Montréal

My feet feel as though they are going to cramp up, curl, and die. We probably walked 100 km today. No, that would be an exaggeration. But we did walk, A LOT. It makes me understand how running shoes can really be great, because cute sneakers often are lacking in arch support. At the same time though, I definitely would not want to trade the experiences that come with walking for the lazier, more environmentally unfriendly and relaxing option of riding in a car. There are incredible graffiti murals everywhere, beautiful little boutiques and coffee shops, and gorgeous architecture. Needless to say, walking is worth the work, and makes sleep so much sweeter!

On Thursday, we started off with a picnic

in the park near our friends', Michelle and Franz's, apartment. The park is situated right near the base of Mt. Royal, and is lovely, and huge! It was a feast - Michelle brought dishes and cutlery and a tablecloth. We picked up delicious croissants, Michelle made a wonderful fruit salad, and we had really thick, creamy yogurt. Franz added some yummy grape and blueberry jam. The wind picked up, so we went back to the apartment to put on more layers, then headed back out. We walked around the McGill campus. It is so beautiful, with so many old buildings! Very collegiate and ideal.

So, the above was written on Friday, and today is Sunday. The content of Saturday and Sunday has been very different compared to Thursday/Friday, but for this post, I'll finish with the Montréal experience.

Thursday

Unfortunately McGill was closed, so we didn't actually get to go inside the buildings, but it was fun to get a feel of the place. We then headed for an art museum, which was showcasing furniture throughout history, as well as glass artwork. Some pieces were beautiful, others bizarre, but overall, just a lot of fun! There was also an exhibit across the street with 20 spectacular necklaces based on the different Cirque du Soleil performances. Amazing! They were all set with precious gemstones, and were simply gorgeous.

After that, we had lunch at a fantastic Lebanese restaurant, called Boustan. Seriously, if you are ever in Montréal, and want to eat something delicious, go there. And order the Creation. It isn't on the menu, but it is positively amazing! It has chicken, potatoes, eggplant, pickled turnips that add just the right amount of crunch, and some kind of delicious sauce. Mmm! Fantastique!

As we were walking around, we came upon a book bazaar at a monastery, and so of course we had to go in. So so many beautiful old books! Mostly in French, but my mom found a copy of Macbeth in English, and it is so cool! For those of you who know me, you would know that I was basically in heaven. I bought a couple of French books - one, because the story looked interesting, and the other, just because it had a beautiful cover! And we definitely got Macbeth as well. For a dollar each, how could you go wrong?? That was so much fun :) It started pouring afterwards, and so we headed for the métro station. A whole band was in there! From the Montréal Jazz Festival I believe, and they were incredible! Brass in the subway.... so great!

Eventually we headed back to the apartment, had a snack and a rest, then headed out to the Jazz Festival. There was a jazz piano trio playing, and I think it was pretty much straight improv. Absolutely incredible.

Michelle and I walked to a 24-hour bagel place later that evening, and had the most delicious fresh sesame bagels, warm, fresh from the oven.

Friday

It was after this day that my feet started to really and truly hurt. But it was worth it! My feet could use some toughening up anyways. Well, Michelle, my mom and

I went grad dress shopping. And.... I found the most exquisite dress! It feels too early to go into too much grad excitement, so for now I'll forgo going into all the details. I am very excited about it though :)

After spending most of the day shopping, my dad arrived in Montréal, and all five of us left for dinner at Schwartz's. It is a famous cafeteria-style smoked meat restaurant in Montréal, and it was by far one of the best sandwiches I have ever had! It made me think of my brother, who eats sandwiches with just mustard and meat all the time. If the meat we have was always that succulent, then I would consider doing the same. The combination of smoked meat sandwich with mustard, pickle, coleslaw, fries, and cherry cola was perfect.

After dinner, we went to the Jazz Festival again, and saw the most astounding performer!! He was a young pianist from New Zealand named Aron Ottignon, with his band Aronas. Absolutely incredible. It would be hard to describe the genre.... a kind of jazzy dance experimental tribal fusion... An amazing concert. We left the Festival shortly after, and took my dad to the 24-hour bagel place again, for more fresh bagels. It is amazing how much expertise goes into making the bagels, and we got to watch them as they worked.

When we got back to the apartment, we fell into our beds, feet aching. Sleep was well-earned.