Hello friends of Hive. I would like to share with you a walk through my city. Montreal is a place I've lived for more than a decade, but I rarely leave my area.
This is my contribution to #wednesdaywalk hosted by @tattoodjay.
On my and Marc's day off, although tired, I convinced him to go to the Old Port also known as old Montreal. I like to stroll through the area once or twice in summer.
We used to work in a restaurant there for five years. We took it for granted and didn't understand what the tourists are experiencing. In fact we developed a bit of a hatred for them. They would be the cause of our suffering at work. I know, I know, they also were the way we could pay our rent.
I wanted to understand and see through the eyes of visitors what they may feel.We took a stroll to the old neighbourhood where we worked.
I love the historical look of the buildings.
Marc carried a backpack through the crowded streets. I had a camera. We most definitely looked like tourists. In fact we would look like the backpacking kind. All we had inside the backpack were chairs for our rest stop destination.
We walked by the restaurant where we used to work. The Keg steakhouse, pictured below, is like a line cook's military training. If you survive this , you can survive anything.
As we walk by we can still feel the trauma of those days, when we prayed to the heavens,, before the shift to get us through the night. Perhaps things are different now.
The men with the dogs in the photo below, were on the same bench a year ago.
Can you spot the second dog?
We decided on a rest stop by the dock. Marc deploys our little compact camping chairs.
I noticed that we were not the only ones having a little picnic in that park. It was a perfect day with 30C temperature, but not too humid. That is my kind of weather. It makes me a little sad that the winter will be back soon.
As we sat we noticed several young people jogging. It is not something I would do, but I pretty much jog at work non stop for hours.
We were feeling pretty smug as we sat in our chairs, while others sat on the grass. We used to do that too but why not sit in a chair if possible. They were the best online purchase this summer.
After our rest stop we continued to walk. We noticed a whole long lane of food truck vendors.
I am sure it was not vegan friendly. I am sure it was also not the healthiest stuff to eat. But I can see how tourists and visitors may want to live a little and indulge.
There was a picnic table with so many youths crowded together eating and talking. I would have never enjoyed such a thing. I don't like anyone that much.
It's been a couple of years since Marc and I rode the ferris wheel. It was also the only time. The price was outrages but I guess it was worth it to see the view from the top just once. Now we can say, "been there done that".
There was a view in the distance of a building called Marche Bonsecours. It was built in the 1800's and now contains boutiques that sell things I have no interest in. I imagine that tourists find it interesting. What else is there to do if you're a tourist? Shop, eat and convince yourself that you're having a good time.
For years the Cirque du Soleil, has had it's show in the tent here at the Port. I have no desire to see it, but I'm sure it would be a fun show if you are into that stuff.
It's supposed to be a circus with no animals, so that's good. I don't want animals to be used for entertainment.
We turned around and decided to head toward home by way of the main square. This is where the old historical marketplace used to be. Horses and wagons would be driven here with the merchants wares and produce.
The market existed from the 1800's to the mid 19oo's. I only know it as a touristy street full of bistros and restaurants.
Marc and I have dined in a few of these places over the last 20 years. Nothing was memorable as far as the taste experience went. Our last time dining in one of these places, it took quite a bit of money from our wallets, for something that was less the mediocre. Perhaps if we ate meat we would get something with more love put into it.
In the past there were more vendors and entertainers on the street. This balloon seller seemed to be a little bored and not very enthused. With a frown on his face and a cigarette in one hand, he was not the most approachable guy.
I think I could have sold all of his balloons for him.
We past by the other end of Rue St Paul, the old work street. The street was packed with people all the way through.
I noticed an older couple playing music. It was really quite charming and super cute. They probably did better than balloon man.
I made Marc give them all the change in his pocket. In our neighbourhood the folks ask us for change. When we give it to them they ask for more. At least these people were entertaining us.
As we walked through the square I noticed that balloon man made a sale. How can you say no to the child.
In the past this lane or alley would be lined with vendors selling their art. Some would be painting it right there.
It was a thing that made this remind me of Paris, where I've never been, except for the airport.
Now it's just a walkway that leads to other restaurants in the nooks around the corner.
We headed back to the square toward the end of the street. There is one overpriced restaurant after the other, seducing tourists and locals into spilling the contents of their wallet, to be wined and dined.
I thought it looked like a good time, but I know in the end we would be disappointed.
Toward the end of the square is a little shack that has been here as long as I can remember. They provide smoothies and juice.
Closer to the end of the square we see city hall. It was built in the 1800's. I find it beautiful and a little creepy at the same time. Is that weird?
One of the few buskers, entertains the people dining and sitting around him. In the past there were several more buskers competing for some change.
We got to end of the square and crossed the road. Soon we would head home passing by a fountain that always brings back memories.
When we first moved to Montreal the first time, we moved here twice, we ended a walk in this fountain. Yes in the fountain.
It was a beautiful sunny and balmy summer day, a little like this day. We did not expect what happened to happen. At the end of our day on our way to the train to get home, it poured a rain so heavy I could barely see anything ahead. It remained warm. We were so soaked that going underneath anything wouldn't help at all. There was only one thing to do. They say if you can't beat them join them. The raindrops that is. We just jumped in the fountain in the rain and loved every minute of it.
Everyone stared and probably thought we were nuts, but I know they wish they had the nerve to join us.
Thanks for dropping by and have a great day
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