The snow has arrived at the farmette…just a skiff today, but more in the forecast. Luckily we have pretty much battened down the hatches and are ready for the onslaught.
Our ladies’ trip to Montreal was fantastic last weekend. Brainchild of my sister who regularly goes there on business trips. She thought we all needed some time away. Boy was she right. A glorious time was had by all with too much really scrumptious food, too much fine wine, and great conversations with people who are smart, funny and, best of all, up for an adventure.
I had never been to the big M. I somehow bypassed it several times on my way to Quebec City and other eastern Canada destinations. Well, I found out what I was missing. Just the most interesting European city in North America, that’s all!
It’s telling that, while the rest of the country will be celebrating its 150th anniversary, there were banners all over the place in Montreal for its 375th.
The buildings tell the tale. No more so than Notre Dame Basilica - which was a short walk from the Auberge du Vieux Port, which is where we were staying.
Entering the basilica makes you think you’ve been transported across the Atlantic to another time and place. Ornate and detailed just don’t describe it with any justice.
The intricacies of the architecture, the richness of the stained glass windows, and even the fact that every pew was decorated with a different head carving, show the care the artisans took with the cathedral.
Sandy really hit the nail on the head by booking our hotel. Right in the heart of old Montreal, it was a great spot from which to explore.
There is art everywhere - at least where we were staying in the the old port area. This sculpture was just a couple of blocks from the hotel we stayed in. I insisted on taking the picture - and after not-too-much cajoling, Leanne, Sandy and Karen obliged.
The shopping is spectacular - and we spent pretty much all day Saturday winding in and out of the terrific clothing stores along the famous St. Catherine Street. Got myself a few fancy duds that I’d never find in Grey County, let alone Durham - much as I love my home town. After getting home, all of us were pretty wiped and feeling a bit giddy - especially my goofy sister, who proceeded to get us all on her king-sized bed for a group selfie. These females look like they’re pretty happy, eh? And this is BEFORE we cracked open the wine.
We spent Sunday walking to and shopping at the Atwater Market - which opened in 1933. It’s a true, old-fashioned farmer's market with produce, cheese, meat, and baked goods - lots and lots of baked goods. I indulged by getting a half-dozen REAL croissants and Sandy got a wide selection of wonderful cheeses. YUM.
The Montreal trip was a real refresher. But I was also extremely happy to come home to snuggle with my four-footed and two-footed family.