Another Beautiful Day

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.
in memory of WW1 sailors lost at sea
the grain elevators i remember seeing from miles away in 70's. They were about the tallest buildings in the city
One of the guides said most of the skyscrapers were built in the past 15-20 years.
there are murals like this all over the city. Every year there is a mural festival and contest.
Rental bikes are everywhere.
this is a typical street of row houses. The stairs were purposely put outside, to save space inside.

We arrive Oratoire Saint-Joseph de Québec
It is a National Historic Site of Canada and is Canada's largest church, with one of the largest church domes in the world. Founded in 1904. The inside was a surprise.
looking up at the dome.
so Art Deco!
an intimate chapel to the side.
We were fortunately to be there when the organist was warming up. The sound was magnificent.

Outside, we came across this wonderful sculpture by a Canadian artist.
"Angels Unawares” is a bronze life-size sculpture depicting a group of migrants and refugees from different cultural, racial backgrounds from diverse historic periods of time. They stand together, shoulder to shoulder, huddled on a raft. Within this diverse crowd of people, angel wings emerge from the centre, suggesting the presence of the sacred among them. The inspiration comes from:“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Hebrew 13:2
Obviously, given our current crisis, I was extremely moved.
Thank goodness the church has many escalators.Sacré-Cœur Basilica could have used even one and I was 20 years younger climbing those towers

One final look from the church before we stopped for.lunch , headed back to the hotel.

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