flashman181

And on the 17th day he rested. From early morning strolls. Today we are having breakfast out as a treat so will get a coffee on the way as know already B&F ain’t for coffee. It’s just me and my occasional friend

Tommy has a few outlets around town so a safe choice just up the road for a good coffee in comfortable surroundings .

Then onto Ben & Florentine around 730 and already quite busy. We were shown to the ugly section upstairs where there was one sad loner and a table of cackling crones making a bloody racket. The food was great and service ok considering the place really started to fill up. One waitress was amazing, the rest useless as a French Guide to Courtesy. By time we got back downstairs it was wall to wall noise. Does seem like Montrawlers like to eat out and have not even got to the weekend. Not in a “ tourist” area as such but people everywhere

Time to walk some of that off while no rain around. Saw The Fairmont on travels yesterday and that is where the Nacarat bar is we would like to try out today after 4 pm. There was a line up of rowdy protesters at main entrance ( like yesterday) so we snuck in a side door for some info. Beautiful decor inside including great usual displays on rotation. While randomly aware in some corner of mind it was great to discover this is where Lennon and Yoko did their bed in for peace in 1969.

We asked about Nacarat and were told not sure if open today . Que? “ Well that is the bar staff outside protesting about conditions “ ! Ya can’t write this stuff 😂 Back home then for a shill and check the 17 weather apps at my disposal.

Weather held off so Time to get Out again. Wandered down to Montreal Convention Centre not sure what to expect but certainly not enthralled. Then time to check out Time Out Market Montreal. Wow, what an amazing place with so many different food and drink options. We got there just after 1130 so were able to look around a bit but by midday it was packed. Had a mixed assortment

Then by chance discovered it was Canuckistan Cocktail Couplet day so hooked in🕺🏻

Stopped for a basic crepe on way home just for a sugar hit. Having learnt my lesson yesterday I then went up and did a little washing on an over cast day but also wanted to check out gym and pool. Had both to myself so did some exercise while wash was on . It was great and reaffirms this hotel was a great choice

Just leaves our crack at Nacarat later today and then some dinner.

Duly arrived at 4 pm and it was closed. Concierge checked and said it’s 5 pm today but the restaurant bar around corner is open. Sweet. Ah no it isn’t. Back to new mate Ryan and drew a mud map of a few bars nearby with Dominion being a cocktail bar. Did I mention it was now raining . Off we trekked and it was fine Praise the Lord

We knew of a Leonard Cohen mural nearby so checked that out and it was impressive indeed. He was a Montrawler . Who knew 🤔

Then sloshed back to Nacarat and…….Hallelujah…..it was open 🤓. Now it doesn’t take reservations ok. Fronted up to Ryanette at door and asked for two at the bar please. May not be available let me check. Ok sweetheart if no reservations and 23 free seats I see at bar what is the issue . CMS. She sat us at the bar. Of course with all things you try so hard to get to, ultimately a tad ordinary. Booteeful bar but very expensive for ordinary cocktails and this lad is becoming an expert trust me .

When we left there were 25 free seats at the bar. Trudged home , picked up some excellent wraps from Tim Hortons and settled in for night. Weather should clear for tomorrow even if my head doesn’t . It was a 4 cocktail day after all….

Today is public transport day. Buy a day pass and flog the crap out of it (Maul Montreal)🕺🏻. First up though check out some more coffee places. Ben and Florentine name rings a bell🤓

And it opens at 630 am. Sweet.

“Can I get a coffee for here “ ?

Sure, sit anywhere. 48 tables and no barista or counter maybe should have been clue . Bought out water. Great. 4 couples in by now. Then I see here at cash register get out 4 cups and pull of a jug of black coffee and start pouring.

“ ah no I wanted a speciality coffee please . Do you have Flat White” Wouldn’t dare risk Cortado. Blank look

No soup for you. Thanked her and walked out . Will go back for breakfast though one day, just have coffee first 😏 Back to Second Cup but for last time. The search continues

Usual adequate breakfast at Le Square Phillips had us ready to do 3 circuits of Montreal by Midday. Not quite but we did a lot as we bought one day pass. I have named thee the Rainbow Route 🌈 as we used all 4 coloured lines in a Venn diagram that would impress.

