Montreal, part 1 (Friday)

We've been home 4 days, and I finally feel like I can come up for air and even start to post pictures of our trip to Montreal/Quebec Canada. A brief explanation, Matt served his LDS mission to Montreal, where he preached the gospel and spoke French almost exclusively for two years, between 1993-1995. He and his (favorite) companion Ryan have always had a goal to return there someday, and through the past year thanks to Facebook, they talked more seriously and then finally bought the tickets, making it final. I didn't know what to expect...I have lived in the "mission field" (anywhere outside Utah/Idaho that is not predominantly LDS populated is sometimes referred to as the mission field) for many years now and I can count on one hand the number of missionaries that I even remember at all. No offense, but they come and go and we permanent LDS members just go on with our lives and give the missionaries little thought after they are transferred or when they finish their service and return home. Well, apparently it's not that way everywhere. I couldn't believe the number of members who recognized Matt and Ryan and welcomed us with open arms. Many of the members spoke a little English and were so helpful and friendly to Shannon and I, but they all commented on how great Matt's French was after all these years of not speaking it regularly. I already knew this; I've always been so proud of Matt's natural gift for the language. I only know a teeny tiny bit of French conversation, although I can read and pronounce French almost perfectly thanks to years of singing in French. But my nineteenth century art songs did little to prepare me for the trip. Here's the sign coming out...it's for real!

Our first destination was to Dacarie Dog. Matt just loved eating this stuff on his mission. Matt stayed very slim on his mission, but we agreed that there is no way a 36 year old could eat this stuff without having a serious weight problem and heart disease.

We both agreed after seeing this picture that we need to make some dietary changes. After the trip that is.
OK, here's the lunch of champions. Fries doused with salt and vinegar, hot dog with cabbage, and a Coke Diette, which I must say is even better than Diet Coke in the States. More bubbles.

Once there, every sign is in French, everywhere you look. It's very surreal to one who doesn't know the language.

I found this store a little funny. I know "American" doesn't mean USA specifically, but I went inside and I can promise that I've never seen any Americans I know wearing any of that stuff.

Matt just loves a little public transportation. We had a friend take us to our Bed and Breakfast so we could drop off our luggage, and then we used the bus and metro from there. Matt was right at home.

Here we were waiting for a bus near the University of Montreal, so I snapped a picture. Even with the gray hair, seriously, what a hunk.

We next had to see St. Joseph's Basilica, which I think is the largest Catholic church (diocese? Jamie help me here) in North America. It was so incredible.

This was a beautiful path and gardens, very quiet and peaceful. I started up the path and found it very steep and a little rigorous after my gluttonous lunch. So I said a quick prayer of thanks that Jesus walked it for me, and left.

Here's the crucifix inside the chapel. It's different than anything found in our chapels of course, but I found it quite moving, especially with the women weeping at His feet.

Here's the spectacular view from the top.

Here's a view from the street below. The center steps are for those who are praying. Some people come and pray on each step up to the top. Wow.

Here's some more beautiful stonework.

Here's a pic of me on the metro. I'm a little worse for the wear but having a great time. The weather was beautiful so I should have enjoyed the only day in which the clothes I brought were appropriate for the weather. (More on that tomorrow).

So cute, even their stop signs are in French.

I heard that in France, the signs actually say "Stop."

Here's Matt reviewing the train routes.

We took a bus and had to see the very first appt Matt lived in when he came out here from Utah. So sweet.

A little closeup.

Matt's former favorite station stop, due to the way the stationmaster would yell the name. Next time you're around him, ask him to imitate it, it's quite funny.

A university bike team getting ready for a ride.

Me in front of a massive library.

Later after dinner (can you believe these are ALMOST in order??) we became blantantly aware of a bike festival of sorts, where hundreds of people, young and old, bike through the streets of Montreal. This was them going under a bridge.

Finally Ryan and Shannon arrived. Unfortunately their bags had been lost,

but at least they were here. We were staying on St. Hubert, near St Catherine's which we didn't realize is the Gay Quarter. Oh well, it was fun anyway.

Speaking of gay, isn't this just bromantic? Sorry guys, had to do it.

Good times! We were both exhausted at the end of the day and had an early apt at the temple Saturday morning, so we called it a night around midnight.

So, hope you enjoyed the first day of the trip. There's four more to go folks, so stay with me!