First stroll of the year to Montreal Old Port for Wednesday Walk

in Wednesday Walk7 months ago

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.

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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.

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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.

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The men with the dogs in the photo below, were on the same bench a year ago.

Can you spot the second dog?

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We decided on a rest stop by the dock. Marc deploys our little compact camping chairs.

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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.


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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.


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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.

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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.

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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".

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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.

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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.

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It's supposed to be a circus with no animals, so that's good. I don't want animals to be used for entertainment.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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We past by the other end of Rue St Paul, the old work street. The street was packed with people all the way through.

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I noticed an older couple playing music. It was really quite charming and super cute. They probably did better than balloon man.

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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.

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As we walked through the square I noticed that balloon man made a sale. How can you say no to the child.

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In the past this lane or alley would be lined with vendors selling their art. Some would be painting it right there.

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It was a thing that made this remind me of Paris, where I've never been, except for the airport.

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Now it's just a walkway that leads to other restaurants in the nooks around the corner.

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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.

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I thought it looked like a good time, but I know in the end we would be disappointed.

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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.

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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?

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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.

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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.

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Thanks for dropping by and have a great day


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It was a nice walk. you explore your city with nice photos very nice to see them and you as well.
Enjoy your summer days as much as you can. Times run faster than before. Yes, winter will arrive. That is what happens in the north soon. Have a nice weekend. :)

Thank you for passing by for my walk. Summer is fast but it means more hard work in a restaurant. I guess we cannot have it all right?

Enjoy your days my friend.💚

🌞🌞😀👍

Hi, dear friend!

I'm glad to see that you're still looking good, beautiful and healthy. And thank you for this walk; I needed it. I'm surprised to see so many people on the streets and so lightly dressed; I know you and Marc must have enjoyed the weather, including the downpour; bathing in the rain, going in the fountain, fun. ¡Viva la vida!.

Sending you a big hug ❤️

Ps.I did spot the second dog 😄

Yay the dog!

Yes we have just ended a long heatwave which was good for me, but the other Canadians are crying about the heat. Of course on my first day off it's miserable rainy and cloudy. On my second day off today, the weather is perfect, but we have to visit Marc's parents across town. They are seniors that are not fun and can't walk well. They tell the same stories over and over and watch television all day. Hmmmn! Oh well. I have to bring a bottle of wine and keep drinking.

Thanks for dropping by my friend!❤️

Thanks for sharing some of the sights of Montréal. I thought it looked quite a nice place to take a walk down and explore. I heard a phrase recentlymoosejaw time, I wonder if you use that in Montreal too?


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I have never heard of Moosejaw time. It may just mean, what time is it in Moosejaw haha.

I have heard of Mexican time, which means you can show up 3 hours later than you planned haha.

Old Montreal is so beautiful, but yes, I imagine it gets very touristy. We just moved to Rouses Point a couple weeks ago, so we'll probably be headed that way sometime soon.

Oh wow you are just on the border.

It's touristy but you can really imagine the old times by the structure of the buildings which is nice. I grew up in a more modern city near Toronto. It's nice to be among the romance of this area.

Thanks so much for your visit.


What a beautiful way to enjoy the day off from work, walking through the beautiful streets of the city.
I love the buildings and its streets. Apparently "Old Montreal" is very busy, and there are also many artists doing their shows in the public streets.
I appreciate that you have shared these beautiful photographs and this pleasant walking experienceHow are you dear friend @carolynstahl good afternoon

I wish that you could visit for a change of scenery but where you are has the beauty of the tropical nature which I would prefer anytime.

Thank you for your visit and support my friend.

What a lovely Wednesday walk, you live in a beautiful city, Montreal seems to have a lot to offer to all who visit.

Thank you so much for sharing this beautiful walk
Enjoy your day off Your photos @carolynstahl show the beauty of its streets, which are an opportunity for vendors and artists who perform outdoors

Yes it's a fun city but I prefer nature like you. I do think you would enjoy a visit here for a while. Perhaps someday I could take you on a tour. 😊

Have a great day dear Abigail @miprimerconcurso.

I'm so glad you finally had the chance to be tourists in your own city, quite fun looking in, as if you're seeing it for the first time!
Enjoy summertime my friend 🌻🌻🌻

Thank you @lizelle. Summer here will come to a crashing end before I know it haha.😊

Wow, amazing street photography skills...

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Waoo!! It is really cool to see. I love all this pictures!! amazing places

Thank you for your visit and lovely comment!

Your journey through Old Montreal and reflections on your time working there brought the place to life. It’s fascinating how our perspectives change over time, from dreading tourists to seeing the charm through their eyes. Your vivid descriptions, from the historical buildings to the bustling streets and food trucks, paint a picture of a city rich in history and vibrancy. And that story about jumping in the fountain in the rain! ☔️ what a joyful and spontaneous moment! Thank you for sharing this nostalgic adventure.🛵

Ah I really appreciate your comment. You understand the picture I wanted to paint, which makes me appreciate my own experience even more.

Thank you for your visit and your kind words.

A lovely walk on your day off, the streets are beautiful and full of musical art, flowers and beautiful architecture! Thank you for this walk!💗

Thank you for your visit and your lovely comment.

Thnak you to you!

If I were living in this place, maybe I could spend a day just to explore it. 😍

Yes you would need a couple of days at least. There are many different sections of the city that offer different scenery. This is just one piece of the city. The rest is modern but has it's own vibe.

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Beautiful walk! I've never been to Montreal even though I have it on my list but looks like a full experience for me! You never know what to expect from a walk in town, yet have a bit of everything on the way!

This is the only part that has this old look but Montreal has it's own style overall. It's always nice to see something new.

I would imagine Romania would be incredible. Thanks for your visit @gabrielatravels.

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Quite a walk full of old memories. Montreal was a very beautiful city in the old days when there were more old buildings with carriages and people dressed up like in old paintings.
Yup! I don’t think too highly of restaurants in tourist areas. I found that food from small restaurants or stalls were much more satisfying for me. I could tell the vendors how I liked my food cooked.

Very nice to have foldable chairs for your picnic in the park. You forgot to pack some snacks!

Hope the lovely weather stay much longer this year.