Sunday, August 16, 2015

Montréal: Old World Charm

Hi, starlings!
Yet again it's been a long while. Life's been uncannily busy. A great deal of family came to visit over the past few months, two of my cousins got married this summer, and I took a few trips, including one to Montréal

Before I catch up on posting photos from my previous trips, here are a few highlights from the picturesque Canadian city:

Montréal is quite the charmer. The city possesses an unmistakable European feel due to its deeply rooted French origins and stalwart old-world architecture. Our apartment was juxtaposed to one of the city's leading universities, McGill university. We also walked past the hauntingly captivating architecture of Royal Victoria Hospital every morning on our daily walks from our apartment to Parc du Mont Royal


Royal Victoria Hospital














The main attraction no visitor should miss out on is Old Montréal's Basilique Notre-Dame. I've seen my fair share of grandiose cathedrals all across Europe, but the interior of this basilica just may be one of my favorites, second to (duh) La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona which rivals nothing else. 

Endless  Oos & Ahs

O





































Of course, in accordance with its French roots, Montréal is abundant with bakeries and cafés, and I couldn't resist my daily croissant and latte. If you ever find yourself wandering the streets in Montréal, be sure to stop by my favorite café on Boulevard Ste-Laurent: Café Martin. 







































The Old Port is frequented by locals and tourists alike. You'll find food trucks, water activities, and festival grounds.  Below is a photo of my me and my niece zip-lining over the Old Port.


Wheeeeeeeeee






































If shopping is your game, I suggest spending an afternoon or two on Rue Ste-Catherine and Rue Ste-Denis. I especially enjoyed weaving in and out of the little boutiques and trendy restaurants on Denis.

Pink hydrant to match my shirt






































One of the best afternoons we spent was at Jardin Botanique de Montréal. This botanical garden boasts 190 acres and is one of the most beautiful I have ever been to. You could spend an entire morning and afternoon wandering the grounds, picnicking, writing, reading, taking photos, and just lying in the grass pondering life and purpose.






Dad and Mom
Ignore my ignorant hands. I obviously don't meditate much.











And with that I bid you au revoir and leave you with this breathtaking nighttime cityscape taken from atop from Parc du Mont Royal.


















xo B

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