No need to be alarmed everyone! They caught at least these terrorists who were supposedly thinking about bombing the Montréal metro system. For those who are against racial profiling at airport security checks, well, he looks like a stereotypical terrorist to me. Someone from J’s work reckons they knew this guy and it’s all a set up, he’s a really nice guy and so on. I guess that was before Canadian Idol. My theory was that he was a nice guy until he failed to qualify for Idol and was dissed by the judges. If you watch his audition you’ll see what I mean. Wow, just wow. You fail.
I don’t really use the metro too much anyway since I take the bus to work. In another week or so once I have access to my bicycle again I hope to start cycling to work. Cycling is very popular here and there is even bicycle lane congestion during rush hour.
Bus to Work
The public transport here is generally pretty good. We plan to not have a car while we are here. An STM (Société de transport de Montréal) pass for unlimited travel on the island is CAD $70 per month and includes metro and bus. This really would be the perfect pass if it included Bixi as well.
1) the light switches are upside down
2) the toilet flushes by sucking the water down, not by filling up and letting gravity run its course
3) by default, you will pay to RECEIVE text messages (and phone calls for that matter)
4) they have 4 way stops – where there are no give way/stop markings, first in, first served. Works really well during rush hour 
5) one dollar coins are called loonies 
6) eating icecream makes you skinny (actually I just made that one up)
Well it’s been almost a month now and having been in a hotel that entire time has saved us a months rent. That means we go out for food a lot, although our hotel does have a handy kitchenette. I’m quickly coming to the conclusion that the standard of restaurant dining is really good in terms of what’s on offer and the service. The only annoying thing is service and tax is not included in the prices you see, but I’ll have a good rant about that another time. This is about what’s cool and there are some very cool places.
My favourite place is Les 3 Brassuers. They brew there own beer which is very good. I’ve tried a range and have yet to be disappointed. It was here that I watched the World Cup final. It was strange not really supporting either team but it was a great game to watch. Have been to Les 3 Brassuers at least to other times so it’s practically my regular. J enjoys it too, although she says she prefers Carlos & Pepe’s which is understandable. If you’ve ever been to Mexican Cafe on Victoria you’ll know what it’s like. Delicious food, great cocktails, lots of stairs to walk up to get there. This place is just like that.
Les 3 Brassuers (1 Litre Beer - Just like in Churmany)
Carlos & Pepes (Le Martini au Jessica)
Fine fine dining
Getting more upmarket and on the decidedly french side of town is M sur Masson. This is a small restaurant serving traditional french cuisine. We were a party of 6. and we had a very enjoyable dinner accompanied by a Bordeaux red. They also had a NZ red on the menu. Good for them, we didn’t buy it. Awesome place. If you visit, I’ll happily take you there.
J had a birthday recently and we went to place called Europea. She enjoyed it more than I did, I would rate it as good but wouldn’t go again. We both ordered from the set menu as it looked pretty good. I had my first ever taste of truffle by which I mean the fungus not the delicious chocolate ball. It was actually pretty good adding an interesting flavour to my veal. For dessert we were served a kind of mixed assortment of things. The macaroons were the best… the strangest, candy-floss, I didn’t expect that at a place like Europea.
I must say something about A&W. It’s a burger chain across Canada and was recommended by some cool people we know. Freakin’ awesome. I need say no more, other than to supply this picture of the food which was quickly hoovered up.
Sooooo good.
Hi, its J.
Montreal is a nice city. It has lots of tall buildings but they are cleverly spaced out so that when you walk around you can still see sky and feel like you’re in a relatively open space.
Montreal in Summer
We are staying in Residence Inn, which is a hotel of studios and 1 brm apartments, we’re in a studio. Its ok, has a small kitchen area with stove, fridge, dishwasher and some cutlery etc, and is way bigger than the hotels we stayed at in europe so can’t complain
The best thing about where we are staying is that it is 1 block away from the client I’m working on (RTA). Oh, and its in town close to lots of shops and food places, and less than a block from the metro.
We did heaps and heaps of walking with our visiting scottish & kiwi friends this weekend. Went to the botanical gardens and Olympic park, and also went all around Mont Royal, and then old Montreal last night. Old Montreal is on the river, and is very nicely lit up at night. We also walked through one of the suburbs and pretty much confirmed we will find an apartment in downtown.
Was meant to have a phone call from the relocation person today, will keep you posted.
Luv, J
My first day with the Groupe was Monday July 12th. Since touchdown in Canada was only the previous Friday it was difficult in the extreme to get of bed in the morning. I spent most of the week either yawning at my desk or trying not to yawn during meetings.
I was introduced to my new digs Monday morning and lucky me I am sitting next to a window with a view. (See picture at end of post.) I got first pick of seats since the rest of the team didn’t move into the area yet. In fact more than a week on I am still here by myself. So ronery.
So Ronely
But I have lots of meetings and team lunches. In the first week we already had 2 team lunches. Also my manager Guy was over from Israel so he kept me company for the first few days.
The coffee here is really bad. Sorry Van Houtte but NO. It could just be the machines at work, and maybe it only costs $1.75 but I would rather pay $1.75 extra and get a decent coffee. In fact I might just head to a better place right now.
OK, that’s better. Which reminds me there is smallish shopping area near work. Lot’s of choices for lunch though. Subway seems to be about the best option for a sandwich. There is also a supermarket, a couple of pizza places, a couple of sushi places and serveral cafes.
My employer was kind enough to provide a rental car for the first two weeks. Basically to give me a chance to either find a car or get familiar with public transport. So far I didn’t really do either. Looks like public transport will have to do for now.
So far I didn’t meet anyone who doesn’t speak english. I can see it will be hard to practise speaking french. Sometimes I don’t even bother to try.
Anyway, I think that’s the highlights and lowlights of “la première semaine”. Here is a picture of the view out my window. Note I also get plenty of sun year round. Nice eh.
I left Sydney, Australia on Friday at 10:45 a.m. I arrived in Vancouver, Canada on Friday at 8:05 a.m. It’s stange that it works that way…
On arrival we had to bypass the usual queue for passport stamps and go to the Canadian immigration office. A friendly Canadian pointed the way. We walked down a long corridor only to find a locked door at the end. Apparently Canada didn’t want any immigrants today. J convinced them to change their mind by pounding loudly on the door. Eventually someone came and let us in. Our paper work was duly processed and we were given the green stamp. (Actually it was paper form which was staped and folded into our passports).
We then proceeded to catch our domestic connection to Montreal. Once past customs we followed the signs for domestic connections. At the second bag-drop (the first one was unattended) another friendly Canadian sorted us out. Apparently he had recently enjoyed 42 Below vodka. Nice, although he had passionfruit which we had never tried.
On the next leg Vancouver -> Montreal we were surprised there was no meal included. They offered only a cart with the usual overpriced snacks and sandwiches. This despite the flight being 2 hours longer than New Zealand -> Australia where you do get food (unless you fly one of the rubbish cheap airlines). Thanks for nothing Air Canada. They had lots of advertising for the Passenger Choice Awards asking for us to vote for them. I don’t think so.
Next came the “jet-lag”. This is why I say flying places is not natural. We changed timezones so quickly the body never had time to catch up. The difference in time between Australia and Canada comes in at 10, only 2 hours short of the maximum twelve. I hate you jet lag.
Hi everyone. Only 3 days until long-haul flight to Canada. Sydney, Australia to Vancouver, Canada.
