When I arrived in Montreal, it was already the evening: my flight from Frankfurt took off in the late afternoon, and so by the time we landed in Montreal, it was evening. Getting to my hotel was a smooth affair, but nevertheless it took some time. So I just plopped in bed and didn't see anything until the morning after. So when that finally happened (after breakfast), I first checked out the Old Port area of Montreal. It was a fine weather outside, and I wanted to be out and about.
I couldn't put a finger on Montreal, at least that's how I felt before visiting. I heard that it's looking like Paris in North America, but really, having been to Paris several times, I disagree. Montreal definitely has a North American feel to it, it does not feel like Europe at all. Even the French spoken has some sort of an Anglophone twang to it. Anyway, I figured I start checking out the most historical area of the city, the Old Port.
First I found myself by the Montreal Clock Tower. This is actually a relatively young structure, having been constructed in 1922. It marks the entrance to the Old Port, and commemorates the seamen who died during the First World War. It is in Beaux-Arts style, and while I am told that one can climb up to the very top, during the time I was there that wasn't possible. Perhaps I have been a little too early.
There's a nearby beach, and actually this beach charges for admission. When I visited however, the season was already over, and therefore it was closed. I am not sure I get the idea though: I mean, yes, there's sand, but there's still no water you can swim in. You have water in front of you, but there's also plenty of yachts parked within, and so I don't fully get why someone would want to pay to be in skimpy clothing in a little sandy area. But then again I am not a beach person.
As I walked further, I found the area with the ferris wheel. This is definitely a recreation area by now. Plenty of families and other groups of people spend time here to have fun. I saw many people laughing, running, doing interesting exercises, and many other activities. I would have loved to have taken a ride in the ferris wheel but at the same time I also wanted to explore the city, so I stayed on the ground.
Finally, I ended up in Place d'Armes. There were a few interesting buildings here, as well as a couple of funny sculptures that actually tell something about the social issues facing Montreal.
And then, I figured I do something different. So after spending some time outdoors walking, exploring Montreal, I headed indoors. Stay tuned.
