Just learned our flight home has been cancelled. We are booked on a later flight. Should arrive back in town around 9 tonite.
Looking forward to being home. In the meantime, we are going to enjoy our bonus time here.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Postcards from Montreal - Day 7
Today's our last full day in Montreal. It's a beautiful day - partly sunny and in the 50's - a perfect day to walk the city. So, I put on my boots and set out to see as much as possible on foot. I logged over 10 miles walking today - some of it was an uphill battle. Really...it was uphill...and a good leg workout:)
I headed back on foot to the area we were in last night. In addition to Schwartz's, the place Eric got smoked meat, it has an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, etc. I love the more local feel of this area. Lots of locals. The Canadian police were trotting down the street on their horses. One policeman saw me trying to take a picture, so he stopped and posed :) I also encountered the sidewalk cleaners. Two enloaders with hoses on their scoopers overtook the sidewalk. I waited it out in a shop doorway.
I ventured off onto a side street. I found myself in a Portuguese area with some shops. Tucked in the midst was a small Hongrois (Hungarian) restaurant. I would have stopped in for an early lunch, but they do not open until dinner. I also found a great little Hongrois market.
I walked back towards downtown and made my way to Montreal's equivalent of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Did a little window shopping and walked back towards the hotel.
After a quick recharge, I headed down to Old Montreal for lunch. I stopped in to a very nice French restaurant for soup and a salad. Delicious! Then, back out for one final walk thru the cobblestone streets.
In the evening, Eric and I headed to Little Italy. We found a nice neighborhood Italian restaurant on a side street. Our waitress brought us some of their special homemade peppers in oil to try on our pasta. It was fantastic! She left a pretty big bowl of it with us. I wanted her to know how much we appreciated this gesture. So, I put the peppers and oil on everything -- and lots of it. In fact, I was doing my best to finish off the bowl so she wouldn't be disappointed. About the time we had it down to about 1/3 left (it was a big bowl), a waiter stopped by to see if we were done with the sauce so he could take it on to the next table. The waiter looked into the bowl and very politely said, "oh, you really liked the pepper sauce? " It seems that bowl of special sauce was meant for everyone. I wanted to crawl under the table. Not to mention, that much pepper sauce causes major heartburn later :(
After dinner, we made one final drive up to Mont Royal to see the city lights at night. We also drove thru the city looking at lights. It is a beautiful city!!!
If you ever get a chance to visit, do it. I LOVE Montreal! I look forward to coming back in the summer sometime soon. But, for now, I'm anxious to get home and see the kids, the pets, family and friends.
Au Revoir Montreal!
These boots were made for walking:
French restaurant
Back side of our hotel:
I headed back on foot to the area we were in last night. In addition to Schwartz's, the place Eric got smoked meat, it has an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, etc. I love the more local feel of this area. Lots of locals. The Canadian police were trotting down the street on their horses. One policeman saw me trying to take a picture, so he stopped and posed :) I also encountered the sidewalk cleaners. Two enloaders with hoses on their scoopers overtook the sidewalk. I waited it out in a shop doorway.
I ventured off onto a side street. I found myself in a Portuguese area with some shops. Tucked in the midst was a small Hongrois (Hungarian) restaurant. I would have stopped in for an early lunch, but they do not open until dinner. I also found a great little Hongrois market.
I walked back towards downtown and made my way to Montreal's equivalent of Chicago's Magnificent Mile. Did a little window shopping and walked back towards the hotel.
After a quick recharge, I headed down to Old Montreal for lunch. I stopped in to a very nice French restaurant for soup and a salad. Delicious! Then, back out for one final walk thru the cobblestone streets.
In the evening, Eric and I headed to Little Italy. We found a nice neighborhood Italian restaurant on a side street. Our waitress brought us some of their special homemade peppers in oil to try on our pasta. It was fantastic! She left a pretty big bowl of it with us. I wanted her to know how much we appreciated this gesture. So, I put the peppers and oil on everything -- and lots of it. In fact, I was doing my best to finish off the bowl so she wouldn't be disappointed. About the time we had it down to about 1/3 left (it was a big bowl), a waiter stopped by to see if we were done with the sauce so he could take it on to the next table. The waiter looked into the bowl and very politely said, "oh, you really liked the pepper sauce? " It seems that bowl of special sauce was meant for everyone. I wanted to crawl under the table. Not to mention, that much pepper sauce causes major heartburn later :(
After dinner, we made one final drive up to Mont Royal to see the city lights at night. We also drove thru the city looking at lights. It is a beautiful city!!!
