Every year for about the last seven, I have made an annual July trip to Montreal, Quebec Provence in Canada. The first time, I was curious having heard so much about the famous Montreal Jazz Festival. But on this inaugural trip, I learned it was so much more. Hence, I had to go back again and again to see Montreal. I can actually see Montreal now and will describe how you can see it too, from your seat in blog land.

I can see the entrance to Montreal on a bridge high above the St Lawrence with the buildings all around down below. What a skyline, becoming more intimate to me by the years. My heart starts to pound harder as I anticipate being “home” Yes, home where every fiber of my body is relaxed and at peace. The arrival by Greyhound bus from NY is more dramatic than rail or private car crossings (I have done them all ) since you when you go through US Customs at the border, everyone is required to leave the bus and submit to an interview. One passenger can delay this entrance and so when everything goes as planned, the anticipation level is high in arriving.

I can smell Montreal, stepping off the bus somehow it is different, MAGNIFIQUE. I was born to parents from the Eastern Shore of Maryland in Philadelphia and the Eastern Shore is great, Philadelphia is great but Montreal smells are unique. It is celebratory. It is festive. Of course, it is known as the city of festivals. I have witnessed rock festivals, even firework festivals. And oh, those fireworks! Countries from around the world, including the US, compete. There are vendors with such exotic foods but it’s the smell of the crowds actually, all of that excitement, the pulses mingling together to bring a wafting aroma unlike any other city in the world.

I can feel Montreal from this platform. Imagine you are in the park across from my hotel, the trees are greener than anywhere else in the world, the birds are playful. People are scurrying about. Tourists are climbing the hill towards the summit where they will delight in shops for eating and buying souvenirs. At the top of the hill is the Cathedral of Notre Dame. You will feel holy for the rest of your life after beholding this monument, regardless of belief level. I can feel the Rue St Catherine, the Rue Viger, under my feet as I walked as if on air for literally miles taking in the still vibrant “Old “Montreal.I can hear the murmurs of the mass goes at Notre Dame or even the tourists waiting for noon mass to end so they can tour the grand sanctuary that is the cathedral. The inner structure rises to infinity it seems, serene and pious. I can hear the staff at my home away from home say, Bon Jour Madame,  Bienvenue.  Can you?