What’s to tell from the last couple of days?  Not much really.  We went to a chocolate shop and then a book shop on one of the days then the next we spent about 12+ hours on a train to get from New York to Montreal.

That passed without much hassle although we were delayed for about 1.5 hours by Canadian Customs so were late getting into Montreal.  Someone ended up being hauled off the train with their baggage and they were not allowed back on so perhaps we have them to thank for the delay.

Still Michael met us at the train station and took us to his place for a drink and to meet the family, Melody, Luc and Danniel before taking us to our hotel for the night.

Our first day in Montreal we spent mostly in Old Montreal.  It was overcast and threatening rain off and on all day so we tended to stay close to areas where we knew we could get indoors quickly if we needed to.

We took a Caleach ride around Old Montreal, originally we were going to just walk around but the rain halted that idea.  Still it was nice.  Our horses name was Captain Bob.  Our driver was entertaining and knowledgeable about Montreal and Old Montreal in particular.  Or maybe he just spun a good tale, either way it was a pleasant way to spend a half hour while it rained outside our carriage we managed to stay day and see some of the Old City.

After the carriage ride we went into the Basilica Notre-Dame.  While I really am not into the whole church thing, mostly due to seeing we seemed like one church and cathedral after another all though Europe it was interesting.  Mainly due to the paintings on the walls which told the story of Montreal rather than the history of the church so that was a refreshing change.  They also have a massive pipe organ that started playing while we were in there.  It added to the atmosphere.

During a pause in the rain we wandered down to the Old Port area for a walk.  We nearly ended up in a maze that they have in an old warehouse, the child inside us both peeking out thinking it might be fun.  we ended up deciding not to but only because we didn’t think we had time before we were due to meet Michael and Melody for dinner.  So we continued our leisurely walk to where we’d agreed to meet up. 

We were a little early so went looking for the so called ‘underground city’.  We didn’t find it so ended up in a coffee shop.  Lou walked around the corner in what we though was just a large coffee shop and sure enough there was the mall…. oh well.

Finally we met up with Michael and Melody and wandered through the Street Festival that was just kicking off before settling for Mexican for diner.  All of us girls ordered a cocktail, Michael ordered a beer but at least it was a Corona!  Lou’s drink was a sangria.  The waiter put down a large jug with a straw in it and for that split second Lou’s eyes widened in surprise, until he then put down a glass as well.

The restaurants were full and there were people everywhere with musicians, performers and dancers scattered the length of the road that had been closed for the festival.  It was fascinating and kind of fun walking through the crowds.

We went for a walk around the area with Michael pointing out the buildings of interest and some of the history behind them, turns out he is a bit of a history buff then the sky opened up once more and it poured. 

We got a little wet but it was fun.