First up then is the Biodome, hereafter referred to as Boring Meccano Island. It looks less impressive up close but there were Lime scooters to explore the wonders of the island . A broken Pogo Stick would have sufficed . Casino not accessible, Fun park closed for the century etc. it was fun scooting from one temporary fence to the next but on 14 th lap became tiresome. Of course weather was cloudy so no great shots back to Montreal. I needed a sit down

Then it was time to head up to the Jean Talon markets up in St Hubert on another metro. Plenty of fresh produce and a so so Cortado was on offer but nothing special . Seen one massive market , seen them all. Supposed to be Little Italy but certainly a French twat in the “cafe” – a loose term for 6 tables and 12 chairs almost arranged in a pattern.

Next up was another colour out to the Olympic Village. Now this was impressive especially as clouds started to pass. My energy was flagging but carried on in the breeze 🤓

As we walked around there were many impressive buildings but perhaps the saddest was Dolly Parton’s Gravesite 😢

The sun was shining brightly now and as we came around the other side the true impressive nature of the site was on full display

As our intersecting station – Stuie McGill – was close to home we stopped off at our go to fancy bar Henri for a quick sherbert . We will attack the wine another day . Great place crawling distance from home. In case.

By now was on first name basis with train driver – Ryan naturally – as we boarded one last train to Mount Royal Park. And yes fans we have a new definition of boring. Now to be fair this was mostly my fault as did zero research but assumed it would be mostly ….you know…bloody parkland. What it was for the first 2 k of 10 k I made was a walk through trees with nothing else to see. Another 2 k would have seen some Chateau but may have needed resuscitation by then. How boring ?? Do you see any photos here 😏 A long slow walk home then for a shill. Bit of a hit and miss day but still great fun seeing more of Montreal and have to say the Metro is great. CLP said it was one of the best days she has had this holiday and I said it will only get better sweetheart as I handed her the laundry bag and told her it’s on the 11 th floor.

The doctor said I should only be in over night .

I discharged myself as knew CLP couldn’t really bear to be without me. The look on her face when I popped back in was ….well…indescribable really.

Anyhoo time to plan a late afternoon bordering on early evening drink and eat caper nearby. Each day the ankle and legs get a little stiffer although really have walked so much not surprised. It’s the downhill that kills the knees.

Once more we have seen what we had planned early and two relaxing days left one of which may involve rain. We shall cope .

Chose Bar Pamplemoose tonight for something a bit different but in end were very good but simple meals. Chicken and Lamb Shank. Once again service is not what you would call stellar

15 min walk to and from through a new part of town in early evening was tres pleasant. Plenty of pedestrian malls in streets in Montreal – well at least the ones without construction going on 24/7

And so another great day comes to an end which leaves us a couple of relaxed days ahead .

As expected room appears quiet . Never a great nights sleep first night but should improve. Certainly plenty of space , just a very open plan so nowhere for us early risers to hide in the morning. You know, before the sun gets up and enhancing local lives can begin 🕺🏻Certainly a more big city feel here and should get better feel of area after a day of good weather today. Plenty of walking tipped but first up check out the only coffee shop nearby that opens before midday apparently 😏 Went into about 5 yesterday afternoon and no one I asked behind counter knew when they open in morning without going and asking someone else 🤦🏻‍♂️ Then , it seemed to be “730 or 8” . Hopefully they work it out in the morning.

