Villeray

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