I was gazing outside through the window constantly, for the entire ten minutes during which the blue colored "Greyhound" bus, I was sitting in, rode through a high over bridge. It was an unforgettable view. Montreal was showing herself in an explicit manner, showcasing all her smooth curves and ravishing smiles. Lots of elegant streets and majestic gothic buildings were passing by. It was raining. The pleasant scent which the rain drops made, holding hands with sands of the city made the view look more beautiful.
The passing dark clouds added a real flavour. I was sitting in the comfortable cushion window seat. There couldn't be any better way to bid goodbye to this artistic city. I knew that Montreal, in turn was bidding the same goodbye to me, as I got a glimpse of the entire city in a pleasant rainy atmosphere, dark clouds in background with the most beautiful creation, man has ever made, Notre Dame Basilica, standing tall, right in the center of the city when the bus was passing through the bridge.
Montreal was moving behind me. I was so reluctant to leave. But I had to. In an exaggerated tone, it was like a parting moment for a lovely couple. I kissed, I smooched, I was holding her hands, so firmly, so rigidly, not wanting to leave. But she was actually letting me go, soon Montreal started to fade away from my view as the bus was heading towards the lonely highway kissing the evening sky.
I sat back, resting my head to the seat, as my memory wandered through the three amazing days, I ever had, in my life. I was walking in the memory lane through the streets filled with music and arts, through the delicious creamy taste of a French pastry, through the majestic and brilliant internal structures of Notre Dame, through the beautiful and elegant example of a perfect French women, who was sitting in the reception of "Cinemathesque Qubecoise", through the old gentleman who always whistled a catchy tune at the reception of the warm and welcoming hostel "Auberge De Paris", through all the historical museums, through the late night walks and through the roof top view from the hostel I stayed. As I was taking this alluring walk, I slowly was invaded by sleep.
Three Days Before ...
After our ride dropped us in front of the Namur Subway Station, we realized that we were the two new strangers who knew nothing except the name of that mysterious and unknown city! We entered the station and took a look at the city's subway map. It is complicated than the Toronto subway system. Toronto has only two lines, but Montreal has four. An hour later we got down from the old grey train at Sherbrooke subway station. We were met with distant French voices, extremely beautiful ladies, well dressed gentlemen and a sweet, melancholic, acoustic guitar song was passionately filling up the station's premises. Sure, this may sound like a bunch of clichés, but when you get there, you'll find that everything I wrote, are present, but most of the people fail to notice. We came out of the station, hit the road, asked around and finally found our youth hostel "Auberge De Paris." It was a pretty building with an authentic French architecture. Staffs were very welcoming and the beautiful receptionist, showed us the way.
How many of you have dreamed of sleeping in bunk beds?
Many right?
Sleeping in a bunk bed is my childhood dream and even as a grown up, I had the regret of not sleeping in one. The receptionist, shattered all the regrets, in a single blow, by showing us our room. The room was filled with bunk beds. It was a sixteen bed mixed dorm. It was one of my dream come true moment. When we arrived the room was empty. Grasping my look, she said that everyone were out partying. I unloaded my bag, and was setting up my luggage space for the next three days wiping my tears of joy caused by bunk beds. Minutes later, after refreshing, Dominic suggested a relaxed night stroll. Our hostel was right in the middle of downtown Montreal.
We already laid our plans for the next three days, as we got our Montreal Museum Pass and the transportation pass. Just a few blocks of walking in the city made me realize that Montreal was one of the beautiful cities I have ever visited. We planned to walk to 'Old Montreal', a part of the city, which lies near the sea. I heard that Old Montreal is what makes the city unique. So I was really hoping to see it that night. A hour long walk proved that we were actually walking in the exact opposite direction. The street, we were walking was getting weirder and weirder. Everyone were partying outside with bizarre costumes, eerie music and some of them were starring at us. "Okay, lets get back! Its late, I'm tired and it is getting weirder and weirder!" I said.
" Lets go a little further! I think there's a church" by saying so Dominic walked further only to find a huge poster which said "Latin Gay Village"
"I think walking back is a good idea" with a nod to his statement I slowly walked back and made it to the street of our hostel. By the time we were so hungry and as I'm a pizza freak, we were hunting for a pizza shop, and were glancing the rates through the glittering glass windows.
