Montreal

Montreal is a sprawling modern city of skyscrapers and apartments. It has been built on islands surrounded by  the St Laurence river and its tributaries. The oldest part of the city was originally walled but this has long disappeared. It has an underground transport system. All building and road works have to be completed during summer and the month on either side as winters are harsh. so at present it’s a mess!
Talking about underground, there is a whole other city underground complete with restaurants, clothes, groceries and services off Saint Catherine Street. People can catch the train ,shop, eat and go home without venturing out in the cold.This fountain is four stories below ground.

The east side of the city is mainly French speaking whereas the west part is more multicultural but English speaking is dominant. Houses vary but what looks like a single dwelling is probably two or more units. Montreal claims to have the most balconies on units but obviously haven’t been to Australia where a balcony is common. Low cost housing generally is recognised by an outside staircase as this allows more internal space.

You get more outside space the more upmarket the area. The inclusion of wooden details, is considered a Montreal characteristic.

Didn’t you learn lots….. and you know we couldn’t have walked around all these areas. A bus tour was the only way. Now do you remember that Montreal hosted a World Trade Fair, A world flower show and the olympics in the 1970’s. You do …….well I didn’t. To do this ….and the Underground Railroad was being extended, a small island grew by three quarters. It now boasts the stadium, swimming pools, exhibition and concert venues and the Formula 1 amongst other recreational activities. The obvious remains of the ‘big ‘ events of the 70’s are the biosphere and stadium.

Montreal like most cities has a fine collection of statues, murals parks and oddities. Here are a few. Murals:       Statues

These two statues are a spoof on the English/French rivalry . They are turning their noses up at buildings designed by either English or French.

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I learnt the difference between a Basilica and Cathedral. This is a Basilica because it has amazing decorations and age. A cathedral is a church used by the people.

Well I don’t know about you , but I think it’s time for a walk down through the city, past some tourists ( they are a bit stony), to that other city underground for dinner. Train to Toronto tomorrow so pack your bags ready for an earlyish start. p.S. I tested the s’mores donut today…marshmallow top, chocolate centre……interesting but a bit sweet.