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The best bit about the hotel, apart from the funky windows, was the restaurant, and, in particular, a delightful Italian Des Lynam looky-likey waiter called Ezio who made a fuss of Rory and plied me with Italian wine while reminiscing about his family back home. On one night there was a violin-player who worked the tables and, despite it all being a bit embarrassing, I couldn’t help joining in with Volare and Begin the Beguine. He was an odd chap: he had a manic grin and was a tad thyrotoxic, Dougie diagnosed, from his rather bulging eyes. But he played a decent fiddle.
Montreal has to cope with extremely cold temperatures in the winter, so much so that they have an underground city, with walkways and shops in between many of the Metro stations. There was a metro station underneath our hotel: we were able to take the elevator straight down to the basement and hop on a train. Having lived for a few years in London, I always take charge when we’re faced with something similar in a foreign city. Dougie has often said he wished my innate sense of direction on a metro network could be replicated above ground. Harsh.
The hotel is next to the Bell Centre, the home of Montreal’s hockey team but also a great indoor concert arena. When we were there we managed to secure tickets to see Rod Stewart: a great night which even Rory enjoyed despite being the youngest there and surrounded by women of a certain age dressed in skin-tight leopard print (not his mother, I hasten to add). If William and Kate had been there on Saturday night they could have popped along to see Katy Perry performing but apparently they are shooting off early after a cookery workshop. Shame.
Didn't Kate want to visit Prince Edward Island and see the house where Anne of Green Gables was set?
Apparently she enjoyed the books (as many of us did) when she was little. Sound girl.
@Sarah – I didn't know that but it sounds a very fine idea.
Alas, I only got to spend one day in Montreal during my whistlestop tour but do recall the amazing plethora of exotic restuarants – food from all over the world all in walking distance. Enough to know I would love to go back.
@Steve – I'm embarrassed to admit that, although we were there three nights, it was at the end of our trip: we were all so exhausted we ate each night in the hotel with Des Lynam then lay on the bed watching the Olympics (sacrilege in such a city)
I love Montreal and would ordinarily be thinking only about how awesome Montreal is and wishing I had done all that with you, but instead I am only able to think about your direction issues and the subway, mostly because I have spent the past week and a half navigating through the Seoul subway system as well as above ground and – like you – I am much better as a subterranean navigator. Of course, underground it's easier because the signs aren't moving by as quickly (at least when you're walking)..
@Caroline – I think that might be the key – reading maps and driving past signs is far more difficult. Mind you even walking above ground sometimes causes a problem with me: I have a habit of coming out of a shop and turning the wrong way.
I like your phrase 'subterranean navigator' – will steal that for future writing!
Absolutely loved Montreal, my saviour city after a year in the US. Spouse was in the US Navy, new Duty Station was Cutler Maine. Cutler is “Down East” Maine (Down East because you have to drive north into the innards of Maine, take a sharp right and drive back south into “God’s Country”. God’s Country because only God knew where the heck it was). Thank goodness for Montreal, many day trips with my three year old daughter from Cutler for Wagon Wheels, Bisto, Rich Tea Biscuits, PG Tips Tea, etc., etc., etc., and Fresh Baked Bread. The Pot of Gold at the End of the Rainbow. Though the drive was very difficult in the winter, along a one track road (the main connecting road from Cutler), slipping and sliding over black ice – it was worth it. At that time they had a Marks & Sparks (which I believe subsequently closed) – expat heaven!! I was ready to become a Canadian Citizen!! Don’t think I saw The Cheese Grater though, either because my eyes could only focus on the bountiful shelves of “Brit Stuff” in the supermarkets, or, more probably, because I am so old the bloomin’ thing had not even been built at that time.
Cheers,
Marion — just had to send a reply from "The Panamanian Stalker"
Never been to Montreal but LOVE Prince Edward Island. The girl's godmother is from there. Very difficult to get away from Anne of Green Gables there!
Entertaining writing with funny anecdotes as always! I am sure Wills and Kate will not get better advice anywhere else!
Loved the SatNav story, typical, it never works when you REALLY need it!
@Marion, my stalker from Panama – who would have thought that Wagon Wheels and Montreal would feature in the same comment. A joy, as always, to read your tales.
@Wylye Girl – I think I may have to return to Canada and head towards Prince Edward Island; hearing good things about it.
@Funky – Our SatNav stories are always memorable: that was the same trip when it started barking directions in French.
Get some leopard-skin woman!!! It's a must-have!!!!
@Madame SG – Oh I think I'm too old for that. Maybe if I were younger, about, say, 43?
Ooooh you!!!!!!!
Rod Stewart ! I 'm so jealous, love him! He never pretends to be anything than what he is – keeps having babies despite drawing a pension, marrying young blonde woman, wearing unsuitable tight trou – and he can sing!
@About last weekend – You'd have loved him, Jody. But would you have donned the leopard skin tight pants? 😉