Tuesday 19 August 2008

Old Montreal

Ken's brother, Kevin, transferred with his company to a branch in Montreal last winter. The timing was perfect for us to take Jaclyn out to Quebec to practise her french (and get Ken within a drivable distance to see a NY Yankees game in the old Yankee Stadium).
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We farmed the younger kids out: Steven to a friend on the football team so that he could keep going to practise, plus this family is just all around great. Carmen and Chloe went to my sister's (Marie) house even though I feared they might not be willing to come home after a week in the funnest house on earth.
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I've never been to Europe, but old Montreal gives off the European 'feel' that exists in my imagination, anyways.
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Right down to the cobblestone streets.
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Natalie (Kevin's wife, my sister in law) taxied Ken, Jaclyn, and I up to old Montreal along with her two kids. We met Michelle there with her cute little girls, and I was amazed by how well all the children shopped with us. I mean, I wasn't amazed at Jaclyn's ability to shop, but the littles were so cheerful and cooperative! That's not how I remember sight seeing or shopping with small children of my own.
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Michelle and I have been good blogging friends for a year and a half, and it was terrific to get to meet her in person. She made me one of her friendship pillows which is hanging right next to my bed now, so sweet. I also sewed a little something for her little girls, and enjoyed meeting them as well as foregoing the bizarre shipping costs to Quebec. It is crazy expensive, like we don't even live in the same country, to mail something from Alberta to Quebec.
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In some ways we don't live in the same country. I had no trouble with simple french, the 'arret' sign didn't stump me, and sales people were happy to speak to me in English, nevertheless, I found the french experience a little taxing. Maybe brushing up on my second language will go on the growing list of Year of Barb Part II?
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We toured two cathedrals: Notre-Dame Basilica,
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as well as Notre-Dame-De-Bon-Secours.
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It rained on us a little bit later in the day,
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but mostly we had beautiful weather.
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Yes, Ken was really there. Here's a little proof. He tried to sneak in to my daisy picture.
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Mostly Ken was behind the camera. Here is the old Bank of Montreal - now a nation wide bank.
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There were plenty of cool buildings for Ken to photograph, and as it turned out, he was just getting warmed up for New York.
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12 comments:

Amanda said...

Your trip sounds delightful! We are hoping to get up to Montreal sometime next year. So glad that you and Michelle met...she is a great inspriation to so many. Your aprons you made for her girls were dar.ling.!!

Neighbor Jane Payne said...

How exciting, Barb. What a way to sieze an opportunity.

This is but one reason I love blogging--I get to see so many places through so many eyes.

nic said...

That is one gorgeous town! Great pictures, I had to remember that you said Montreal, not Europe.

Very fun.

Laurie said...

How beautiful! I always thought I would like Montreal. Now I'm sure I would.

Michelle Alley said...

When we moved from the US to Quebec, I wasn't expecting it to me that much of difference - but it ended up being quite the cultural shock! I think I'm used to it now! I love your photo the Secours church -so beautiful and great angles. I'll have to go back and try again - mine were absolutely blurry! It was such a treat being able to meet you Barb - love the photos and hope you had a great rest of your trip!

michelle said...

What fun! I've never been to Montreal, but I'd like to. It definitely looks like it has European flair!

Ortensia Norton said...

Wow, how much fun! You really go back in time hey?

Most of my pictures when I travel are of buildings too! And eating food.

April said...

I loved the part about the "Europe of your imagination." I can so relate to that...it seems that most everything is just imagination for me.

David's parents raved about Toronto and pooh-poohed Montreal, but after seeing your pictures, I would love to go visit!

Anonymous said...

I love all the photos. What a great trip.

Anonymous said...
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Tiffany said...

What a treat to visit such a picturesque place! I love your photos. How many years of French do your children have at school?

jenny said...

I loved every minute of your photos Barb. Such a gorgeous place. And how fun to hook up with Michelle along the way!