It was another full day here in sunny Montreal. We started the day with an early subway ride to the Bota Bota Spa Sur L' Eau spa in Old Port for a massage to help ease the pain of walking almost ten miles a day for the past three days. I'm happy to report the massage did the trick. It took about three coffees before I felt like my feet were on solid ground again.
The spa is very unique, it's built on a repurposed tug boat that's anchored on an inlet of the St. Lawrence River.
Next was a stop at my favorite boulangerie, L"Amour du Pain.
I have no idea what this pastry is called but it consists of croissant dough swirled with raspberries and chunks of dark chocolate. I discovered this delight when I was here in May with my brother and I had to have another. Words just can't describe how good this was. I had already taken three bites before I realized I hadn't snapped a photo of it yet.
The Founder's Festival was in full swing in Old Port. It was very similar to the Renaissance Festivals in America. This trio was playing songs of the 1700's in period clothes.
Next, we made our to the Square Victoria subway station for our ride to the neighborhood our Airbnb is in, Plateau.
I enjoy taking the quiet streets and alleyways away from the crowds of tourists lurching around on the weekend. It shows you a side of Montreal that you don't see in the travel shows.
Mont-Royal Avenue was bustling today with people and vendors cooking on charcoal grills serving foods from a variety of nationalities. I would definitely recommend staying in the area around Mont-Royal if you want more of a local vibe.
Our Airbnb has a peaceful patio. It's been great for unwinding between walks and meditating.
This Buddha statue only adds to the patio's atmosphere of peace.
I've made friends with one of the neighbor's, very affectionate, cats. She's come to visit me two days in a row now.
She doesn't stay long, just long enough to play for a while and get a few scratches behind the ear.
The street art up and down Saint-Laurent is amazing. There's a new mural around every corner. It's nice to see Bitcoin being represented in this first piece.
Tomorrow Juan and I make our way to the airport and back home for a late flight. I'm never quite ready to say goodbye to the beautiful city but all things must come to an end. Life and all the good things that come with it await me back home. I would really like to come back here next year with my wife.
Thanks for reading! All for now. Trust your instincts, invest in you, live boldly, and take chances.
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Wow. A city with European charm. The stunning view of the streets in pastel colors is really soothing. I would like to get to know this wonderful place.
The city is a feast for the senses!
Wow you have inspired me with a post about my town. You make it look so good I almost wish I wasn't so lazy that I can't get out there and hang out. I will go to the park though.
That Arbnb is to die for. Fully equipt with cat and a deck. I almost want to stay there just to have the experience.
I see that you had to leave town. I'm glad you enjoyed the time.
Thanks! I think we're all guilty of taking our hometown for granted at times. Tourists see things with such different perspectives. The Airbnb was one of the best I've stayed in in the city and the host was so nice. Checkout was supposed to be at 11 and he let us stay until when we had to leave for the airport at 4pm for no extra cost. It might be quite some time before I make it back. My friend Juan and I will be either going to Toronto or Chicago next summer.
I wonder why there is a Budda statue, perhaps they have many budist guests :)
Buddhas are in fashion here in North America. We can all use a little more peace, that's for sure. : )
I am an art lover in general, but seeing street art is such an interesting experience. Seeing how people talk through images on walls seems to me a very quick and free way to access the cultures of a people. I thought you went with your wife? That cake looks delicious! Here is a similar version that is made with jams of any kind of fruit and cheese. It is usually eaten in rainy weather, when it is not too hot, with hot chocolate.
Well, I hope the trip back is good and that the effect of that massage lasts a few days. Hugs, my friend
I appreciate art more and more the older I get. No, this trip was with my friend Juan. I've done a trip with him once a year for the past 23 years. The pastry was incredible! I have to have one from this bakery every time I visit Montreal. Thank you Nancy! I hope you're having a great week!
Really a very pleasant holiday. Montreal is really beautiful. The cat is also very docile and spoiled. You are lucky to be liked by many pets. I was reminded of Amstel. Have a nice day, Eric.
It was a lot of fun and much needed. Montreal is my favorite city in North America. It's like traveling to Europe without having to go over the Atlantic. It was nice to be visited by this cat every day. The neighbor must've let it outside at the same time every afternoon (3pm) because it would always visit around that time. Enjoy the week, my friend!
What a fun ride through Montreal! Your description of the spa, pastries, local atmosphere and street art really makes me feel like I have experienced the charm of this city. Have a safe journey home and hope you can come back with your wife next year for more wonderful adventures! 🌟
I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It's fun to share this incredible city with you all!
#hive #posh
Looks like it was an awesome trip! That open air market looks amazing. I'd be in street food heaven I bet!
It definitely was fun. There is street food everywhere, especially in this part of town. I'm so glad the weather turned out better than forecasted. We were originally supposed to get rain every day and it only rained for a few hours one day.
That is pretty great! We had probably some of the best weather we have had all summer this past weekend. Sunday was just beautiful and the perfect way to end our summer vacation. Even though I spent a good part of the day doing yardwork, it was nice to be out and not dying of heat or humidity.
It's nice to get relief, for sure! I never like to see summer go but I've never felt heat/humidity anywhere like I did in St. Paul a few weeks ago (and that includes FL in July). It was almost unbelievable.
I totally understand. Things have been getting kind of crazy lately all over the place. It's not the traditional seasons I remember growing up!
Definitely not! We're seeing temps forecasted near 100 again for the coming week. This might be the first year I can ever remember where I'm looking forward for summer to end.
No doubt! Our Winters have been pretty mild lately too, so it could be a shift is happening. I'd be okay if Fall lasted a bit longer and summer were shorter.
It was very hot here in Multan. It is good that you have gone to visit such a special place and meet people. It makes a person very happy to see such a beautiful place and the cat is very happy and so cute. One gets to learn a lot by going to such events. All these places looks so fabulous.
I'm looking forward to the cooler autumn weather! It's been a nice trip but I'm ready to get back to regular life now.
Of course, when a person travels, after a few days he has to return home and do his daily routine because it is very important.
Cute cat, good to hear that you are friends.
I am always wanting to have cat at home but cant because it requires caring and i am already a busy person.
Animals do take a lot of time and care!
Your cat friend has an interesting eye and hair color.
You guys sure have lots of fun moments in Montreal.
Yes, I'm more of a dog person myself but this was a very friendly cat. We certainly have had a good trip. This will be my last time here for a while, I think.
I !luv and prefer cats any day, I have a thing for their friendly and intelligent nature.
@ericvancewalton, @funshee(1/4) sent LUV. | connect | community | HiveWiki | NFT | <>< daily
! help(no space) to get help on Hive. InfoOh you look younger in the thumbnail picture. It's no doubt a wonderful walk, I love the cat and her/his eyes.
That picture was taken in NYC in 2018 I think. It's been a few years.
Old is Gold (Younger) you really looking cool in this picture, a perfect gentle man :P
You really have a beautiful walk with the beautiful places shared as well and no doubt the spa looks so unique and I appreciate you sharing.
You're welcome!
Lol that dough must be very tasty for you to forget that you haven't take a shot of it.
I immediately dove in. Lol.
We have that pastry here! Not sure what it's called in French, but here, we call it "melcisor", so essentially little snail (with ...insert filling) :D Looks like you guys have been having a blast! What a lovely day (and photos!).
Ah! I think you're right. "Little snail" sounds familiar. They have it in a few different varieties but the raspberry/dark chocolate pairs perfectly with a strong latte. Thank you! It's been an amazing last full day of our trip. I discover something new during each visit to this magical city. : )
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