Hey everyone!
So, I didn't get a chance to post yesterday to to being out all day. After talking with Kristy (my older sister for those who haven't met her yet), suggested I go to Les Tam-Tams du Mont Royal. I also had intentions of going to Piknic Electronique. When I got the the area of Piknic Electronique, it was cancelled due to the weather. I then quickly did a tour of Iles Saint Helen.
The funny thing is, it wasn't really raining. It was more of a sprinkle. The second the water hit my skin, it was evaporated. Quiet the experience.
I then ventured over to Les Tam-Tams du Mont Royal. The drum circle, a boffing tournement, and slack-ropes. It was quiet the entertaining. I tried my luck on the slack-rope, and ended up falling off after at least two steps. Not nearly as easy as one would think. Afterwards I headed down towards the downtown. I heard about "Feastival Mode Design", and though I'd check it out. My first stop was at QUAM (Quebec Universitie au Montreal). I actually was able to find Ecole Design. I ventured around, saw some of the environmental design work, and a few cool displays. But, not the feastival I was looking for. Off I went.
I went over to University au Montreal (yes it is different than QUAM), and again, no feastival. Right when I give up (and get lost of the metro), I see another poster for the feastival. It's at McGill. Off I scurry towards McGill. As it turns out, it was a Fashion Feastival. Not what I was expecting. I take in what I can of it, and head off. I then pass by a bar, and get a VIP pass in. After seeking advice from Kristy, I go in for a drink. I met a group of people visiting from Arizona. As well as a gentleman docked from India, and was enjoying the city before he headed down to the Bahamas with the ship.
That was the end of the day.
This morning I got up, and headed out to Old Montreal. It was very interesting. I visited the Museum of Archetichure. There was a special exibit on Easter Island. I then went into the archeology dig sites under the museum and roads. The original ground plan and foundation to the original building were still pretty well intact. When I finished the tour and got to the gift shop there was another special exibit on about ways to say "Love".
From there, I got lost, again. On McGill. McGill and I, we dont get along. I finally got back on track, and headed towards Notre-Dame.
I must admit, the only thing I could think of when I was there:
"WOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"
It was simply gorgous. Amazing. I'm debating if I should go to Mass or not, just to experience it and the Organs. I made a donation to light three candles. One for the past, to honour the people I have lost. One for the present, to represent the ones I love and hold dear today. One for the future, to welcome people and what life will bring. I sat in a pew and watched them burn for a while.
Next, was City Hall. The original building, while Montreal was the Captial of Canada, was actually used for Parliment. Unfortuanely, as I had found out on my Tour, the building had burned down.
The core historical experience was in City Hall. I learned about the original founder from North France that came to settle in Ville de Marie (original name for Montreal) and the role model for all nurses in Montreal who founded the first Hospital in Montreal (Hotel du Dieu).
They explained the flag of Montreal, the logo, and a quick general history of the civil wars and struggles with the Iroqua. For a young city (350 years or so), it's sure had a hard time coming around. I also got to go onto the Mayors Patio. Currently, they are renovating and restoring the wall that was the border of Montreal. This wall will mark the separation of Old Montreal, and "New" Montreal (the downtown and what is now a Metropolis).
I walked down to the River, and hopped on a ferry to head back to Ilse Saint Helen. After a quick tour of the Biodome, I concluded it is the enivronmental enthusias Science World. Quiet a few educational displays. Definitally something I would love to take my Cub pack to.
I Learned about a gentlemand refered to as "Bucky". He was so ingenious he created more or less a perfect house. Dymaxion house. Quiet the idea for 1929. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dymaxion_house) if you'd like to read more about it.
Once I was educated on Mr. Fuller, I headed out for a walk around the Island. I found a fort that was unfortumatly closed down.
After all my adventures today, I have decided to call it an early night, and rest. A nice trail mix, and cup of tea.
Tomorrow, I'm visiting LIttle Italy, and two public markets.
Till next time,
Kimberly McGilvray
xoxo
Monday, August 9, 2010
Saturday, August 7, 2010
A Change In Plans
So, last night was quiet an adventure.