If you ever get a chance to visit, do it. I LOVE Montreal! I look forward to coming back in the summer sometime soon. But, for now, I'm anxious to get home and see the kids, the pets, family and friends.
Au Revoir Montreal!
These boots were made for walking:
French restaurant
Back side of our hotel:
Postcards from Montreal - Day 6 1/2
It's Tuesday and I've just returned from my "me time" adventures. The morning started out rainy so I went to the archeology museum. I thought I could reach it by walking underground or taking the Metro. Turns out it is on the riverfront - about a 6 block walk from here. So, I put on my raincoat and headed outside. Thankfully, the rain had stopped.
The museum was awesome! Loved the interactive displays. I learned a lot while there - and got a better understanding of some of the places I had been in town. The domed building where I shopped yesterday has been a marketplace of some sorts since the 1800's. The street I pass often that has " fortifications" in its name refers to the old fortifications that once surrounded the settlement. Below is a picture of parts of the old fortification walls. It is very thick.
I walked thru the museum chatting with a very nice lady from Belgium. It was also her first time in the city. It was only her second day in town, so she asked me for advice. Turns out her husband also works in the aviation industry. I enjoyed chatting with her.
Bonus at the museum - they have a Beatles exhibit there right now. Check out the Beatles' car on lone to the museum. Check out the picture of me singing "I want to hold your hand" on the stage of the karaoke exhibit with the Beatles in the background. Did I really sing or not?
I had a late lunch at a French boucharie/charcuterie (butcher shop/deli). Again, more fabulous food. This time a cassoulet (beans, sausages, ham, etc.) with a glass of wine. French music was playing in the background. I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing and people watching out the window.
Fortified city walls:
Building built upon foundation of an older building:
Sewer walls:
"I want to hold your hand..."
The museum was awesome! Loved the interactive displays. I learned a lot while there - and got a better understanding of some of the places I had been in town. The domed building where I shopped yesterday has been a marketplace of some sorts since the 1800's. The street I pass often that has " fortifications" in its name refers to the old fortifications that once surrounded the settlement. Below is a picture of parts of the old fortification walls. It is very thick.
I walked thru the museum chatting with a very nice lady from Belgium. It was also her first time in the city. It was only her second day in town, so she asked me for advice. Turns out her husband also works in the aviation industry. I enjoyed chatting with her.
Bonus at the museum - they have a Beatles exhibit there right now. Check out the Beatles' car on lone to the museum. Check out the picture of me singing "I want to hold your hand" on the stage of the karaoke exhibit with the Beatles in the background. Did I really sing or not?
I had a late lunch at a French boucharie/charcuterie (butcher shop/deli). Again, more fabulous food. This time a cassoulet (beans, sausages, ham, etc.) with a glass of wine. French music was playing in the background. I thoroughly enjoyed relaxing and people watching out the window.
Fortified city walls:
Building built upon foundation of an older building:
Sewer walls:
"I want to hold your hand..."
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
The other 1/2 of day 6 1/2
Eric has been wanting to try the famous Schwartz's smoked meats for some time now. We finally made it there - and arrived before the line started. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to have any because of my MSG allergy. But, Eric was a happy camper! He loved his smoked meat sandwich!
We drove through more neighborhoods. We love going off the beaten path and seeing the real city. There are so many cool things to see.
We returned to the hotel and had drinks and tapas in the hotel bar while watching hockey. The bar is themed around Absinthe, the liquor flavored liquor. Their signature cocktail, a lemony liquorice concoction, is so good. The bartender shared the recipe with me :) It was a nice cap to another great day.
Bon soir!
We drove through more neighborhoods. We love going off the beaten path and seeing the real city. There are so many cool things to see.
