Waiting
I returned late last night from 4 days in Montreal. It is one of my favourite cities, but there is a love/hate relationship there. I live in the country and work in a medium sized city so life in a large city is always a bit of a shock to my system with the volume of people and noise.I took the Metro as it is the quickest and cheapest way to get around Montreal. The first night there I was on the subway with a couple of others and the train came to a halt at Frontenac station. The announcement was in French as everything is in Quebec so I only caught a few words. "Termine' was one of the words that registred with me, so I presumed the train had some kind of mechanical problem and everyone got off. Rush hour in Montreal with hundreds of people all wanting cabs or buses isn't fun. Its even less fun when you haven't got a clue where you are!
Outside Notre Dame Basilica, horses and buggies line the street waiting to be hired for a tour through 'Vieux Montreal'. Just not an option at rush hour or for a distant journey.
I found out later that there had been a bomb scare which is why the train was evacuated. Oh, there is always an adventure to be had....
I attended a reception at the top of the Olympic Stadium Observatory. The ride up the side of the tower was 'interesting' for someone who doesn't do heights well, but the view at the top was spectacular. However the rain and cloud descended shortly after taking some photos but cleared again after dark giving a glimpse of the lights of the city and the last effort of nature to compete with her own light at sunset.I haven't had time to organize much in the way of sketches yet, so will leave you with a little taste of Montreal until tomorrow and a small sketch of some fellow travellers waiting in airports.
Entrance to Chinatown
6 comments:
Big cities are always a shock to my system also but at least you're brave enough to go and even make your way around in them!
Thanks for posting some of the sites there - it's nice being an "armchair traveler"!
It seems the love-side of your relationship surfaced this time byut the looks of your photos...nice vibe youve caught, and I'm looking forward to sketches/paintings?
Ronell
Looks like you had a good time. I'm sorry, but I think Montreal should put signs and notices in French and English. It was confusing there. I was like, Are we in Canada still?? It is a busy place with lots to see and do.
Oh Jeanette. How interesting...We have been to Quebec and Montreal. Absolutely loved it. Alas we were not there in peak traffic or bomb scares.
Quebec is such an interesting place. although we did find the Canadian french not so chatty as the Americans. Love the Maple Syrup especially on pancakes with blueberries. Hmmmmmmmm yummmmmmmmy
I don't think I'd want to live centrally in a large city. I like my quiet too much. However, getting lost is all part of the fun isn't it?
I always like Montreal in many ways Ronell. My grandmother lived there most of her life. I'm hoping for a few sketches and paintings later. Time is my problem right now.
Isn't in interesting Jo, that in the rest of Canada, everything has to be English and French, but not Quebec, where French rules? It makes bomb scares confusing... :)
Quebec is a great province Dors. Its always full of interesting things to see and do. I agree, maple syrup is heavenly.
that is an amazing view!
I've only driven through Quebec and we got lost lol Couldn't remember enough of school French to get around :p
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