I have been wondering…….about wandering…….
What makes a person like me want to wander? I have wondered about this for quite some time, but have been wondering about it even more over the last few months. What my wandering mind has come up with is that I generate a lot of positive energy by wandering among things that are unfamiliar. I learn things about places, people and things….and myself…..in a way that is not possible when engaged in my regular day to day routine. I find interesting and sometimes crazy possibilities and often wonderful experiences like this impromptu Christmas concert……
….just by chance……when I am wandering. And, because of the challenges that sometimes arise while wandering and the need to make decisions, I always come home filled with a renewed sense of my capable self.
Or………I wonder if it’s just fun? Right…..there’s that……
I wonder what the answer is? I wonder if it really matters? I bet you are wondering if I could just get on with my story?! Ha!
Here are some things I have learned about Montreal in my week of wandering.
Places…..
In my time here, I have connected with the diversity of Montreal in the pockets of culture I have found here.
First, there is the “Vieux Port” (old port) area where I am staying. The architecture and the setting along the Saint Laurent River is a reflection of the rich history of the city. The river was the life-blood of the city at one time. The building of the hotel where I am staying was used as a warehouse for a leather goods company and was even a repository for the Canadian army at one time. The history is visible in the exposed brick and rough stone walls of the guest rooms. The hotel is beautiful and the area is lovely and central to everything one could want.
This part of town is also touristy. C’est la vie.
Having said that, I have found some parts of “Vieux Montreal” that are not as touristy, which I have enjoyed. I have viewed lots of galleries of all types and upscale shops here. And, some murals around town that I thought were quite well done!
I also popped into a hotel, as recommended by my friend, Christine, that has some pretty “cool” art. Great suggestion!
Then, there is Chinatown in the middle of the city, set apart by four arched pagoda-like structures on each side that give one the sense of a large square boundary around the elements of China town.
The colorful signs and Asian symbols identifying the shops and restaurants that mark the Chinese-Canadian culture are nestled together inside this makeshift boundary in a cacophony of color.
The Mile-End section of Montreal shows a Jewish presence through its people, food and shops. I was told that it was one of the “up and coming” areas for young professionals. It was a cool area that exuded excitement.
When I visited “Little Italy”, I saw the red, green and white flags of the Italian culture.
The restaurants and grocery stores displayed the foods that made me think I may have been visiting a small town in Italy rather than a small section of Montreal.
Then, of course, there is the “grown up” business section of Montreal where things hustle and bustle.
McGill College and the other colleges and universities add an intellectual element and an air of the arts.
People…….
I met these young folks
who were working in a shop down the block from my hotel where I enjoyed a croissant and a latte one morning. I was the only one there. The owner and his engaging staff, drew me in with their stories. As I had my latte, we chatted on and I learned about their lives. I also learned that the owner’s daughter also writes a travel blog. I reached out to her and have now communicated with her on some ideas for things to do in Montreal and some places to eat. Fun!
I met these bundled up kiddos at the Christmas parade. I missed the parade. Montreal is not a well-oiled machine on these types of events. And, it was a cold day. But, it was still fun!
These folks were also there. Not quite as bundled up. I wanted to give them my coat!
This helpful and friendly shopkeeper
helped me to stay warm today when I was walking. It was one of the colder days here. She gave me a thorough run-down of all the things she likes to do in Montreal. And, she sold me some over the knee socks,
another of my very questionable fashionable strategies for staying warm. She says I can wear these over my leggings or under my wider legged jeans. I have already tried them with my jeans. Not so sure about my leggings….will keep you posted on that fashion statement. I am beginning to think, though, that I may need to increase my cache of warm socks when I get to Quebec. We’ll see.
Things…..
I visited the Museum of Modern Art and spent one whole afternoon learning about the poetry, music, and philosophy of Leonard Cohen,
a Montreal native, who was being remembered in a special exposition there. I was not that familiar with his life or his works……not sure how I missed that. Oh well! My time spent immersed in his art was a moving experience, which I will share with you in another post.
And, there is the food. I have had the local French cuisine, in which I am including some of the best chocolate croissants
I have ever had….including in France. But, I have also had Italian food, Canadian food and an absolutely outstanding meal in a Polish restaurant,
that also provided entertainment in the way of live, light piano music. It was delightful!
And of course there is the music. I attended a concert of Bach and Mozart at the “Place des Arts” that included a pre-concert treat of a mini organ concert…..always my favorite!
Myself……
I have summoned up the courage to practice my French while in Montreal, and I realize that I haven’t forgotten everything I have learned. The language has been sleeping in the depths of my brain. I have somewhat effortlessly pried much of what I have learned over the last few years out of my aging brain in order to communicate in French. And, I have gotten some compliments, much to my surprise. I’m still working on the comprehension part. The words come out of people’s mouths like flashes of lightening. It’s difficult to keep up. But, I’m getting some of it. I understand that I will get much more practice in Quebec City. They like it when people speak French…or try, as in my case. In Montreal, people like to practice their English.
I’m doing what I do best, engaging with people and learning. I’m not sure yet what I will do with this. But, I’m building some momentum towards….something.
So, to my question about wondering…….and wandering……
I don’t think the why matters, just the actual wandering part…..
So, I don’t think I am going to wonder about wandering anymore.
I’m just going to keep wandering…..and wandering……..and wandering………..
Travel With Betsy 
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