Hi all,
If you would like to view a slideshow of my trip to Montreal Click here.

Yes, I ate the crepes with strawberries and icecream, it was so good.
But I did a lot of walking to make up for it :-)

Oh Ed!! Thank You!! Your photographs are stunning :great:

My desire to see Montreal just zoomed. Tell me about the festivale that you show here. How long was your stay?? Do you speak French?? or were the folks pretty helpful to the English speakers? My grandparents grew up in Ontario, and never had too many nice things to say about the 'Quebecers'. However, I've always wanted to see Montreal and Quebec City...like visiting Europe, but can visit in my car!!

Thanks, Ed.

What was that mardi gras type street happening thing? Or do they just all act that way as a matter of course in that city? (LOL!)

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Ahhh, thanks, Ed, that brought back good memories. I LOVE Montreal.
I spent a week there a few years ago, when they had their yearly comedy festival (The people of Montreal have festivals for everything, and enjoy them to the hilt).
I would tell anyone, if you want to have fun, go to Montreal. The people are terrific, the restaurants are wonderful, there is always something fun going on (they have a huge, beautiful casino in town), and everyone, once they realize you are from the States, is friendly and speaks English.
(Aside to Maggie: it's not a long drive, and SO much fun...you should check it out!)

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Trina

Vice-President of the Intergalactic Order of Brussels Sprouts Haters

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Trina- Glad that brought back good memories. I love Montreal too. Your right, that was the comedy steet festival called Just for Laughs It runs thru of the month of July. The Quebecers must love to party because the festival was rocking Monday night as much as it was on Saturday night. They had signs up for another month long festival for August. I agree with you, the people of Montreal are very nice even if you don't know a word of french. As soon as I said Bonjour they can tell I'm from the states and they would be kind enough to speak english to you. The only time someone did not speak much english was when we were out of the tourest area, but we managed to understand each other. The food was great. At one bistro I had truffle soup, an entree of duck confit and creme brulee for dessert that was out of this world. My friend called it a culinary orgasam.
The photos of the old city in on a rainy day turned out nice I thought. As the weather started to clear up my friend and I went to Notre-Dame (our Lady) Basilica. The photos from in there were taken without a flash or tripod so I was surprised that so many shots came out okay. (must have been a miracle). The Just for Laughs festival is in the Latin quarter on Rue Saint-Denis (St Dennis Street). The street goes on for what seems like miles of shops and restaurants. The last group of photos were from Parc du Mont-Royal. This park that over looks the city was created by Frederic Olmsted. New Yorkers (like Maggie) would know his work from his masterpiece called Central Park.
Fanny- Now that your desire for Montreal is sparked get out and go! It's not that far of a drive and the exchange rate is great. Bring your ATM card and Visa so it's easy. I don't speak french but now that I was there the francophone in me is trying to come out. I found these two web site that I've been learning to speak french with. the bbc and The Frenchpodcast Not only am I trying to improve my health I'm trying to broaden my horizons. Quebec is like France light. I'm still not ready for prime time Europe but I'm working on it.
I'll post photos when I get there.

A bientot (see you soon)
Ed

That is IT, exactly. I remember sitting at a sidewalk cafe early one morning, sipping a cafe a lait, hearing people around me speaking French, looking at the beautiful old buildings on the block, and thinking, "If I didn't know better, I would think I was in France."
Only, it was cheaper, friendlier, and I drove there.

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Trina

Vice-President of the Intergalactic Order of Brussels Sprouts Haters

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