Montreal still manages to amaze me

2 weeks in Montreal now and this city does not get boring: there is always something happening. Although it does get a bit annoying when you have missed out on something because you forgot to research or remind yourself. It is comparable to a small London but more peaceful and calm.
The metro and bus network are very convenient, they also have bikes that you use to ride between each metro.

So one day last week, I armed myself with a metro day pass, a map of the city, my attitude of 'I don't know what's there but I'll take a look' and away I went. My journey can be seen here on google maps.
First destination was Stade olympique (Olympic Stadium) where the 1976 Summer Olympics were held. The stadium is rarely used now due to small structural problems and I would say the ability to fill it with 66,000 people. What makes the stade olympique unique is the inclined tower which measures 175m height and the tallest of its kind in the world. Although it looks pretty cool, it's main purpose is to retract an attach the roof over the stadium.

Next stop was the Montreal Biosphere which is an environmental museum to teach us about environment and what pollution is doing to us blah blah blah. I was only there for 20mins before they closed but I was getting intrigued. Within my proximity was the Montreal Casino, it would be rude of me not to take a walk around and compare it with Las Vegas. Anyway, walked out 30mins later with the wallet $200CAD lighter.
While in the casino, I kept hearing people say 'La Ronde' so onto my trusty map I look to find the place. Ah its very close, only about 3cm on the map and I can walk. Wrong! It was 2km away and the worst part of it was that it closed at 7:00pm; I was there at 7:30pm. La Ronde was an amusement park, it seemed pretty cool from the distance but when I got there, empty, everyone has gone home, not even the cleaners were there.

By this time, I had been walking around for roughly 7hours, I am the man! The night is not over. Travelled to station Mont-Royal as this is the location for hip and groovy restaurants. The neighbourhood was amazing, its like the place you would live and never leave since everything is available for you. The bars and restaurants stretch about 15 blocks. Next was Place des Arts; the performing arts centre. I came to watch the fountain and lights spectacular. Think water shooting from the ground with lights, music, holograms. I briefly recorded a video below. The fountain show was not as good as the one at Bellagio casino but the holography took the cake. The final stop of the night was around station peel in downtown Montreal. This is also where the famous bars are. It is a small section but once you step foot inside this area, you feel the party pumping. I have been dying for a Guiness so went in to a trendy Irish bar and ordered my drink. When in downtown (West) everyone speaks English, you don't even need to say a word of French as this is where all the
foreigners hang out. In the East (where I live), people would speak in French and change when required.

12am, time to catch the last metro. The Gay Village is suppose to be a good place to party, since it was on the way home, I had to stop at Station Beaudry which is bang in the centre and walk home from there.
There were people everywhere and loud music playing but then it got weird. Doormens were wearing bondage gear, seedy old men sitting on park benches, people looking at me like a piece of steak.
By this time, I was about 5 mins from my place, a car pulls up, the driver looks at me and gives me the action with his head for me to follow him. We all know the gesture, its the 'Hey lets go' or 'Hey want me to fuck you in the ass?' It was tempting but I denied the offer. Not more than 2mins later, a differnt car pulls up and gives me the same offer! I mean really?!?! Is it really that easy? The next time I have a shitty old Corolla, I am going to cruise around town, stop beside some girls, not say a word and give the head nod motion.
What a way to end the night!

So I am still unemployed, its good and bad. I am however spending my spare time studying for my microsoft exams so atleast my downtime is not going to waste.
Oh I have also decided to move to Toronto on October 1st as the job market is bigger there. So time is nearly up for me in Montreal but I will still try to make a trip to Quebec City before my departure.
How about those earthquakes and storms back home!?!

Sam

Fountain Show 1 - 10.0 MB
Fountain Show 2 - 8.9 MB





Stade Olympique

Biosphere

Old Montreal