First went up to roof to check out view. Still a bit dark at 6 am. Then down for a stroll around so as to be at Second Cup at opening time of 0630. Asked for Cortado, got blank look from first guy but second guy said sure. Ok if not listed on board don’t order as they only think they know what it is🤦🏻‍♂️

We checked out breakfast on site and certainly acceptable for being free. Am sure we will have one or two breakfasts out this week. Time then to start our trek on a truly glorious day. First up is the Notre Dame Basilica and it was stunning

General plan this morning was check out Old Port and not the drinking variety . It’s a good walk but mostly flat. We were a bit early for most activity but plenty to see long the way

Ferris Wheel looked like fun if it ever moved. Ah it’s not 10 am yet. Time for coffee then at Tommy. Excellent Cortado and what I assume was 3 day old yoghurt

The Wheel of Fortune was rolling so up we went. Will save looking for any observation decks I observed to Honeybuns. Smart eh and only twice the price 😏 Seems our weather dome has relocated

Now we had to wait for pubs to open . It’s hard being a tourist I tell ya. Anything else to see you ask ?

Ok it’s official. I am stuffed. Wake me when the pubs open

The pubs did open which also means it must be lunch time. Spooky. Jacapo fit bill perfectly. Then added taxes and tip….

And so once again so much done first day. You wouldn’t be inside on a day like this for quids. Now it was time to go home and rest for a while inside 🤓

Headed out opposite direction this afternoon to look at Cathedral May Rain on Monday . Another stunner but clearly knows nothing about weather. Seems they all stand on roof and if get wet it is raining.🤷🏻‍♂️

Then we detoured via another peaceful park. In our area the tall buildings almost block out the sun and make for a dull walk mostly but there are a few parks around. And the squirrels love them

Weather mostly good this week except probably Wednesday so time for a Brains Trust meeting to plan tomorrow and then head out later for a drink and maybe dinner . Sign off for day now.

Just assume I had a couple of sherberts ok …..

Well …. Then I put my hand up and said enough

Then back to The Love Shack

Time is starting to fly by as we bid farewell to QC AKA Quaint Canuckistan. Has been a wonderful 4 days as expected although the number of tourists continue to surprise. Me and my now apparent constant morning companion headed off for last morning stroll 🤓. Certainly no rain abut a bit of fog and cloud did not offer up any more red mornings. Thought “ that would be right” when cruise terminal was empty but then in the distance we saw the QE 2 approaching. Some folk would bar up to watch that for 30 mins and it was interesting enough. Living life on the edge went back to usual cafe but this time got take away baby. Yep, the barista fainted too but then did Flash her my morning smile so that may have done it. Very quiet as usual at that time of day

Back for our last superb breakfast which really does set one up for the morning. Back to the room then for a couple of hours as we plan the dreaded last task. Getting the bags down the stairway of doom 👀

As Via Virgins will get to train station in plenty of time. We have business class so should be a comfortable 3.5 hr trip. Bid farewell to Hilda, pulled a pigtail ( it’s a French thing ) and ordered our Uber

Short trip to a fancy station. Good check in allowing for usual morons who clearly do no research before hand. Plenty of time to check out Business Lounge. Sweet. What a joke 😡 12 seats in the sun all full 90 mins before next train? I smell a shim sham but not sure how to describe it. One self help coffee machine ( no fresh milk) and some cold water bottles in small fridge.

Trains and planes boarding much the same . People start lining up early of course. Yes you have a designated seat of course but luggage racks are limited . These are newer trains and very comfortable indeed but the compromise is less luggage racks. Will be slow getting off simply getting to your bag 😏 On board though, simply the best train experience have had. We are backward facing so don’t know where we are going but know where we have been 🤓

Within 10 mins of leaving I saw an old friend coming down the aisle . Being a people person I called him over . It was like we were never apart #IBF

We settled in for a comfortable trip on a booteeful day

About an hour into trip the food came out and didn’t disappoint. It is hard when you carry a vegetarian option out of 3 dishes – and fair enough – but if you run out of first two options due to popularity then maybe reconsider the % of each. We didn’t have an issue mind you

Now just sit back for mother 90 mins – imagine another drink run- and wait for Montreal and hopefully the winning US Presidents Cup team have pissed off by then 😏 Imagine getting off will be slow with bags loaded en masse on rack . Beautiful scenery along the way.

