Accueillir à Montréal

As you may or may not be able to tell from the heading above (hopefully the translation is correct - it means - welcome to Montreal).

Kate, Kiwi (Michelle - another teacher on an ITF from Jack Donohue) and I decided very last minute (Friday night at T.G.I.F drinks) to head to Montreal Sat morning and stay overnight. We left around half 8 - ready for the 2 hour drive. Taking us a bit longer than that - due to bad driving conditions- snow fall made it difficult for part of the journey. A very warm day greeted us upon arrival (-18 degrees). We stayed at the Holiday Inn right in the heart of Montreal, not a bad place.......except for the tour that was staying with us....:( read below...

We headed out on foot and soon found ourselves travelling on the local rail to the BIODOME- an area with 5 or 6 different environments under the one roof - rainforest, ocean, antarctic, woodlands, forest etc. The real buzz for all 3 of us was seeing a Beaver in action above and below the water- and we thought we had unusual creatures in the Southern Hemisphere!!!

After concluding our tour of the Biodome we looked at the 1972 olympic site, which included the pool and the stadium (no tours....too cold and icy!)

We caught the train again back into the heart of the city and headed into Chinatown for a bite to eat.....a bustling little area of Montreal - the food was good, and the weather.....well that was interesting too....(see the video!!!)

Continuing to venture around the city, we headed to Old Montreal - to view the "French" side of town. Notre Dame church was there too! We had fun navigating our way around (thanks to the kind locals- they really do love Aussies.....ok ok ok....and kiwis too!!!) the cobble stone paths and to other areas.
The next stop was the most important.....to the local watering hole....where they brewed their own beer....wouldn't recommend drinking it....but have to try it for yourself!!! Watched Montreal lose the ice hockey he he he he....which was quite funny....not many happy locals!!

Heading back to the hotel for a few quiet ones - we hit the hay around midnight - then the fun started.....the tour group kicked into gear....finishing at 6am.....enough said!

An exciting city (we scored free breakfast for all of us and also half priced accommodation for our next visit to Montreal - thanks to the tour group :) = so bring on the COMEDY festival!!!

Today it was a bit chillier-but a gorgeous sunny day (-28 with wind chill - bit fresh) - and had a wonderful look at a park with a skating rink, toboggan ride, hot chocolates, horse pulled sled and a wonderful view of the city. Definitely heading back there again....