We returned to the hotel and had drinks and tapas in the hotel bar while watching hockey. The bar is themed around Absinthe, the liquor flavored liquor. Their signature cocktail, a lemony liquorice concoction, is so good. The bartender shared the recipe with me :) It was a nice cap to another great day.
Bon soir!
Update
Hey - remember that ship I talked about from yesterday - the one that was just taken over by new owners? I walked by it again this morning. New country's flag is flying and the repainting has already begun. Now that's progress :)
Yesterday:
Today:
Yesterday:
Today:
Postcards from Montreal - Day 5
Alone in the big city:
After a leisurely morning of sleeping in, I set off on foot to explore the city. My first destination was Chinatown. I was intrigued buy the bustling narrow streets. I saw some interesting buildings, great signs and ducks hanging in windows. I sat in the square and just watched for a bit.
My legs got a workout walking the hill back to Old Town. I headed to the shops in the old domed building by the water. I was pleasantly surprised to find local artisan shops. Lots of lovely pieces of art. I bought a couple of Montreal made pieces of clothing and chatted with sales people. They gave me some local tips on food. One lady called me the happiest, most enthusiastic customer she has had after spending some time chatting. Lovely morning.
Next stop, lunch at the Restaurant des Gouverneurs. I ordered the house specialty, the Portuguese chicken. It was a warmly spiced chicken served with a cup of sauce that tasted a little of horseradish. Delicious!!
After lunch, I took in some art galleries I found along the streets of Old Town. Lots of beautiful paintings by Quebec artists.
Then, back to the hotel to drop off bags and sit for a moment. Speaking of the hotel - I forgot to tell you about my morning "whoops." Our hotel wi-fi package includes free calls, including free international calls. So, I thought I would try the kids. I looked up the US country code for dialing and tried to place a call using the directions in hotel's info book. No success. So, I tried the directs for a long distance call. Unfortunately, the first 3 numbers the sequence I was dialing were 9-1-1. Yep, I called 911...twice. Then, I got a call from the front desk asking if I was ok. Whoops:(
After a short stop at the hotel, I headed back out. This time my destination was the St. Laurence River. I stopped in a shop to pick up a coffee to take with me. Oh so relaxing...sitting in the sunshine, drinking coffee, and watching the boats and people. (See pic below - taken by a lady who offered after seeing me taking pics of scenery)
"Did I really just see what I thought I just saw?!" Yep, there were some crazy people out in bikinis lounging in the sun on top of a Spa boat. It was in the lower 50's. The rest of us were bundled in coats because of the breeze coming off the water. (Pic of the black boat below)
I walked both ways up and down the river. I stopped to talk to a dock worker about a big red ship in port. It was drawing a crowd and the authorities had just shown up. It seems that new owners had just taken over the boat that morning -- and had released some type of chemicals in the water. The dock worker went on to tell what happens when a boat changes hands. The flags would be changed, old names and markings would be painted over and the boat would set sail in a couple of weeks. (See red Hong Kong boat below)
The port used to be the pride of Montreal. Lots of imports and exports were loaded onto boats using the lifts in the pictures below. What used to be a bustling port and loading area, now looks like old rusty grain storage bins. (Pics below)
I rounded up my walk with a little more walking thru Old Town. You will see more pics below. If you haven't already figured it out, I'm in love with Old Town.
Eric got back around 4:30. We set off to see Olympic Parc. There are pics below of the Olympic Swimming Arena. Additionally, we just drove around neighborhoods. In fact, everyday we have driven around neighborhoods exploring.
We made a stop at Crescent Street - a busy street lined with pubs and nightclubs for a drink. Then, we headed to Gibby's for dinner. Gibby's is a upscale restaurant housed in an old horse stable. They are known for their steaks. Dinner was great. I got a kick out of the bowl of garlicky whole pickles they bring with the bread basket. Yum. I also got a kick out of the sorbet they serve between the salad course and the main course. We left there stuffed. Again, I was thankful for all the walking. Hopefully, the hours of walking will help to balance all the food.
Today, it's a rainy day in Montreal. Still planning my day - I think I will do some exploring in The Underground and maybe take the Metro to a museum. First stop, heading to see the Concierge to help me figure out if I can get there by Metro. Wish me "Bon chance" ( good luck) that I don't get lost today.