Disengorging was fine if not well planned. Able to walk to our Suites from station and very happy with room on top floor. No view to speak of but quiet and there is a roof top terrace

Also a pool up there and only one brat detected. Depending on crowds could be good for afternoon drinkies and random drownings.

Time then to check out neighbourhood and nearby coffee haunts. It’s an eclectic neighbourhood, nice park near by and plenty of souvenir shops. A few coffee candidates but only one open before 7 am so gets first crack. There was a plush hotel nearby so slipped in for the heart starter bowel clogger combo.

I wouldn’t say directions are well signed although every now and again you find a useful one 🤓

Then we just did a few laps of the area as sun was getting ready to rest. Interesting to see there had been an outdoor area for watching the golf. Time for some research as should be nice day tomorrow. I see a few days of walking and maybe one of being far flung on public transport. For now though looking forward to a quiet night in a place with a lift 😏

I will miss those breakfasts though .

After such lovely walks early in the morning convinced CLP to join me today . It was cloudy, windy and very cold 😏 At least the Halloween decorations were up just after the Xmas shop opened its doors last month

We did do some Sufferin on Dufferin but not very pleasant . Went back for our coffee and maybe it is because it is Saturday but place is busy . I may be seeing things but think there are 3 pumpkins now and one is inside 👀

Walk back home then for an early breakfast before last full day in QC. Something did catch my eye as I walked past. Oh no, one of the cocoons hatched 😳 RUN.

Back for an early breakfast and short chill – hereafter known as a shill – before one last long morning walk. There was a plan – visit a Monastery that opens at 10 am. A slightly different route this time through a slightly rougher – but helpful – part of town.

It was a cloudy cool day and saw a less tourist part of town basically full of ex Monks I guess . The monastery was well presented but I may just be museumed out for now. They did go all out for Halloween decorations though so kudos for that

Time then for a morning coffee and by now the town is humming. Never seen a place with so many big buses on little streets . Amazing.

Time then to continue our stroll around lower town. Man the tourists were everywhere. Exhibit A

We did go up the Funicular with the GU. Standard rule here is if you pay with USD it’s straight conversion so Billy Bob not too impressed when he handed over a US $10 for the $10 CAD fare and got no change. I tried with a $10 Aussie note but he didn’t fall for it. CLP then tried to pay with shrapnel and got the old “ no soup for you response”. Back up on Dufferin we looked for a place for a drink and maybe lunch. There were seats available at bar for Alphonse so hooked in and very happy when saw Moscow Mules on menu and different shape copper mugs 👍🏻 . Mine came out in silver one 😢 Nice and quiet so we had lunch as well which was very good and great value apart from the taxes

That will likely do for the day now as sick of the crowds really. We picked up a light dinner for later and already have wine and cheese left over for later. We will go out for a walk at some stage . Tomorrow it’s off to Montreal by train around midday so no rush in morning and another coffee etc. As expected Quebec has been great with its French village feel. Only problem with that is it is filled with French people 😏

So, some thoughts on Canada as we are over half way through

Both towns so far are massive Cruise destinations.

Taxes and tips are a pain and excessive for service level

Public transport is good

Service is efficient but not really overly helpful or friendly . It’s a French thing I guess.

Strong coffee culture but of course think Tim Horton is great. It ain’t

B&Bs are great especially when great breakfast like here. Downside is old building, narrow staircases, creaky floors and Broom Hilda .

Rain has gone for now but still some low cloud. Weather rather changeable here so with no rain seems Plan A goes ahead with trip to Montmorency Falls. First up though usual walk but luckily no more photos need be taken……it’s like I felt the hands of Gabriel the Arc Angel reaching down compelling me. Who knew she was a smoker 👀

Coffee first up of course if can just find a park outside the Cafe du Choice . Sweet

Getting ready for Halloween around town which could be fun by next week. There was a pumpkin sitting in my chair in cafe

Officially a booteeful morning so would be nuts not to do some Sufferin on Dufferin with place all to myself. Ah crap

