Montreal adventures

This winter and spring have been an exciting time of traveling and exploring for me. When I moved to Toronto, I decided that I would not only explore the city itself, but also use it as a platform to travel other places. It's certainly cheaper and more direct than flying from Saskatoon!

This winter I was lucky enough to go to Montreal twice! The first time I found a $12 flight and jumped at the chance to go and meet up with my friend Lise and her fiancé Erik. I enjoyed touring the Olympic stadium and meeting the animals in the Biodome!

Montreal has so much character. I enjoyed walking around the city, particularly Old Montreal, checking out the old buildings and alleyways. Notre Dame cathedral is a definite favourite. It holds a special place in my heart ever since I had the opportunity to sing from the choir loft with Chorale Saint-Jean on our tour around Quebec in 2005. The acoustic and artistic beauty of the place can bring you to tears! I also had the privilege of checking out another beautiful basilica and attending a Good Friday mass in Montreal. The funniest part of my trip was visiting Chinatown. I couldn't get over the Chinese people speaking French!

A few weeks later I was back in Montreal again for the Montreal Salsa Congress. Gotta love seat sales! This time I had the opportunity to hike up Mont Royal, the mountain that gave the city it's name. Once at the top (La croix), it offers an amazing view of the city. It was an interesting hike because the snow had melted at ground level already, but Mont Royal was still covered in melting snow! I got to eat crêpes, a MUST in a french-speaking place! The congress was amazing. There were live bands and dancing each night. There were people there from all over the world: New York, Bahamas, etc. It was great to dance with new people and learn new styles. There were workshops offered all day Saturday with salsa legends from various places. What a great learning experience. . . and a TON of fun! I was having so much fun that I didn't take any pictures! Oops! :) Plus, dancing with a camera is not the most practical thing!

Montreal was a blast. I will definitely try to get back there for the congress next year. This year is also the 400th anniversary of Québec City, so if you get the chance, head out there! You won't regret it! It's an area oozing with history, art and culture.