J'aime Le Mont-Royal!

For the past two weeks the mountain has been calling my name.  To an outsider, it may seem like just a large hill.  But the natives like to think of it as a mountain. I myself have an infatuation with this slice of nature plopped down in the middle of the city, so I will have to side with the Montrealers on this one.

A quick history lesson: The first European to climb the mountain was Jacques Cartier, who dubbed it Mount Royal, from which the city takes its name.  The surrounding park was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the very same landscape architect that designed New York City's Central Park and the fairgrounds for the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago (what is now known as Jackson Park).  

Too many stairs to count
on a shortcut up Mont-Royal.

Ever since my first visit to Montreal, I've been dragging Adam up the mountain to explore the surrounding park, trails, and lake.  Each time he would respond with, "Again?!?  We already did that!"  But I always feel compelled to go back and explore more.

So at last, I made a visit to the mountain on a lovely, but overcast day (as you can tell from the pictures).  It's hard to say when exactly the transition from city to nature happens.  The urban background noise begins to fall away and is replaced with a calm of breezy trees and chirping birds.  This natural oasis in the middle of the city is the thing I love most about Montreal.

Chalet du Mont-Royal (above) with
stairs leading down to its front
terrace.  Inside the chalet (center),
paintings hang just below the
ceiling depicting the story of
French exploration in North America.

A view of Montreal and the
St. Lawrence River beyond from
the front terrace of
Chalet du Mont-Royal.

      

On this trip, I took a shortcut from the broad and winding switchbacks, opting for the stairs.  And quickly realized that I could be in much better shape.  I stopped at the Chalet du Mont-Royal to take in the panoramic view of the city on the front terrace.  Then I circled around on a smaller footpath to see the Croix du Mont-Royal, a large cross that is illuminated at night and is visible through out the city.

Water run-offs along
Chemin Olmstead.

A footpath along
Mont-Royal.

Croix du
Mont-Royal.

Three hours wandering around the mountain top, and I can't wait to go back.  If you ever come to visit me in Montreal, be prepared for a hike up the mountain. :)

A Weekend with Grover

Soon we will be the proud owners of an English Bulldog.  Many have wondered aloud (yes, we have heard you) if we are ready for the responsibility of owning a puppy.  Truth be told, probably not.  But is any parent ever really ready for their new bundle of joy?

Luckily, we were able to try out our dog owning skills for a weekend, with an adorable lhasa apso named Grover.  We now have a better idea of all the slobbers, snores, and smells we have to look forward to as future dog owners.


But more importantly, it has been an opportunity to see how Charlie gets along with a dog.  Of course, being a cat, he was less than thrilled.  For Charlie, what started as a terrifying weekend with Grover, has turned into a (somewhat) peaceful coexistence based on distrust, just as many friendships do.

It should be noted, that Charlie believes he possesses some of the legendary skills of the ninja, including invisibility.  To evade Grover, Charlie will freeze into crouching tiger pose for a full 60 seconds until his foe loses interest and falls asleep.  Charlie then switches to "Stealth Cat" mode and creeps in a ridiculously slow manner from the room.  Because barely moving makes him invisible. 

It took a few days, but Charlie has become used to Grover being around.  There is still an occasional hiss or a warning meow, but Charlie is willing to tolerate Grover.  Especially when in the kitchen, because the possibility of getting food far outweighs the annoyance of having a dog around.  I think they are destined to be best frenemies forever.


And I think we are destined to be hitting the library soon so we can study up on house training a puppy and be ready for our puppy-to-be when he gets here.

La vie est bonne!

I have never been big on making changes in my life, so moving almost 750 miles from where I have lived my entire life seems crazy.  I find myself in a new country with a new language as a newlywed.  We've been planning this for years, but to actually be living the plan is surreal!

Arriving in Montreal, I spent the first two weeks getting the apartment in order.  Adam hadn't unpacked (or moved) a single box since he moved in last month so we could do it together and I would feel at home.  I love that excuse!  I can't complain because it has kept me busy during the day while Adam is at work.

It took me a couple of days to build up the courage to venture out on my own to the local shops to pick up groceries and such.  I can't understand a word of French, but usually people will switch over to English and I'm able to get by.  There have only been a few instances when someone couldn't (or maybe just wouldn't) speak English.  I need to find a French class so I'll feel more comfortable going oot and aboot on my own.

Adam also wanted some change in his life, so he quit smoking last month!  I know it has been really hard for him, but he has done an amazing job.  The nicotine gum really works.  Having the motivation of getting the English Bulldog puppy he has always wanted seems to help too.  We met with a local breeder and put a deposit down.  When the pups are born in August we will get first pick of the litter.

So far I am loving Montreal.  I really like where we live.  It reminds me of Chicago's neighborhoods, but in French.  There are lots of little restaurants and shops to explore.  

We even overcame some early struggles of married life: shopping at Ikea and putting Ikea furniture together.  

I guess change is good!  La vie est bonne!