Day was looking good so after usual hearty breakfast caught the 800 bus out to Montmorency Falls. What a stunning view. Caught the cable down first for the full over view . Big surprise to see Trump there to greet us . He did ask for a donation 😏

These falls are taller than Niagara apparently but not as wide. Probably explains the 472 steps to get up and close

The closer you got the steeper the steps appeared . I tell ya as strange as it may sound without the fused ankle would be stuffed this holiday. Walked so much . Ah now we are getting closer

Once upon on high two bridges can walk across . One supposedly suspension but as rock solid as…..well….my fused ankle I guess. Once again stunning images and can see back to QC if ya squint. Always look for the big fookin boats I say

Time then to head back for the bus but on the way came across a fashion shoot for the Fall Vogue catalog. Green leaves Vancouver , turning orange here. Could be for Trump of course

As it was still a booteeful day thought we would go a couple of extra stops and go up the observatory deck and Lo and Behold it was free day for Aussies Seniors. 👨🏻‍🦳👵🏻Sometimes I tell ya, good stuff just happens

So much done and still only midday – let’s show them how Aussies drink

Thought we would take the scenic route home along the promenade and check on a few battlements along the way and see if Cruise ship has left. Ah crap

Ok think that’s a wrap for today tourist wise. Will go home, do some washing, chill and then head out for dinner later but I won’t bore you with those pictures .

Well ok then.

Excellent meal but of course in Canuckistan a fine $170 meal becomes $230 in the blink of an eye. Tips ok, but $25 taxes ! CMS.

Last day tomorrow looking chill . Hope weather behaves. After a glorious day today it rained solid going to and from dinner 🤷🏻‍♂️

As we all know the weather clowns are often right when predicting what you don’t want – a rainy start to day. Our hero will venture out regardless. Couldn’t get any better photos than yesterday morning so today it’s just some exercise and of course a coffee. Note: heros are brave not smart .

In continuing good news the rain got heavier once on the street. Hey maybe those 3000 tourists will stay on board today 🤔 Ah nope

Found my coffee place using flashlight function on iPhone. Interesting factoid – not many QC buildings have awnings. File that one away. Seems the QC on the coffee side is a bit lacking as today’s Cortado from new fave was rather creamy. Exhibit A

Then it was time for some Sufferin on Dufferin (patent pending) . In further good news had the place to myself somewhat surprisingly. Thought Canucks were tough. Then I remembered 90% of people have seen this trip have been Japanese tourists I shit you not . Thought I may have glanced a forlorn Kevvie Walters ambling along but kept my distance much like that between the Broncos backline and an effective tackle.😏

I must say these Gazebos definitely give me some Dead Zone vibes .

With no let up in rain likely in my lifetime we headed out for what ended up being a great morning. First up a short walk to Parliament House and see if any MCGAL (Make Canada Great At Last ) clowns around . Would be a great setting in fine weather 😏

Then we swam back down to Sufferin Terrace to catch the Funiculi Funicular down to cruise town. If nothing else it was fun to see all the tour groups under umbrellas- how do they know the leader 🤔 . Anyhoo on to the Museum Da Civilised for some kulcha. Put that cod ordinary Museum of Archeology in the shade

And in a stroke of luck there was also a Rasslin display on. Not a big fan but could certainly appreciate some of the technology employed. It almost made rasslin look real 🤓

Must be drinking time and as luck or damn good planning had it the oldest pub in Canuckistan was just down the street/river – L’Oncle Antoine. It was quaint and a few cruisers nipped in before us but we just sat at the bar because ….you know…it’s a bar. Seemed like Irish Whiskey weather but Ryan behind the bar seemed less than keen but pushed and made perfectly fine drink. It appears like 90 % of service people so far in Canuckistan , Ryan simply does not engage with people let alone smile . Being a people person I notice these things.

Then the fun started . Laughing Boy was cooking some bread and could already tell some one burnt the toast. Then the loudest smoke alarm possible went off . And they could not stop it for 30 mins. Cruisers left. LB said sorry, drinks are free now . Sweet , can we get another and stay the full 30 mins ? Blank look, tell ya sick of wasting the good stuff on these clowns.

