Travel With Betsy

….does it really need to be this complicated?

There are many things that I have learned to appreciate about small town living since relocating 10 years ago to the little coastal town in California that I now call home. I like the intimate feel of things that makes it easy to know your neighbors, the ease in which one can become involved in the community and the short distances to places of business that make running errands a morning activity rather than an all day affair. In addition, I have a wonderful group of friends that I love, a couple of colleges in my backyard that provide intellectual stimulation and culture, and beaches that are lovely and close by.  The weather is great.  And, I am right in the middle of wine country.

What’s not to like?

Generally, I feel very satisfied.

Satisfied, that is, until my wanderlust hits…which is pretty often…. and I feel the need for a travel adventure.

As I begin to negotiate the challenges of getting in and out….to go almost anywhere…..I wonder if I really am a small town gal. I’m beginning to think that I might be a city slicker in hiding. I’m almost at the end of my Mexico travel adventure and I’m still thinking about the convoluted schedule I took to get here and the complex path I will take to get back home.

I’m pooped!

One would think that getting somewhere in Mexico would be simple from a location in California. We are just north of Mexico after all. In fact, if you live in Los Angeles, San Diego, San Francisco or another of the bigger cities it actually is pretty easy. These airports typically offer nonstop flights and there are lots of them to choose from. And, they are usually reasonable priced.

Not so from my small town.

We have a small regional airport that can get you to a bigger city, but the cost of doing business in our small airport is quite high much of the time. Every now and then you can hit it just right and it turns out to be reasonably priced. But, it’s not the norm.

The other option we have is another airport about 30 minutes down the road. You can’t actually fly from there to any of the other major California airports. But, you can take a driving shuttle to Los Angeles, which gets you to the airport in about 3.5 hours. It’s often the best choice, but it’s complicated.  Nevertheless, this was the route I chose in order to get to my destination in Mexico.

The cost was good and the flight times were good…or so I thought.

When I booked my outbound fight for 1:30 in the afternoon and my inbound flight to get back to Los Angeles at 9:30 pm, I thought I could get the driving shuttle to and from Los Angeles at a reasonable time.

Nope!

My first problem was the outbound flight. In order to catch my 1:15 pm flight and have the required time for security, I would have to get the 5:30 am shuttle. This means that I would have to be up at 3:30 am to get myself moving and onboard the shuttle.

This was not happening!

Then, there is the return trip home. The shuttle company used to have runs leaving Los Angeles up until midnight.  Not any more. Now, the last shuttle leaves the airport at 9:30 pm making it impossible for me to get the last shuttle back.

So, my easy, short and inexpensive vacation has now become complicated, long and costly, as I now have to stay at a hotel near the Los Angeles airport on either side of my trip so that I can catch my flights and then the shuttle back to my small town.  When I calculated the total cost, it was more than it would have cost me to just leave from our small airport in the first place….which by the way was a ridiculous amount. And, now I am spending extra days.

As someone who travels a lot, I find this very frustrating.

It’s really no one’s fault. It’s just the way it works in a small town. Despite all of the good things that are easier to negotiate in a small town, one needs to be creative with many other things in order to achieve priorities. I have become very good at thinking outside the box on things like getting to Mexico from California. But, as I get older, I am becoming less flexible and less creative.

So, I am researching…..

Researching ways to make this easier for my next adventure.

Travel should not be this complicated.

Right?

Did you ever play that ball game as a kid that resembles soccer, but has the players on the ground in the position of crabs?   Their hands and feet are on the ground, but, they face upwards instead of towards the ground….looking like crabs scuttling along the ground chasing after a ball.  When I was a grade schooler, the gym teachers used this game as one of their primary activities.   I guess they thought it would help us with our coordination.   I can’t say that it did much for mine. But,  today I was reminded of my days in the grade school gymnasium…..scuttling along the ground…. playing the crab game……..

Here’s why…

I have been in Quebec since Thursday…..wandering the streets….having adventures…..dodging the cold…..etc…..etc……etc…….

Yesterday, I decided I needed to round out my Quebec experience a bit and take a small jaunt outside of the city proper. I wanted to see Montmorency Falls, touted to be the highest waterfall in Quebec and higher than Niagra Falls. What would a trip to Quebec be without viewing this local wonder?!

So, I went to the trusty tourist information station here in Quebec and learned that this attraction was not too far ….about 20 minutes…… and was easily accessible by public bus #800. I could buy a round trip ticket at the tobacco shop around the corner for about $5.00 and have myself a real adventure! The young man at the information station said that this is a very “efficient” way to get to the falls. It’s literally “fool proof”. There is one clearly marked bus. You take it to the end of the line, get off, walk around the corner, walk to the falls and that’s about it.

Easy enough! I excel at utilizing public transportation. It’s one of my best travel traits! So, this will be a breeze!

In anticipation of my trek, I donned my very fashionable cold weather gear this morning that now includes a pair of “Croc” boots and was on my way.

I will stop here to tell you that my Born boots, while very functional in a light powdered snow, did not do the trick on Friday of last week when we had a blizzard, and I needed to walk in an inch or 2 of  snow and then the remaining slush. In reality, while they were warm and waterproof (I think), they were not enough when faced with the challenges of some “real” winter elements. I walked all around town in them and realized that I was going to ruin them if I wore them for the whole week…..and, my feet would probably be cold and wet all of the time I was here……and, I would probably get sick. So, on Friday, my first day out in Quebec, I wandered all around town looking for a pair of boots that were warm and definitely waterproof (not, I think waterproof) made out of rubber that I could wear in the elements and that were a “bon marche” (cheap). The best I could do was a pair of “Crocs”, which were on sale, had the requisite warm looking faux fur lining that one sees everywhere here, and a rubbery sole that grips the ice.

