Thursday 29th November
The snow had fallen some more
overnight and was enticing us to experience that “crunch underfoot” feeling
which we remembered from a few years back in England. The morning was crisp and clear without any
wind, and although the temperature was well below zero, we were snuggly and
warm wearing our appropriate clothing.
We had designated the morning to be a relaxing one with a walk, a trip
to a supermarket and a general stroll around the Cote de Nages which is a long
route out of the city and close to where we are staying.
We did notice how inexpensive the salmon was and were green with envy for the Canadians who could buy it at this price
Heidi and Francis invited us for a drive so they could show us some of the “out of the tourist trap” sights. We took a very busy expressway through the industrial centre of Montreal before coming to a village situated on the banks of the St. Laurence River.
The river had frozen edges, with the ice forming
little mounds between the shore and the freezing water. A working windmill was situated adjacent to
an old convent and further along a beautiful church stood regally overlooking
the water.
Francis told us that in the early days of settlement a church was always built close to the water and that the St. Lawrence River has them dotted all along the shore. We called into a Fair Trade shop known as “Ten Thousand Villages” in which I was able to purchase some beautiful Christmas tree ornaments.
They will be an annual reminder of our day out with special friends.
A beautiful mural adorned the entire length of the Italian grocery store, so we took a few photos and admired the story it told - from settlement to present day. A “typical” house was shown to us – it had a sloping overhang which allowed the snow to fall on the road, rather on passing pedestrians.
After a hot chocolate we took the coastal route back toward home, but on the way passed by many houses in Westmont a rather exclusive and “moneyed” suburb located just behind the Oratory. We stopped at a lookout to soak up the view of Montreal by night. There was something quite magical and romantic in standing outside at 4.30pm in the darkness looking over a city bathed in beautifully lit colours – another moment to cherish.
We did notice how inexpensive the salmon was and were green with envy for the Canadians who could buy it at this price
Heidi and Francis invited us for a drive so they could show us some of the “out of the tourist trap” sights. We took a very busy expressway through the industrial centre of Montreal before coming to a village situated on the banks of the St. Laurence River.
Francis told us that in the early days of settlement a church was always built close to the water and that the St. Lawrence River has them dotted all along the shore. We called into a Fair Trade shop known as “Ten Thousand Villages” in which I was able to purchase some beautiful Christmas tree ornaments.
They will be an annual reminder of our day out with special friends.
A beautiful mural adorned the entire length of the Italian grocery store, so we took a few photos and admired the story it told - from settlement to present day. A “typical” house was shown to us – it had a sloping overhang which allowed the snow to fall on the road, rather on passing pedestrians.
After a hot chocolate we took the coastal route back toward home, but on the way passed by many houses in Westmont a rather exclusive and “moneyed” suburb located just behind the Oratory. We stopped at a lookout to soak up the view of Montreal by night. There was something quite magical and romantic in standing outside at 4.30pm in the darkness looking over a city bathed in beautifully lit colours – another moment to cherish.
