Monte-Royal = Montreal 2023

A 20 minute walk from our hotel is A modern glass museum built on the site of Montréal's first European settlement. We entered thru the glass doors, immediately taking the elevator ride down to the 17th century. It's dark down there, and just a little creepy thanks to the 350-year-old tombstones teetering in the gloom, but it's worth the trip. This is a serious archaeological dig that takes you to the very foundations of the city. I really loved this place. They achieved the near impossible: they turned nerdy archaeology into something engaging and fun. Little disappointed to continue hearing the First Nations and European "we were friends" myth. I heard that on the bus tours. Neither Canada or USA have anything to brag about in their treatment of indigenous peoples. We took a coffee break. I can't decide whether or not this is a ram or a lion. Montreal is expensive. There's a 15% tax on everything and it's not inclu

The past 3 weeks we anxiously checked Montreal weather, wondering what to pack in our tiny suitcases. We saw nothing but cold rain.  Instead we have beautiful blue skies, temps hovering at 70. Can't complain. However, I've had an itchy throat since leaving Maine so I'm waiting Covid test results. I travel with a kit. While I don't feel bad, I don't want to be a spreader. Negative, on with our day! Apparently, PB has come to the Dark Side. It was his suggestion, today's excursion would be to Oratoire Saint-Joseph de Québec. I say Dark Side because for the last 20 yrs or so, he's rigorously enforced no more than 3 churches a day limit.  This morning we didn't waste time, called Uber to take us directly from the hotel to the bus depot. Bing, bang we were on a bus, touring thru Montreal. By now I could almost give the tour - but only in English. Tour guides are expected to speak 3 languages, fluently. Today I had my camera ready.

1st day in a new city, we're fans of a tour bus. We get our directions aligned, spot landmarks, usually learn a little history. Then we plan our routes. So much for that plan. Plan was in shambles by noon. Even tho we purchased tickets, the buses arrived at the 1stop of the day, no seats available. There were approximately 40 of us waiting, no one could get on. The solution given was to walk to the main depot (30 mins) to catch an empty bus. But i digress. After a dreary breakfast - sausage tastes like baloney, we walked 3 blocks to Notre-Dame Basilica of Montréal. Cousin Susan said not to miss this building. So right. It's one of the most beautiful I've visited. The interior is all wood. leaving the basilica, we walk 2 blocks to the Infamous Hop On-Hop Off 1st stop; to learn no one is hopping off. It was a beautiful day, we decide to walk to the port; surely people would be getting off the 2nd stop. We