April 13, 2016

Montreal

By Joe

  
In July, my mom is bringing my eight year old niece up to visit me. One of the things we wanted to do was to drive up to Montreal for the day. None of us have ever been to Canada and I’d love to be able to take my niece somewhere and let her see something new. I know that I have several people who read this blog that live in Montreal, and I’d like their advice. We will only really be in Montreal for the afternoon and I’d love any suggestions on a place to eat lunch and things we should see.
In other news, finally my dental appointment is today. I don’t think I’ve ever been so ready for a tooth to be fixed. I hate going to the dentist, but I’m tired of the pain and being careful what and how I eat. So, as much discomfort as I feel going to the dentist, I’m glad it will soon be taken care of. 

About Joe

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I began my life in the South and for five years lived as a closeted teacher, but am now making a new life for myself as an oral historian in New England. I think my life will work out the way it was always meant to be. That doesn't mean there won't be ups and downs; that's all part of life. It means I just have to be patient. I feel like October 7, 2015 is my new birthday. It's a beginning filled with great hope. It's a second chance to live my life…not anyone else's. My profile picture is "David and Me," 2001 painting by artist Steve Walker. It happens to be one of my favorite modern gay art pieces. View all posts by Joe
This entry was posted on Wednesday, April 13th, 2016 at 7:00 am and posted in Health, Travel. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.

7 responses to “Montreal”

  • Finistere's avatar Finistere
    April 13th, 2016 at 8:29 am

    Go to Quebec City instead of Montreal (it’s only a couple hours’ drive on interstate-like highways along the St. Lawrence River Valley, which in itself is extraordinarily beautiful). Quebec City is a helluva lot more picturesque than Montreal and would be much more impressive to an eight-year-old girl from the Southland.
    That said, Montreal is the first foreign city I visited as a child (55 years ago…jeez). Mount Royal Park was very beautiful back then and I expect it’s still beautiful today — I wonder if they have pony rides for hire. One sight I remember from yesteryear was a sign in drugstore window “Pregnancy test $5.” One didn’t see something like that in any Connecticut city back then. There are probably more good restaurants in one square mile of Montreal than any American city I’m familiar with.

    Reply
  • Jean Thivierge's avatar Jean Thivierge
    April 13th, 2016 at 12:35 pm

    Hi, I have lived in Montreal for 40years (I’m from Brooklyn.) What day would you be coming up? For on Mondays many restaurants and museums are closed.

    The Notre Dame cathedral in Old Montreal is a must! The inside is made entirely of wood and is breathtaking.
    Going to Mount Royal gives one a great view of the city and on a clear day you can see as far as Vermont.
    If you do not come on a Monday there is a neighbourhood restaurant called Ty-Breiz (Breton) that serves authentic crepes as they do in Brittany.
    The botanic gardens have very extensive green houses.
    The Museum of Fine arts has a great collection of art.

    There is also the Little Italy neighbourhood with many restaurants.

    What could be fun for your neice is to take a boat ride around the St-Laurence from Old Montreal.
    Feel free to e-mail me.

    Reply
  • Jean Thivierge's avatar Jean Thivierge
    April 13th, 2016 at 12:43 pm

    I forgot to add that there are horse drawn caleches that take you around Old Montreal.

    Reply
  • Michael's avatar Michael
    April 13th, 2016 at 3:22 pm

    You must spend the day enjoying the old city. It has so much to offer for everyone, from history, art, to great food. You should take the cathedral bus tour. It takes you to all of the major churches, the architecture is so wonderful. Don’t worry if you do not speak French as it is a very diverse city. I have never had a problem. Most signs are bilingual, restaurant menus etc. The people are wonderful. Hope you enjoy you visit to Canada. And all the rest of the places mentioned above .

    Reply
  • Jean Thivierge's avatar Jean Thivierge
    April 14th, 2016 at 2:47 pm

    I also wanted to add that you need a passport to go to Canada from the U.S.

    Reply

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