Most of us plan a vacation or a visit to some exotic place, but then find it was not all that we anticipated. My trip was not a vacation, and since I was born in Montreal some seventy one years ago, I cannot think of it as exotic. I left Montreal fifty two years ago to move to sunny California. So you may ask, why did I go back? My Granddaughter was entering the University. McGill is in the City of Montreal. I was reluctant to say goodbye, and a trip to settle her in seemed appropriate at the time. This excuse was why and how I got there. My two week stay made me fall in love, so madly, that I returned a few weeks later to visit again. So let me tell you about this exciting place. Montreal is an Island. The mountain presides in the center which may be referred to as a mountain, but trust me when I say it is more of a large hill. OH! But what a hill. Trees, walking paths, flowers, a look out, with the most spectacular view of the entire city as far as the St. Lawrence river, a lake, and so much more that words alone cannot describe it. Montreal is a city of magnificent churches, a famous port, and a city of stores, theaters, and restaurants neatly hidden underground. Did I mention food? The restaurants and excellent food in this city is as good as it gets. Next to Paris, nothing is comparable. They are famous for a smoked meat sandwich and the best is eaten at Schwartz's Deli on the Main. This is a small, overly crowded place, where you will find a waiting line a block long, most every day, all day long. Another landmark is a steak house called Moishe's with a rib steak of unforgettable taste and extra's equally as delicious. The famous French Canadian food is outstanding. Aside from the well known Onion soup, Split pea soup is the indescribable flavors of a meat pie called Tourtiere Pie. Montreal is a large cosmopolitan City and a home to two languages, French and English, along with every other diverse ethnic cultures and languages. A city comfortable with its people and cultures. Did I mention the fact that I love this City? Why else would I write this article about this city of unusual beauty. |
