Friday June 17, 2022

Montreal

After all the rain yesterday we woke up to a blue sky morning.  We were able to wear shorts today for only the second time since we left home.  We met Brad's sister Gail and her friend Debbie at 10, went for crepes, and walked around the old town together.

After a quick snack and glass of wine to tide us over, it was time for our walking tour from 2 – 5 pm with Robbie, who was amazing.  We learned too much to write here about Montreal history and architecture, so I will let my photos do the talking.

Maisonneuve, the founder of Montreal in 1642.

Inside the old Bank of Montreal building.

A fun satirical sculpture of a stereotypical French woman.  She is facing away from another statue across the square of a typical Englishman holding a pug.  The dogs want to play with each other while the people turn up their noses at each other.  It is a commentary on the relationship between the French and the English - they may not always agree, but they find a way to get along.

Detail on Notre Dame Basilica.

Molson's had a bank - the building still stands.

Beautiful detail on the building before it was CIBC.

This was a street that has been completely glassed in between the buildings.  It keeps the workers warm and dry in the winter.  The light grey brick on the ground with the darker brick on either side shows where the old city wall used to be.

Another old bank building, I forget which bank.  Montreal was the banking centre of Canada before Toronto took over.  The space up the stairs at the back has been converted into a cooperative café with meeting rooms available to use.  They have kept the original décor, right down to the teller's wickets and the beautiful tables and lamps that you used to fill out your deposit slips on.

Another beautiful building.

Old fire hall.

Robbie took us up to the top of the museum, where there is a grand view of the old town and the waterfront.

A museum, followed by a photo of the plaque showing who has occupied the building since 1705.  The museum has been the occupant since 1895.

Colourful street.

We went for drinks with Sonya, Lisa and Glen, then we all ate great quantities of Japanese food.  In case I haven't said, Sonya is from New York City and Lisa & Glen are from San Diego.  We are all on the train to Halifax together, and have been gradually hanging out more as the trip progresses.