Weather was not improving so thought catch a quick Uber up to The Wilderness and see some wild animals without pesky tourists around. It was great and all animals stood still for their photo 👍🏻

Must be time now to head back for Poutine Routine Quebec style. Found a comfy restaurant that served traditional Poutine so settled in. Perfectly fine but way too much to eat

Rain still coming down so time to head home. Being smart folk already had wine and cheese in for night if needed . Maybe time to watch some golf from Montreal .

That would be a no as the Presidents Cup held in CANADA is not on “free to air”in CAMADA. We had our afternoon cuppa and then headed out for a walk in very light drizzle so picked up a light dinner and back in for the day methinks . Bit of planning for tomorrow maybe because if dawns weather ok we may head up to nearby Montmorency Falls.

Now where is that wine 🤔

Smart choice getting the top floor as no noise above . Doesn’t mean I slept great of course. Did I mention I am an early morning person. Did I mention the breakfast – B&B remember – starts at 0830 😏 . The room is stunning with our own verandah but it is still dark at 0630 so got dressed with nearest clothes and headed down the spiral death case of doom trying to be quiet. Did notice breakfast was getting ready and the cheese was breathing – for 90 mins it seems

Street seems quiet and of course headed off in one direction away from anything to get feel of area. Took wrong turn to Dullsville

Then turned around and headed towards the Chateau. Turns out a thriving village and boardwalk and cafes and…….is only a 10 min walk away. Sweet , morning coffee sorted

Then onto the Chateau de FrontnBack . Stunning and so quiet at 7 am. Only thing ruining a perfect vista was the obligatory Starbucks in the Chateau 🤦🏻‍♂️ Bad weather predicted tomorrow so even though cloudy will get and about soon

Headed back for breakfast eventually. Did I mention we have a great verandah of our own and can look down on the common folk below. The welcoming committee was there waiting

Heading back down I said you go first sweetheart and catch me if I fall

Excellent breakfast had us fully charged to venture forth into the drizzle 😢 . So much to see in close proximity that could do a Vancity trick again and see it all in two days😏 The difference here though is such a beautiful area to walk through can do it every day and find somewhere new to eat and drink. Also weather forecast bad so best to get out when can . Walked down to Chateau and then took Funicular down to the touristy Petit Champlain. Lots of tourists around and reason soon to be revealed

Then it was coffee time and found a few friends nearby

Walked around the ramparts and onto La Citadelle to do some soldiering and flush a few cannons. Being French the cannons were all turned backwards anyway.

We did some research and liked idea of bubbly and oysters at Sam’s in the Chateau. The place was heaving with tourists but bar was quiet. Apart from the piano player. Would he play it again if asked ?

Casual walk home then for a break along Sufferin Terrace and past a few restaurants to check out for later . Our room is in a perfect location for easy walks . Why the massive crowds ? It seems QC is a popular cruise destination and I shit you not 11,000 tourists had docked just last 24 hrs 😳 Checked roster and seems on repeat

Time then to chill for a bit. Still cloudy but no rain and our selected restaurant for tonight is stumbling distance . Did drop into the Notre-Dame Basilica – the oldest church in Canada – and lit a candle for Mum on way home .

Our chosen restaurant just got zero Flash Stars ( 1 = 4 Michelin) . La Buche has traditional Québécois food – trying saying that 3 times quickly after a few sherberts. Tried to book online but want mobile number and CC. Pass. Actually walked past and went in. Hey Pierre can we book for tonight please. Non. Que ? ( just in case Spanish) Only online. I am standing in front of you and in front of reservation desk. No no only online . CMS. We shall instead go to L’Omelette and hopefully avoid French people 😏 Keen on the Tourtière which of course is traditional Canadian Meat Pie. Traditional Canadian meat of course is slow moving Moose .

We came , We Saw, We Paid. Um, it was filling. Service was very much in the “ chef just opened the can “ category. When at the end and asked for bill and after a few minutes he came back and asked what did Madame have ? the gig was up.

