Onward to Montreal, which I did not realise was an island in the St Lawrence river. Quite frenchy-looking buildings & most natives French as first language. Quite bizarre really after the States. Went out for group tea at a tapas bar, disappointing, got 3 dishes to share among 3, one of which was a cheeseboard, which came with no crackers or bread. Also we had been told that waiting staff in Canada were paid a more reasonable hourly rate, so tips not so crucial. Well they added the gratuity onto the bill at a hefty 18%!!!!!!
Pat has the opinion that the tipping thing will never stop as the staff are making a motzah as only taxed on their meagre hourly rate, but I believe that a percentage of the tips have to be declared at the very least. Apropos, I was wondering why the wait staff do not revolt & demand a decent hourly rate.
Next day went for tour around the city, first to the Mont Royal Parc, at the top of the hill, great view over the city. Then to the big catholic Bascilica, also on a hill, greyer version of Sacre Couer, French mass going on in the top basilica & English in the lower one. We were wondering why the middle section of stairs up to the church were blocked off to foottraffic, but it clicked when we reach the bottom. That section were wooden - outer ones stone - & there were a pair of pilgrims beginning their ascent - on their knees! Looked possibly Haitian. Well what can you say, it would be a boring old world if we were all the same!
From there we were dropped in the Vieux-Montreal, lovely old area, could easily have been in France. Lots of shops & bistros with Le Menu midi. We meandered down the street, trying the different maple syrup products, local cider etc. Just thinking on the maple syrup, pity they don't supply it to the hotels, as a feature of every hotel breakfast has been waffles with syrup - with so many numbers in the list of ingredients. One shop with trays of amber jewellery caught our eye & a happy hour followed, Supposedly all Baltic amber & storekeeper Polish also. Bit of an interruption while the shopkeeper followed around a young chap with a backpack, when he finally got rid of him, came back to to us, shaking his head saying "He's not a tourist, he tinks I'm stupid, he's just a teef!" Anyway both Pat & I made decisions about absolutely necessary purchases & pret a porter, ie we wore them.
Wandered along checking menus until we found one to our liking, with good al fresco table available. Menu started with baby leaf salad then steak et frite for Pat & moules & frite for me. Long leisurely lunch aided by Corona. Nice food & great people-watching, v good coffee also.
Next stop a great gallery, we were blown away by the artwork, all done by a chap named Peter Hart. Look out for that name, as now that we have bought his work, sure to soar in value. Sort of abstract impressionist. Anyway I have decided mine will go in the kitchen, Frank, so you will have to find another place for the pink one!
Montreal is v v v gay-friendly & our hotel on Rue Ste Huberte is just aound the corner from the street with all the action. Walked down for some rubbernecking & the sights you see when you haven't got a gun. One of the fresco terrasses was like they were playing sardines.....all men. Plenty of men in womens clothes and men arm in arm. Others in the group saw a chap dressed in a miniskirt with his dangly bits hanging below .....
Pat & I enjoyed a piccolo to celebrate our purchases in a halfway looking normal terrasse (what they called the pavement tables, a bit like a verandah at the front of the cafe/bar) & were joined by Elaine & Meg from our group
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| Typical Vermont barn |
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