I had planned on staying in the for the evening, but after I got up from a relaxing nap I noticed I had no more meals in my trusty bag. Out I quested to find a Grocery Store. The only one I had actually scene was in the Down Town area, and an IGA. I ended up munching on a small poutine from a vendor on the street. Awe well.
The evening was young, so I followed a few colourful streets (St. Catheryn), and discovered a road similar to that of our own Granville, but with a major Davie Street culture. Definitaly interesting. My ventures took me all the way down the the St-Lawrence River and the old clock tower (which I learned today you can go to the top of, and check out the view!). From there, I ended up lost in McGill. The main road I and found to walk home on, well, I ended up going to the North West instead of North-east-south. Needless to say, I ended up quiet the lost and in the heart of the University.
Upon my venture home, I finally found my street, Henri-Julien. Not overly confident in my navigation I stood for a minute and looked at my two options. Lucy, a lady sitting on her porch, asked me if I was lost. "I'm trying to find "Rue Roy" (street at intersects near my Hostel). She pointed me in the right direction. Her friend, RJ, then asked me where I was from. Lucy, is from Port Alberni and RJ is from Singapore. Quiet the pair. I ended up chatting with them for a while. I also met Kate from Kits (Vancouver), Pierre the local, Rick and Marshall from Regina, and Carolyn from Toronto.
Quiet the evening. Was not part of my Plan.
This morning, I headed out to the bus depot, only to find that my plans to go to Quebec City weren't going to fly. My information I had gathered said that it would be $40 to go there and back. No biggie. Easy. With accomidations at about $26 for the evening, 3 meals, it would be about 80-90$. To start, the transit out there was 90$ ALONE. The hostels were all full, so that left me with hotels (about $50-110 a night). When I look at it, I can't afford it. So, New plan!
When I spoke to my hostest, they decided to move me to their sister hostel in the east end of Montreal. Not too far from where I was, but it's enough of a change for me to get a little confused. (Can we say I'm going to get lost?)
I meet a deutch lady today. she was sitting on the steps of a church, eatting a muffin looking at her map. She was having difficulty finding where she was, so she asked me to help. We chatted for a bit, I helped her back to the Metro (subway), and found a tourist information center. After seeing the lady off, I hit up the tourist center and grabbed me a book.
I'm now at my new Hostel, which is far nicer, I'm not going to lie, searching threw the books to see what I'd like to do. I did a tour NEAR where i am now, so it wont be too bad. I'm thinking abotu doing a cruise on the St-Lawrence River (it's quiet the inexpensive), and doign three days of culture exposer (museums, the biodome, olympic park, underground city, etc). There is a pass that's $50 for three days to all the musems as well as three days transit. Score? That will probably commense tomorrow. Wed, I'm thinking about renting a bike from my hostel ($5 for the day), and riding around a few of the paths. Thursday, well, I'm not too sure yet. I may go up the Mountain to see what I can see. Friday I will most likely Relax and pack up so that Saturday I can hop on a bus and head down to Ottawa!
Of course, all subject to change. :-p
Aside from that, I'm off to get to know my new area. (Last night I embarrassed myself and walked by my hostel about, oh 4 times?) lol. Typical me, eh?
Till tomorrow,
Yours Truely,
Kimberly McGilvray
xo
I had planned on staying in the for the evening, but after I got up from a relaxing nap I noticed I had no more meals in my trusty bag. Out I quested to find a Grocery Store. The only one I had actually scene was in the Down Town area, and an IGA. I ended up munching on a small poutine from a vendor on the street. Awe well.
The evening was young, so I followed a few colourful streets (St. Catheryn), and discovered a road similar to that of our own Granville, but with a major Davie Street culture. Definitaly interesting. My ventures took me all the way down the the St-Lawrence River and the old clock tower (which I learned today you can go to the top of, and check out the view!). From there, I ended up lost in McGill. The main road I and found to walk home on, well, I ended up going to the North West instead of North-east-south. Needless to say, I ended up quiet the lost and in the heart of the University.