The rain had cleared so headed of for a day ending photo of Chateau to match day beginning one and did rather well. Saw a cruise ship set sail so went in to another chateau bar and asked for a seat but packed. “ be just as full tomorrow another 3000 coming in “ 🤦🏻‍♂️ Have we landed in peak tourist season without knowing 🤔

And it’s Goodnight from him

And it’s goodbye to Vancouver. All looking in place for first flight to Montreal today but time will tell. It certainly will be a packed flight and not looking forward to almost 5 hour flight with no frills. Biggest concern though of course is the unknown as first time with Air Canada . Seem to have an interesting boarding process going – after status load of course – window, middle, aisle. By time we board think over head compartment for bag will be very limited .

Ubers have been great in Vancouver and easy trip out to airport at 6 am. Smooth check in and drop off, through security and at our gate where there appears to be a large plane adjacent so at this stage all good.

Boarded early which was good with a full plane. System seemed to work ok and when got on had room overhead so all sweet. Left about 20 mins late – most of that waiting in queue. We had pre ordered a “meal” and that came out quickly and then a little late the drinks cart. Lady next to me ordered 2 coffee, an orange juice and a water. I got a free beer. After they left asked lady why so much and she said “ well they don’t come back”. Now she tells me ! Overall experience was fine for an economy flight. And they came back 🕺🏻

Arrived on time and easy connection to another full flight but pretty impressed with AC and many of the info available such as bag tagging etc. The Air Rouge flight was also packed and a bit late getting away due to usual assholes that turn up 5 mins before departure. Then we literally took 40 mins to back out and taxi for take off. For a 20 min flight ! CMS. Again luggage delivered on time and taxi had us at our B&B at 8 pm. To meet the charming Jolanta 😏 Yes we are in Frogtown. Choice of two rooms so took the one on top floor as great views and with wooden floors rather no one above. Herculean effort to get bags up 3 flights mind you

Been a long day so sign off now but suspect the charm and age of this building along with Jolanta – yes of course we have milk – will both amuse annoy over next 4 days .

And finally the Big Day has arrived .

Double Concession Holders . Woo Hoo 💃🏻🕺🏻

It was a rainy start to day but ventured out for final early morning coffee along Denman Street. At least the Zombies had been washed away. I will miss these . Until the next city of course

Quiet day then ahead but of course will celebrate CLP Day as now officially declared in Canuckistan. Sweet gesture. Even got the Prime Minister on Colbert to announce it

There will be packing, flight check ins etc but also a lunch at The Teahouse and maybe a last batch of Oysters at Papi’s later in day. Aw shucks. First up though is a special breakfast unique to Canuckistan Cuties

The weather wasn’t improving anytime soon. We have checked in for Air Canada flight tomorrow leaving at 910 am. It’s a two stepper to Quebec City via Montreal and needless to say if first one delayed significantly we could be stuck in Montreal for a night. Today’s flight is 2 hrs late which would screw us over. On same booking but different “company” but real issue is last flight out of Montreal is 1820 hrs and if you miss that one you are stuck 😏. Be much more relaxed when we switch to trains for a few trips and get this holiday back on track 🤓

Headed up to The Teahouse once more for Birthday Lunch. Food was delicious but service rather poor but they did bring out a candle for “birthday”. It’s on a rotating roster. In Quebec it my birthday then back to CLP in Montreal. Just for eating at restaurants of course 😏

The weather was gray and cool – much like myself – so we walked home which is a good idea after such rich food. Time for the dreary tasks of packing etc . We may go out for another walk but decided against oysters again just in case with many hours in the air tomorrow in cattle class. To be fair Vancouver pretty well done and dusted. It’s been a great week but it’s no NYC or even Chicago. More an LA. Some great attractions but more of a drop off point for more interesting places .

Like Quebec City . Start learning some Frog Speak I guess? Already have the casual indifference and general disdain down pat 👍🏻

Now, where did I leave my nuts?