Hot in Montreal
Our trip started in earnest this morning. After breakfast, we had a two hour lecture by History Professor Jim Manson. His two topics were (1) the French Empire in North America and the British Conquest and (2) how building the Canadian rail system was key to forming the country of Canada. He was an excellent lecturer. Then another local guide took us on a two-hour walking tour of the Old Town area including the Nortre Dame Bascillica (huge - seats 3500 with double balconies and elaborate wood carvings and Oh, Celine Dion was married there ) and the Bank of Montreal which is the oldest bank still operating in Montreal. Around 1 pm, we stopped at a cafe for lunch. Choice of spaghetti or chicken. Tiramisu for dessert. An option for the afternoon was a boat ride around the harbor. Before the St. Lawrence Seaway was completed in 1959, Montreal was the second largest seaport on the East Coast. It has since transitioned into a container seaport and they have worked at making the harbor into a fun, touristy place. One of the interesting sites along the harbor was the Habitat 67 designed by Moshe Safdis (sp) for the 1967 World’s Fair.. It was a design of cantilevered pre-made ‘boxes’, randomly arranged for affordable housing. A unit recently sold for $1.2 million. Good design and great location. When the ride ended, I voted for a taxi ride. Chuck —ever the cheerleader—encouraged me to buck up and walk UP to the hotel on the cobblestones and in the HOT and SUNNY weather. “I think I can, I think I can.” Eventually made it back but totally melted. Must stop and pack our bags for an early departure.
Our trip started in earnest this morning. After breakfast, we had a two hour lecture by History Professor Jim Manson. His two topics were (1) the French Empire in North America and the British Conquest and (2) how building the Canadian rail system was key to forming the country of Canada. He was an excellent lecturer. Then another local guide took us on a two-hour walking tour of the Old Town area including the Nortre Dame Bascillica (huge - seats 3500 with double balconies and elaborate wood carvings and Oh, Celine Dion was married there ) and the Bank of Montreal which is the oldest bank still operating in Montreal. Around 1 pm, we stopped at a cafe for lunch. Choice of spaghetti or chicken. Tiramisu for dessert. An option for the afternoon was a boat ride around the harbor. Before the St. Lawrence Seaway was completed in 1959, Montreal was the second largest seaport on the East Coast. It has since transitioned into a container seaport and they have worked at making the harbor into a fun, touristy place. One of the interesting sites along the harbor was the Habitat 67 designed by Moshe Safdis (sp) for the 1967 World’s Fair.. It was a design of cantilevered pre-made ‘boxes’, randomly arranged for affordable housing. A unit recently sold for $1.2 million. Good design and great location. When the ride ended, I voted for a taxi ride. Chuck —ever the cheerleader—encouraged me to buck up and walk UP to the hotel on the cobblestones and in the HOT and SUNNY weather. “I think I can, I think I can.” Eventually made it back but totally melted. Must stop and pack our bags for an early departure.
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