And now, back to reality

What a whirlwind week. We got dumped on under the falls, but not by the falls, but we didn’t let that spoil our experience. The skies did clear up for fudge & lamb burgers at the Shaw Café in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Off to Montreal to see the old port and eat great pasta where the Chivas flowed after some great pasta & Jackson Triggs. The shibbies were quite plentiful and full of excitement as we headed towards this wonderful coffee shop outside the “Place d’Arts” where I had a great latte type thing, I think it was some sort of mint flavoured. Either way it was really good and Jocke got the LARGE coffee. I finally got a menu item that made Mary jealous (it’s usually the other way around).

The next morning we awoke to a toasted breakfast, fresh squeezed orange juice and some coffee to help us tackle the humid day ahead. We checked out the lookout on top of Mont Royal before heading to this huge basilica on top of the mountain. A monstrous lunch at Tutti Fruity helped ease our panic of running near empty before heading to the island (passed in front of the new Montreal Canadiens Arena – highlight as the most winingest team in hockey plays there) which would have been a great place to relax had we actually got gas, which we didn’t and by the time we did we were really close to Olympic Stadium which isn’t very interesting since the Expos aren’t playing there any more anyway, well, even with them playing there, it’s not all that grand.

Then off to see Jocke’s friends Doug & Kelly & the twins, great people, great kids, great scenery in St. Anne de Bellevue just west of Montreal. And then home…5 hours later, what a drive, yikes. Well, the next day we woke up, went for lunch where we had great pasta with some not so great surprises, but still great pasta. Met Mary for coffee & relaxing. Then some book shopping and back home to make some pasta and relax watching Seinfeld episodes all night. Ahh, quality of life moments all over the place.

Again, woke up late, met Mary for lunch & coffee and then off to find Jocke some more great pasta. How could you not at a place called Pasta Perfection? Some more book shopping and then on to dinner at a Morroccan place where they have a belly dancing show while they serve you really great food. I fell in love with this cous cous, some deep fried cigars, not real ones, but with meat in them. Then home to enjoy some more quality of life moments on the balcony with Glen Livet & Bailey’s. I had the Bailey’s to no one’s surprise I suppose.

Friday didn’t get any easier as I had to say goodbye to my buddy Jocke whom I haven’t seen in almost 3 years after only one week. But I did get to enjoy the weekend as Mary & I celebrated her birthday by going up to the 54th floor of the TD tower to eat at Canoe where we had caribou and lamb with some very strong wine & not to mention coffee.

The next day began with another road trip to Ottawa as we visited the country’s capital to see Parliament, stay at Chateau Laurier, and eat beaver tail. The next day the 32C weather made waling around very lethargy inducing, the air conditioning at art gallery was very refreshing although the collection wasn’t. There were a few choice items I enjoyed though. And then across the street is a church, another Notre Dame Cathedral, but this one what it lacks in size makes up in detail. Wow. That’s all, you have to see it and you’ll be left with the same reaction. Then off for home and back to routine, saving money, and TV. Possibly some more blogging, heh heh heh.

Well, I’ve still got to do a write up of our two weeks in Europe, but this one seemed easier as it was a week shorter. Anyways, it was too much fun with you this past week Jocke. Talk to you soon.

The Cool AGE:)