Hop On Hop Off - not so much

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 were wrong.

In the meantime, there was a ferris wheel to ride, with fabulous views of the city.
After stopping for a coffees, we again go to the bus stop. Several people were waiting and fussing. After another full bus passed we gave up, called Uber, rode to the bus depot where we finally boarded a bus. Crazy and yes I've sent a complaining email to Viator.

The tour did exactly what we wanted; good overview of the city.

Our guide recommended trying 2 foods smoked meats and bagels. She swore they're made different in Montreal. I googled Smoked Meat and got "Smoked meat is a traditional Jewish-Romanian dish that has become engrained in Montreal’s culture." We went to Dunns, 90 years in business. I ordered a Reuben - best ever!
still not a fan of mushy French fries.
Weather is perfect. Our 1st day ended well. We always adapt.




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