Saturday 24 August 2013

Friday/Vendredi, August 23rd

It looks like the jet-lag is over as I was up at 6 am and Joe at 7am...4 days to adjust to a 12 hour time difference seems quite good to me.
We had a big brekkie and then set off for what is called Old Montreal, down by the docks. Joe's feet are blistered and very sore and I was in fear of my ankles swelling up again but we set off gamely....I had cabin fever ;)

There are several houses in this old area dating back to the 1750s which is nothing by European standards but would be unheard of in Australia....anyway here's a few pics...




this was where the early markets were held though I'm sure there were many simpler markets around than this fabulous building, it now houses some very up-market boutiques...no need for us to go in there but can you see what looks like tiny fences along the edges of the flat roofs? They're to stop heavy snow from sliding off the roof and onto people below...


the house and carriage or caleche is very popular in both Montreal and Quebec City...


there are a million places to buy poutine in Canada but we were tempted into this one in Rue St Paul by the promise of a lovely terrace out the back..it was indeed very appealing and the poutine with smoked meat that we shared was very good...it's hot chips, gravy, curd cheese with slices of smoked beef, Jewish style, on top and the dish below looks far bigger than it actually was('onest)...




the statue of Admiral Lord Nelson that British Canadians were quick to erect after winning the Napoleonic Wars...the beautiful copper clad roof of the municiple building must have been cleaned recently...


floral displays are very popular in this country of long, white winters...



Now this was a sad mystery, as we walked past it was obvious the building was empty and many of the windows were boarded up...google showed it to be the Gare Viger or Viger Railway Station, built by the Canadian Pacific Railway at the end of the 19th century, it has been vacant since at least 2006 and awaiting re-development of some sort... the tiles on the roof are green and the red bricks came from Scotland...

last but not least, like several other major cities world-wide, Montreal has a rent-a-bike system...pay for a week or a day etc, pick up a bike in one location and leave it at another, a great way to get around and leave the car at home!


Goodness I feel tired just re-living our walk.

I'd like to send my condolences to a dear lady in the US named, Hedy King, who has been following Priscilla's blog and praying for her and supporting us all. Hedy's beloved husband, Steve, was also battling cancer but passed away last week, we are sending our love and support right back to you now, xxx Stay strong and know you're not alone.

Love to every-one back in Oz,
Sue



5 comments:

  1. think it's the first time I've read your blog, - had to to see what you're doing lol
    love those buildings
    have a great time

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  2. I enjoyed your walk with you. Goodness, that is some railway station. I hope it get developed soon so that it doesnt waste away. That meals looks um... tasty!

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  3. Beautiful photos Sue, looks like you're having a great time.

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  4. Lovely trip! Those buildings are indeed grand! I do hope that that the railway station building will be re-used someday. It is so beautiful, looks like a magnificent castle.
    The food looks so good! Have a good week!

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