By the way, take a look at the picture of the walkway between the buildings in our hotel. The skylight covers the area between the two buildings (both part of our hotel). There are shops and access to The Underground tunnels and shops.
After a leisurely morning of sleeping in, I set off on foot to explore the city. My first destination was Chinatown. I was intrigued buy the bustling narrow streets. I saw some interesting buildings, great signs and ducks hanging in windows. I sat in the square and just watched for a bit.
My legs got a workout walking the hill back to Old Town. I headed to the shops in the old domed building by the water. I was pleasantly surprised to find local artisan shops. Lots of lovely pieces of art. I bought a couple of Montreal made pieces of clothing and chatted with sales people. They gave me some local tips on food. One lady called me the happiest, most enthusiastic customer she has had after spending some time chatting. Lovely morning.
Next stop, lunch at the Restaurant des Gouverneurs. I ordered the house specialty, the Portuguese chicken. It was a warmly spiced chicken served with a cup of sauce that tasted a little of horseradish. Delicious!!
After lunch, I took in some art galleries I found along the streets of Old Town. Lots of beautiful paintings by Quebec artists.
Then, back to the hotel to drop off bags and sit for a moment. Speaking of the hotel - I forgot to tell you about my morning "whoops." Our hotel wi-fi package includes free calls, including free international calls. So, I thought I would try the kids. I looked up the US country code for dialing and tried to place a call using the directions in hotel's info book. No success. So, I tried the directs for a long distance call. Unfortunately, the first 3 numbers the sequence I was dialing were 9-1-1. Yep, I called 911...twice. Then, I got a call from the front desk asking if I was ok. Whoops:(
After a short stop at the hotel, I headed back out. This time my destination was the St. Laurence River. I stopped in a shop to pick up a coffee to take with me. Oh so relaxing...sitting in the sunshine, drinking coffee, and watching the boats and people. (See pic below - taken by a lady who offered after seeing me taking pics of scenery)
"Did I really just see what I thought I just saw?!" Yep, there were some crazy people out in bikinis lounging in the sun on top of a Spa boat. It was in the lower 50's. The rest of us were bundled in coats because of the breeze coming off the water. (Pic of the black boat below)
I walked both ways up and down the river. I stopped to talk to a dock worker about a big red ship in port. It was drawing a crowd and the authorities had just shown up. It seems that new owners had just taken over the boat that morning -- and had released some type of chemicals in the water. The dock worker went on to tell what happens when a boat changes hands. The flags would be changed, old names and markings would be painted over and the boat would set sail in a couple of weeks. (See red Hong Kong boat below)
The port used to be the pride of Montreal. Lots of imports and exports were loaded onto boats using the lifts in the pictures below. What used to be a bustling port and loading area, now looks like old rusty grain storage bins. (Pics below)
I rounded up my walk with a little more walking thru Old Town. You will see more pics below. If you haven't already figured it out, I'm in love with Old Town.
Eric got back around 4:30. We set off to see Olympic Parc. There are pics below of the Olympic Swimming Arena. Additionally, we just drove around neighborhoods. In fact, everyday we have driven around neighborhoods exploring.
We made a stop at Crescent Street - a busy street lined with pubs and nightclubs for a drink. Then, we headed to Gibby's for dinner. Gibby's is a upscale restaurant housed in an old horse stable. They are known for their steaks. Dinner was great. I got a kick out of the bowl of garlicky whole pickles they bring with the bread basket. Yum. I also got a kick out of the sorbet they serve between the salad course and the main course. We left there stuffed. Again, I was thankful for all the walking. Hopefully, the hours of walking will help to balance all the food.
Today, it's a rainy day in Montreal. Still planning my day - I think I will do some exploring in The Underground and maybe take the Metro to a museum. First stop, heading to see the Concierge to help me figure out if I can get there by Metro. Wish me "Bon chance" ( good luck) that I don't get lost today.
By the way, take a look at the picture of the walkway between the buildings in our hotel. The skylight covers the area between the two buildings (both part of our hotel). There are shops and access to The Underground tunnels and shops.
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