Montreal is an island city, like Manhattan. Montreal is only slightly more populous but
significantly larger in geography. In
2009 it was named a UNESCO City of Design.
Montreal is full of antiquity AND youthful exuberance. We mentioned
previously that this is the 150th year celebration of the Canadian
Federation. Well, it is Montreal’s 375th
birthday and Montrealers really know how to party! Summer is always a cause for celebration
here in the North Country and this summer there are even more events. Canadians are very conscious of their history
and the land European settlers appropriated from the First Nations and the
attempt to decimate their culture. Many
of the special exhibits center around the history of Montreal in museum
exhibits and in light shows projected on the face of two government buildings
at night. At one time, the English and
French settlers lived in different neighborhoods and even today as you walk
around the City, you will hear predominately English spoken or predominantly
French. Almost everyone is
bilingual.
We loved everything about Montreal!
The people, the architecture, the culture,
public art, street musicians, museums and galleries, sidewalk cafes, fashion, flowers,
pocket parks and cathedrals everywhere and the food – Oh la la!
Montreal is a very diverse and safe
city.
Many Montrealers are well traveled
and love experiencing the culture of other countries but they definitely are
proud Canadians and are totally in love with their city.
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| Port of Montreal, circa 1979 |
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| Port of Montreal, July 2017 |
This is a great place for families!
Adjacent to the Old Port is a promenade with
a river walk, a Ferris wheel, zip line, Pirate ship with physical activities
appropriate for every age, paddle boats, a train ride, science museum with
special CSI activities for kids, and vendor stalls selling food and gift
items.
There are double-decker bus
tours, Duck boat tours and river/rapids cruises.
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| The clock tower is a memorial to the soldiers and sailors of WWI |
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| No swimming, but here is where Montrealers go to the beach. |
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| Atwater Marche |
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| View of Atwater Marche from across the canal. |
Service levels in Montreal are exceptional, from the marina
staff, to restaurant servers to shop keepers and the hair stylist.
Montreal is a civilized city where many
day-to-day tasks seem more like a joyous ritual.
For example, a trip to Atwater Marche which
is a very large farmer’s market both indoor and out with many stalls of fresh
fruits, veggies, flowers, butchers, bakers and chocolatiers seemed like a
special occasion.
There are many specialty
grocery items and ready-made foods.
It
is a feast for eyes and stomach!
Another
example was our trip for haircuts.
The
salon was in an old building with beautiful architectural features and also
clean and simple elegance.
The staff
will brew you an Espresso or Cappuccino served in a real cup and saucer.
If it is afternoon, there is also champagne!
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| The Canal Lounge. |
Every summer since 1985, Montreal hosts the most prestigious
and largest of international fireworks competition, twice a week from late June
until early August.
Pyrotechnical
companies from different countries present a 30-minute pyro musical show.
Approximately 6000 fireworks are set off during
each show.
We were lucky enough to see
two shows, the first by Poland and the second by Germany.
We had the best viewing area – sitting in
chairs on Santorini’s cabin top with a celebratory glass of champagne.
The second presentation was on our last night
in Montreal and the magnificent display appeared to be especially for us … we
are fortunate to live a charmed life!
Here are a few more pictures that we hope will give you some
flavor of Montreal.
Salut! Montreal, a bientot. (so long, Montreal, see you
later)
