands. We then had a pleasant walk to the restaurant to meet Laura and Daryl. Since Zac is a local and they go hear frequently I let them order. Kate, Zac and I do a ‘family style’ dinner with Zac ordering four dishes and then we split them between us. It was my first time trying calimari (not a fan) , we also had crispy chicken wings, mango salad and a green curry dish. All was delicious. The conversation was lively and the evening a wonderful way to end my trip.
    Kate and Zac walk me back to my place (and get to check out my digs). I have to pack up my stuff and head home tomorrow.    Read more

  • TravelerMontreal May 2022
    Day 9

    Good Bye Montreal...For Now

    May 8, 2022 in Canada ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Good bye Montreal but not for long. I have packed everything up including some croutons for Danielle and croissants for Gabi. I say good bye to my temporary home. It actually doesn’t take long to pack up and take my stuff downstairs. Laura is taking me to the train station. It is another beautiful day in Montreal and I am hoping for the same on the other end in Hamilton. I have to walk back about 5-6 blocks before I make it to my apartment.

    This was a great trip! I saw so much more of Montreal and did a few more things around town. It is starting to be one of my favourite places to visit. (Of course, Laura is living here, so that is another plus!) I am going to have to pack a little better next time but everything is a learning curve, no matter how old you are. It is so nice to see spring arrive with the daffodils, tulips and hyacinths in bloom. I will be back in August on my way to the east coast (stay tuned for another blog).

    I have booked Business class on the train for the ride back. Yeah, it is more expensive but I thought I would give it a try. You have access to a separate lounge where you have complimentary coffee, juice and pop. You also get to board first. The seats are wider and spaced farther apart so you have more room. You also get a complimentary drink (little early in the day for me).
    We are a couple of hours into our train ride and they have come around for lunch. We have the option of pasta with spinach, trout with rice or a cold chicken dish. I have chosen the pasta with spinach, side salad, olive bun and a nice carrot cake to finish off. In Business Class you get real utensils (not plastic) a glass for the red wine (very nice wine at that!) butter and the bun is warm. All in all: wonderful. I think I like this upgrade. I have found my new way to travel!

    After lunch with a nice coffee and chocolate to finish, I check out the outside. I don’t have a window seat but that’s okay. I seems that the farmers have been busy while I was in Montreal. The fields have been plowed and look nice and neat now ready for planting. Mother Nature has been busy as well! The trees are much greener as is the grass. We have just past Kingston, so I’m going to read for a little while longer. Just past Bellville and they have come along again with the drink cart. I could be plastered by the time I leave this train if I wanted.

    I have made it into Union Station in Toronto. Thought if I hurried, I could make the connecting GO train into Hamilton. So, I hurry, hurry, hurry down the platform elevator, over to the Go train area, back up to the platform, just to hear “All doors are closing” as I make it up the last step. I get to watch my train leave as I’m huffing and puffing with exertion. Back down the stairs (with luggage in tow). I have to wait an hour for the next train. I find a seat and pull out my tablet to read the hour away. I do some people watching and what do I see. As I’m listening to an announcement that masks are required everywhere in the station, about 30% of people are wandering around without masks. I really shouldn’t people watch; it ticks me off too much. So back to reading.

    I get my train back to Hamilton. It is once again a pleasant ride. I walk the six blocks back home and feel slightly exhausted. It has been a very nice trip and I will definitely take the train more often. Maybe in the fall I’ll take the one that goes up to northern Ontario for the fall colours. Anyway, I have to unpack, get the laundry done. Tomorrow I can start to pack for the next trip in less than two weeks to Greece.

    Thanks for joining me. Bye for now!    Read more

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