Here’s “la toute ensemble..”

I like them.

And, I was glad I had them today.

This morning I made my way to the bus and got on. It was right there waiting for me. No problem. I did notice, though, on my walk to the bus stop that this was probably going to be one cold day…..probably one of the coldest I have had so far, so maybe not the best day for viewing the falls. But, I was on my way.

Bonne chance….(good luck!)

I was happily riding along when the bus stopped at the terminus, which I thought was the end of the line. I got off the bus…had no idea where I was….and went into a nearby gas station to ask about how to get to the falls. He said,

“But, you must get on the #800 bus and go to the end of the line. The bus is right there at the stop.”

It was the one I just got off……

Oh boy…….

So, I went back to the bus and, “en français”, asked the driver if I could get back on. He was happy to let me do this, as he knew I had gotten off too quickly.

You’d think he would say something.  But, no…..

We all had a good laugh……all of us on the bus, I mean. It was full…..

There were 2 ladies that were sitting near me and one looked at me and said “en français”,

“Are you practicing your French?”

I of course said, “Pardon”, because I had no idea what she was asking me. My aging brain, the speed of the speech and the element of surprise is not a good combination for me, making my ability to comprehend impossible.

So, she repeated this in English. I said I was, indeed, practicing my French and we then had a good conversation in our best “Franglish”, which was just delightful. I learned her story and she learned mine. By the time we were done, I knew the stories of everyone on the bus.

Finally, we landed at the end of the bus line. The bus driver was now very helpful in letting me know that I needed to get off……. and pointed me in the direction of the falls.

“Merci”….

I walked a bit in the cold and still couldn’t see where the entrance to the falls was. So, I spied a small tourist snack bar…..

…..and went inside to get directions. The woman pointed the direction and, en francais, said that it was 2 minutes walking and that she didn’t know why people want to go there in the winter. There’s nothing to see and it’s too cold.

At least that’s what I think she said….I’m pretty sure……

Nevertheless, I headed out. It seems that the falls are really not open in the winter, so in order to view them, one needs to walk through the barrier saying “No entrance” in order to get in. It was easy.   I did it, along with about 6 other people.

No problem.

But, the road to get there was quite treacherous.

Even with the new “Croc” boots, I was slipping and sliding. And, it was darn cold. I fished my scarf out from under the top of my jacket and wrapped some of it around my face and nose to protect myself from getting frostbite. It was then I discovered that my nose had been running because of the cold and snot had dripped down my face and  had frozen there. I never felt it. Now it was melting on my scarf…

Oh well.

After awhile, I didn’t care. There was frozen snot on everyone’s face today….nobody cared……

I walked forward and down a few sets of stairs

into an open-air pavilion to view the falls. They were truly spectacular….and, somehow beautifully warming with the movement of the water as it descended to the depths below.

I got some pictures….

…..and stood there for as long as I could take the cold and ascended the stairs to go back. It was really worth the effort. I’m glad I saw it. And, I’m glad I didn’t freeze to death.

I walked along back to the entrance where I came in. I looked over to the right and saw that there was a ziplining course, which was, of course, closed now. But, there was an accessible path. Maybe I could get a better view from there. I was feeling pretty cocky and a little bit warm, so I began to make my way up the very tiny grade that led to the zipline. Someone had applied some sand for traction.

Great!

But, midway up the tiny grade, I began to slip and lowered myself to the ground so that I wouldn’t fall and hurt myself. As I did that, I realized I was trapped. I could stand up, which I did. But, I realized that if I could make it all the way up the grade, I most certainly would not make it back down. I might not be able to make it back down from where I was. So, I stood there, midway, and evaluated my options.

For some reason, as I was contemplating my dilemma, the crab game came back to me. I decided that I could get myself into the “crab” position and use the soles of my “Croc” boots like a sled and, with the help of my gloved hands, glide myself back to the bottom.

So, that’s what I did.

I slid myself to the bottom through the ice and traction sand in my fancy “shearling” jacket, matching hat, silk lined leather gloves and “Croc” boots…..

….a sight to behold……

But, I made it with my accoutrements in tact, with just a little bit of sand on my gloves and pants, which I was able to wipe off. No broken bones, twists or bruises.

Whew!

After all that excitement, I, of course, had to pee. And, I was cold. So, I decided to go back to the snack bar, use the facilities and get a hot chocolate. The woman who had given me directions recognized me….I was the only one there……both times.

She wondered how it was, to which I responded, “I saw it. I am done.”

“Très bien,” she said.

Très bien, indeed.

The last bit of this adventure came when I went down the 2 flights of stairs to use the “toilette” at the snack bar. I couldn’t find the light switch for the ladies room. I am fairly blind in the dark. But I had my trusty iPhone with me that had a flashlight on it.

Voila!

Or not.

The phone was too cold to activate the flashlight. So, I used the men’s room, whose light was shining brightly. It wasn’t as tidy as the ladies room.  Never is……

I didn’t care.

I am back at my hotel now writing this post and thinking about dinner. I am also sipping at a bottle of local wine I bought at the “Farmer’s Market” here yesterday. It’s gamay and some other grape that I am not familiar with.

It’s not bad……it’s not good, either.

But, it is wine.

Enough said……..

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………..