Upon my venture home, I finally found my street, Henri-Julien. Not overly confident in my navigation I stood for a minute and looked at my two options. Lucy, a lady sitting on her porch, asked me if I was lost. "I'm trying to find "Rue Roy" (street at intersects near my Hostel). She pointed me in the right direction. Her friend, RJ, then asked me where I was from. Lucy, is from Port Alberni and RJ is from Singapore. Quiet the pair. I ended up chatting with them for a while. I also met Kate from Kits (Vancouver), Pierre the local, Rick and Marshall from Regina, and Carolyn from Toronto.
Quiet the evening. Was not part of my Plan.
This morning, I headed out to the bus depot, only to find that my plans to go to Quebec City weren't going to fly. My information I had gathered said that it would be $40 to go there and back. No biggie. Easy. With accomidations at about $26 for the evening, 3 meals, it would be about 80-90$. To start, the transit out there was 90$ ALONE. The hostels were all full, so that left me with hotels (about $50-110 a night). When I look at it, I can't afford it. So, New plan!
When I spoke to my hostest, they decided to move me to their sister hostel in the east end of Montreal. Not too far from where I was, but it's enough of a change for me to get a little confused. (Can we say I'm going to get lost?)
I meet a deutch lady today. she was sitting on the steps of a church, eatting a muffin looking at her map. She was having difficulty finding where she was, so she asked me to help. We chatted for a bit, I helped her back to the Metro (subway), and found a tourist information center. After seeing the lady off, I hit up the tourist center and grabbed me a book.
I'm now at my new Hostel, which is far nicer, I'm not going to lie, searching threw the books to see what I'd like to do. I did a tour NEAR where i am now, so it wont be too bad. I'm thinking abotu doing a cruise on the St-Lawrence River (it's quiet the inexpensive), and doign three days of culture exposer (museums, the biodome, olympic park, underground city, etc). There is a pass that's $50 for three days to all the musems as well as three days transit. Score? That will probably commense tomorrow. Wed, I'm thinking about renting a bike from my hostel ($5 for the day), and riding around a few of the paths. Thursday, well, I'm not too sure yet. I may go up the Mountain to see what I can see. Friday I will most likely Relax and pack up so that Saturday I can hop on a bus and head down to Ottawa!
Of course, all subject to change. :-p
Aside from that, I'm off to get to know my new area. (Last night I embarrassed myself and walked by my hostel about, oh 4 times?) lol. Typical me, eh?
Till tomorrow,
Yours Truely,
Kimberly McGilvray
xo
Friday, August 6, 2010
Relaxation
Well, I'm sitting in my Hostel in Montreal! I'm finding Montreal to be nothing shy of a giant Granville Island (only more focused on the environment and very french). The weather is beautiful. I lucked out when I got in last night, the rain had JUST stopped. It's not muggy, nor humid. Just windy. I will defs say that the air feels different. In Thunder Bay, ON I noticed it felt heavy. In Ottawa, it was Crisp. Now, it's just mildly weighty. Over all no really big changes.
It took;
75 hours,
7 bus,
6 provinces,
3 time zones,
2 rough sleeps,
and 1 enthusiastic lady
to get where I am now, 3694 km away from home. (but was driven 4903 km).
I have to say, Canada is definiately beautiful. I dont have many pictures from the trip out here (due to the speed of the bus and the spots choosen for a break was a dinner in the middle of the free way with absolutely nothing interesting). I will probably post my pictures to somewhere like PhotoBucket. (Link to come later).
At this time I'd like to introduce three friends. Wolfie, Moosie, and of course, Sir Grooves A-Lot. They will appear in many of the photoes I take.
Wolfie, from 1st yennadon, Maple Ridge BC. He's keeper of the keys of Eagles hall. With my purse having a padlock on it (while in busy areas it just made sense to do), he has the key at his back.
Moosie, from Meritt BC. He was given to me as a gift from my best friend (since he couldn't come with me, gave me a cute moose).
Sir Grooves A-Lot, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC. He's my personal mascot and the one you'll see the most. He's a cute hamster that chills in the front pouch of my bag. I picked him to represent me mainly because he was just the right size, and needless to say, adorable.
I've done a quick tour around the city, but decided to have a relaxing day. Just chill and explore. No tours, or major sites today.
