Our Last Day In Montreal

After a late start this morning, we were up and out and around Old Montreal.  We decided after a brunch of fish and chips (Bret's choice, not mine) to rent some bikes to trail around the waterfront.  Trent loved it; Grace loved it, and Bret and I endured it.  Grant, poor Grant, just couldn't get the hang of having a bike with multiple gears and hand only brakes.  But, we muddled through and had a fun time.

We stopped for ice cream and some quick shopping on the way to Notre Dame, but to be honest, by the time we got there, we had a pretty cranky toddler on our hands.  We had planned on going back all week, but when the time came, we couldn't quite it figured out.  We opted for some final swim time, which I am sure the kids would have preferred anyway.

For dinner, we hopped on the Metro and headed out to some Italian restaurant farther out in the city.  It was great... and it was fun to watch Trent ride "Thomas" as he called the train and the older kids learn some Metro etiquette and some new navigation skills. Even with the language barrier, Grant was able to navigate our stops for us, which was great.

We are in the car for most of the day tomorrow with a big day in Hershey, PA on Friday.  More to come!

Another Day, Another Blister (or two!)

This morning was yet again another gorgeous day!  The weather here has been absolutely and unseasonably fantastic.  We start off with sweatshirts until about 10 am, and today, we all would have been in shorts if we could have been!

The day started with a visit to the one of the highest rated French bakeries in the city.  Simply put: to die for good!

Then, it was off by car to the Biodome, Insectarium and Botantical Gardens.  The Biodome is in an old Olympic venue, and it has been converted to a sort of an indoor animal exhibit based on a variety of climate factors.   The Insectarium speaks for itself, and the Botantical Gardens, while beautiful, proved to be a highlight solely for it having a playground!  Bret slept on two different park benches (not creepy at all), and Grant and Grace made a little French speaking friend, proving once again that language isn't a barrier to seven year olds!

We tried Candian fast food for lunch.  Let's just say that Chic Fil A and Zaxby's have nothing to worry about if this place comes into town.

Then, on the way back to the hotel, we all fell asleep.  Bret took that to mean "let's go explore this mountain village an hour away."  But, in the end, we had a great time walking around the shops, looking at the fall colors (no, really, I have NEVER seem leaves like this!), and checking out both an ice cream shop (complete with French cartoons) and a chocolate shop.

After a stop in Montreal suburbia for new tennis shoes for Grace and some Lebanese food, we were in for the night.  

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Tomorrow: a lazy day around Old Montreal, Notre Dame, and maybe a bike ride down along the river!

Day Two--aching feet

This morning, we were up early and out on a beautiful Candian Thanksgiving morning.  We headed out of downtown to venture to a world-class farmers' market, and in doing so, left the tourist bubble of old Montreal behind.  In doing so, we also left the comfort of English speakers... which meant ordering breakfast without help or the ability to speak French.

We ended up with a plate of bacon, a side of yogurt, a huge fruit crepe, and two plates of eggs, potatoes, and blueberry crepes.  A total winner!

Then, it was off to the Jean-Talon food market.  This is my favorite type of experience in a big city... a local experience that is replete with the outdoors, great food, amazing things at which to look and gorgeous weather.  The market did not disappoint.  We perused the aisles and finding loads of fun items.  Grant found a new type of apple that was engineered and grown here in Ontario.  Grace scored flowers from the flower vendors (and wore the lavender in her hair all day), and Trent ran and ran and ran.  It was veritable cornucopia of smells, sights and sounds.  Perfect.   This market was HUGE, and many of the farmers' markets here are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  Amazing.

Peppers

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Grant's new favorite apple (which you only have to go to a different country to get!)

Cookies!  

Lobsters!

Homemade popsicles

Runaway!

Then, it was off to Mount Royal park for some views of the city. 

Then, after a short nap, we were off again to another part of the city... on foot.  Bret was after smoked meats.  Yes, that's right.  We traipsed all over (like BLISTERS all over) for smoked meats.

My instruction for this pic: Don't smile!  Ha!

Then, it was back to our favorite Chinese bakery (because that meal wasn't enough) for Bubble Tea, hot buns, beignets.

Trent was so tired that he used the ground as a rest space.  He probably walked two miles on those little legs!  But, it is 11pm... and the kid is still awake.  Tomorrow four miles!

Afterwards, it was back to the hotel for some swimming.  Trent and I went downstairs to watch the kids from the lobby (glass bottom pool four stories before the lobby), and in passing, mentioned to the one of the front desk attendants that I needed an envelope because my son had unexpectedly lost a tooth.   Right before bed, there was a knock at the door, and room service had this for Grant: cookies and chocolate milk and a certificate from the tooth fairy complete with a Toonie.  Grant declared the Westin in Montreal the greatest hotel ever!!

Tomorrow... the Biodome, Botantical Gardens and Insectarium!!!