Montréal Day 3

True to the spirit of being on holiday we slept in. Then it was pack it up to move on to Québec City.
But do not fear, after all of that walking and sightseeing there was going to be yarn! I had to make hard choices and though Effiloché came highly recommended I really wanted to check out Biscotte & Cie. I've seen their yarn making appearances on Knitty (Carousel Sock), (Stitch Surfer Sock) and Loopy Ewe and I wanted to see it IRL and pick up a few skeins for a Sweet Spot strip. Yes, I am still working on my 3^rd afghan. No rush and I've got enough yarns that I know I'll have a 4^th and 5^th easily. Not disappointed. I purchased 3 colourways - Vikings, 49'ers and Patriots (yes, Superbowl theme!) - of Felix.

We stopped into Loblaws for some food & water for the trip and I had to take a picture of the beer aisle. Yes, I know!!! I don't know how long it would take to get used to seeing beer in every grocery & couche-tard (Mac's) that you go into. And the young lady sampling the Alexander Keith's ale (I know!!! Sampling alcohol to boot!!!) was hiding a can of Monster under an AK box. I found that hilarious!!

It was a long, wet drive and a nap was in order once we checked in. Super excellent room - we were upgraded to the business floor - and the bed was perfect.

Dinner was at the Saigon Bangkok restaurant. Very good. This was the second time that I've had General Tao's chicken in Québec and while this version was more enjoyable than the first (granted the first was at a mall), they don't seem to do it spicy like we do in Ontario. Quande même, it was delicious. And truly the best spring rolls that I have ever eaten!!
Fortunately there was a lovely microbrasserie just around the corner where we quaffed a couple before calling it an early night. La Korrigane was another young, hip spot where Lee was not unimpressed with the on site offerings.

It was strange to me (and refreshing to Lee) not to have food available and menus foisted upon you at every bar & pub. Indeed, some pubs (Ziggy's for instance), offered no food whatsoever.

Montréal Day 1

We had a lovely lie in; I went out and fetched coffee and a crèpe to break our fast and then around noon we headed out.

 
We walked and walked and walked. We passed a shipping container yard which I found interesting for it's patchwork patterns.















There was a lot of graffiti, some of which was very good!

I thought that my Puma's were comfortable and appropriate for walking and they were; for the first 3 hours. After a light lunch at La Crème de la Crème including perfectly sour and refreshing lemonade we were on our way again through Old Montréal.










I absolutely love this blue cobblestone; Lee thinks that it's probably slate. It reminds me of worn and patched denim, new and faded indigo.

There were all sorts of interesting old bits that caught my eye.

My dogs were well and truly barking by the time that we got back to the hotel at 18:00. Habs fans were heading to the Bell Centre for what turned out to be a disappointing 5th game.
A wee nap, change of clothes and many plasters later we took the Metro to Plateau du Mont Royal and walked painfully ambled to L'Express for a lovely tea. It had been recommended to Lee by a mate years ago but was always full when he'd gone before. It was our night - tables were available! The waiter was a bit odd ... almost studiously ignoring us at times, but the food was very good. Lee had a hanger steak & frites and I savoured the grilled salmon on a bed of steamed spinach after starters of fish soup (Lee) and warm goat cheese salad (moi).
The shuffle back to the Metro and to the hotel was worth it. Spotted a PharmaPrix (Shoppers Drug Mart) where I could go in the AM to get some cushy blister plasters.

Montréal, Night 1

We took the scenic Northern route rather than the concrete 401. Result - we saw a moose!! I know that this should not be all that remarkable what with me being a Canadian and all but I have not ever seen one before.

Once we hit the 417 it was very much like the 401 except it was suddenly bilingual/bilingue!

Once we checked in we went out for a couple of drinks.

Ziggy's

A lovely morning today - sunny, humid but with a nice breeze. It's definitely going to rain but I am being brave and undaunted and we will set off on a walking journey, knitmap cued and ready to go!

Montréal Bound

Lee & I are headed to Montréal Wednesday night for a lovely long weekend. We don't have an agenda except for taking in lovely and old sights, trying local beers (Lee's thing) and checking out yarn shops (my thing!!). Les Lainages du Petit Mouton has been recommended and I would love to see Biscotte & Cie's yarn in person.
Can anyone recommend any other must see yarn shops? Must try restaurants? Pubs/breweries for the discerning palate?

I'm not sure where we're staying yet, but we're driving so transportation isn't a problem.

Yes, I am so excited!! Montréal with my love; no works, no kids.