Tomorrow, i'll be up bright and early. I'm going to be heading to Quebec City for the next two days (1 over night). It'll be about a 3 hour bus ride each direction. I'll be leaving my netbook in Montreal with my pack (it will be locked up in the Hostel while I'm away). Tonight I will probably stay in and chat with my room mates.
I'm starting to feel more confident with my french. I can understand it decently enough, though my oral does need some work (I can't translate quick enough, though apparently my accent is good). It's comign along quickly.
That's it for today I believe. I'll try to post more tomorrow, and then when I get back from Quebec City.
Yours Truly,
Kimberly McGilvray
xoxo
It took;
75 hours,
7 bus,
6 provinces,
3 time zones,
2 rough sleeps,
and 1 enthusiastic lady
to get where I am now, 3694 km away from home. (but was driven 4903 km).
I have to say, Canada is definiately beautiful. I dont have many pictures from the trip out here (due to the speed of the bus and the spots choosen for a break was a dinner in the middle of the free way with absolutely nothing interesting). I will probably post my pictures to somewhere like PhotoBucket. (Link to come later).
At this time I'd like to introduce three friends. Wolfie, Moosie, and of course, Sir Grooves A-Lot. They will appear in many of the photoes I take.
Wolfie, from 1st yennadon, Maple Ridge BC. He's keeper of the keys of Eagles hall. With my purse having a padlock on it (while in busy areas it just made sense to do), he has the key at his back.
Moosie, from Meritt BC. He was given to me as a gift from my best friend (since he couldn't come with me, gave me a cute moose).
Sir Grooves A-Lot, Granville Island, Vancouver, BC. He's my personal mascot and the one you'll see the most. He's a cute hamster that chills in the front pouch of my bag. I picked him to represent me mainly because he was just the right size, and needless to say, adorable.
I've done a quick tour around the city, but decided to have a relaxing day. Just chill and explore. No tours, or major sites today.
Tomorrow, i'll be up bright and early. I'm going to be heading to Quebec City for the next two days (1 over night). It'll be about a 3 hour bus ride each direction. I'll be leaving my netbook in Montreal with my pack (it will be locked up in the Hostel while I'm away). Tonight I will probably stay in and chat with my room mates.
I'm starting to feel more confident with my french. I can understand it decently enough, though my oral does need some work (I can't translate quick enough, though apparently my accent is good). It's comign along quickly.
That's it for today I believe. I'll try to post more tomorrow, and then when I get back from Quebec City.
Yours Truly,
Kimberly McGilvray
xoxo
Friday, July 30, 2010
I'm just finishing packing. It's feeling a lot like a weekend camp. Only, I'm way over packed!
It's off to Kelowna today. Going to chill with the boy's family, have a few adventures (wine tours, golfing, boating, possibly seadooing).
It still hasn't hit me that this time next week (if not sooner), I'll be in Montreal! Oh well, maybe it'll hit me upside the head during a round of golf.
Away I go!
Till next time,
KJ
It's off to Kelowna today. Going to chill with the boy's family, have a few adventures (wine tours, golfing, boating, possibly seadooing).
It still hasn't hit me that this time next week (if not sooner), I'll be in Montreal! Oh well, maybe it'll hit me upside the head during a round of golf.
Away I go!
Till next time,
KJ
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Packing
I`ve just started to do the final touches of my packing. I`m super stoaked!
This Friday I will be departing the mainland for Kelowna. Wine tours, boating, and dancing await me in K-town.
On the Monday, I`ll start my trip.
It`ll take me three days to get into Montreal (basically non-stop travelling).
From there, I`ll make a post daily. From what I saw, what I did, and any personal growth/reflections I happen to experience.
In the mean time, I've got much more packing to get done!
Till then,
Yours In Rovers,
Kimefur
This Friday I will be departing the mainland for Kelowna. Wine tours, boating, and dancing await me in K-town.
On the Monday, I`ll start my trip.
It`ll take me three days to get into Montreal (basically non-stop travelling).
From there, I`ll make a post daily. From what I saw, what I did, and any personal growth/reflections I happen to experience.
In the mean time, I've got much more packing to get done!
Till then,
Yours In Rovers,
Kimefur
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