Yeah!! We caught the bus then metro into Montreal city yesterday. The sun was shining and the temperature around 6 degrees. Having done the trip before we knew when to get off our bus, how to find the metro, and what line to catch where. We got off the metro at Place d’Armes, walked towards Rue Sainte-Sulpice with map in hand, and found the rather imposing Notre-Dame Basilica/Cathedral. Looked rather impressive from the outside but our jaws dropped when we went inside. We have never seen so much beautifully carved wood in one place, the walls were covered with huge paintings, stained glass everywhere, and the alter area was “magnifique”. The ceiling was huge and high with ornate stained glass skylights. There were separate areas or side alters along the walls for people to light candles and pray, and a glassed off prayer room for silent meditation. Not being Roman Catholics I’m sure we missed a lot of the significance of the many statues and artifacts etc. But we still enjoyed our time there – faith is faith regardless of doctrinal differences or tradition. While this cathedral was amazing we couldn’t help but to remember our favourite church in France. It was in the village of Canute, not far from the Loire River, in the western Loire Valley. It was quite large for a small village church – very old and made of beautiful white stone. The interior was set out in a similar style to the cathedral, but it’s simplicity was profound. It has always stayed with us.
We left the cathedral and walked around the Old Town area of Montreal. Still not a lot of people about. I imagine in the summer the many cafes and shops would be full – there would be a real buzz about the place. We found a French restaurant for lunch and it was great. Friendly waiters, very nice food, and a very nice red wine. Unfortunately not French but still enjoyable! I had to have my traditional duck and Reg went for the steak. Yum for us both! After lunch we were feeling a little weary – we’re not great tourists when it comes to long days – so we caught the metro back to our bus stop and headed home.
The snow is melting here big time. We are told that if the weather stays relatively warm it will be gone in a couple of weeks. The grass will slowly recover and we should see daffodils springing up. To be honest we haven’t been hanging out for the snow and cold weather to end – it has been such an experience for us. But, the locals are thinking a little differently. The warmer spring weather with its greenness and growth can’t come quick enough! There seems to be a lift in their spirits of late. More people out walking, smiles on their faces, no hats or scarves. Some even shedding their jackets! I guess it’s like the end of summer for us in Australia. Tired of living in an oven. Keen to put on our first second layer for the year. Dreaming of those hot chocolates by the fire in winter!
Bye again
Love Di and Reg
This entry was posted in Beaconsfield, Montreal, Canada, House Sits
U both looked content after eating a yummy lunch and a glass of the famous red stuff. Love Tarsh.
How true! How true! xx
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