I know that I've been using lots of superlative sentences in this post! But I had to and it is my honest opinion. You may wonder about this statement which popped out in the middle of nowhere! It is a warning statement for the pizza shop we found, since it is the best Pizza I ever had till date. Deliciously different vegetable toppings, mouth watering white cheese, made me melt away. I would honestly do anything for that pizza. You would have known the impact that pizza made in me, if you had seen me while I was writing the lines above. Anyway, after finishing our dinner we went back to our room and I climbed, as the top bed was mine. The room was empty, exactly the same, as we left. I switched off the lights, and closed my eyes, and soon dozed off as it was a long and tiring day.
"Wake up! Wake up!" I slowly opened my eyes to the whisper. Dominic was standing down. "Its already late, come on, we have to make it to Bio Dome" he insisted again.
I, for a moment didn't realize the surrounding and used my loud voice "What?" That's when I realized that I'm in a dorm room with sixteen others and I already managed to wake some of them up. The room was filled with people who were sleeping soundly after a late night party.
"Okay, I'll meet you in the front room, half an hour" I carefully whispered this time. Dominic was ready to start. I tried to get out of my bed. It was the top one, so I couldn't help the shake. I heard a low murmur beneath me. I peeped my head below.
If fairies had the same face, in all the fairy tales, it would be hers, I swear. She was sleeping there, like a baby, so innocent, exposing her beautiful, sharp and dark eye lashes. I must've disturbed her slightly, she whispered something in sleep. It was the definition of the word 'cute'. I couldn't help but constantly stare at her face.
It is a bliss, you know?
To have a chance to see such a beauty, in such a close way, through the early morning light, in an elegant city! It truly was amazing!
It was a good day. To my surprise Bio dome had penguins and Atlantic puffins. That was the first time I'm seeing those wonderful little creatures. I always wanted to see Atlantic puffins. Bio dome made it possible. But on the other hand Biosphere failed to impress me in spite of its magnificent modern structure. But I really liked the island in which the Biosphere was located in. Rest of the day, it was just a normal visit to some nearby museums, insectoriums and botanical gardens. Later that evening, we ended doing the same relaxing night stroll and having that special pizza.
The real deal started from our visit to 'Marguerite Bourgeoys church/museum', the next morning. It was a town church, which was built on the ruins of the first ever chapel built in Montreal. The chapel allowed us to view the city in a very different perspective. We had a bird's eye view of the city's port from the historical roofs of that graceful chapel. I got a glimpse of the Old Montreal in a distance and after hours of enjoying the view, we returned to the church. The delineative designs, careful work of art and the silence, the peacefulness of the church, I simply couldn't explain in words.
We then walked to the much awaited part, the old Montreal! The previous day, I realized that Montreal was one among the best cities I ever been to, but after walking through the streets of old Montreal, I knew for sure that out of all the cities I've been, Montreal is the best. The paved 18th century roads, gothic buildings, the royal horse ride and the medieval gas street lights made me feel like I was a character in one of those lovely romantic poems of William Wordsworth.
There was a street called "La Rue Des Artistes" (A Street for artists). It is a narrow street especially for artists of different kinds. I was taken aback by the people's love for art. No wonder the city was so seductive. Many cities nowadays, don't appreciate arts as much as they did back in those days. But Montreal is an exception for that and the proof lies in each and every corner of the streets and alleys.
We finished the day by visiting to a cinema museum called "Cinematheque Quebecoise" We met a girl, again a receptionist, who surpassed all the other girls in the entire city. She had a slight wrinkle in her forehead. Whenever she smiled, the wrinkle acknowledged its presence, making the smile, more pleasing and beautiful. Luckily she smiled most of the times.
Daylight faded away and lights were lit all over the city. Later that night, I decided to do something special, alone, all by myself, since it was the last night in that wonderful little city. I climbed to the roof of that hostel with a chair and a bottle containing one of the finest grape pulp. I set the chair facing the edge, and I comfortably sat back and watched the city slowly going to sleep, passionately sipping the grape pulp, grasping the taste, allowing all my senses to have a great time. It was a breezy night with a great view, and in a distance, an old Gothic chapel was lit up, with all of its colorful lights. I would never forget that night, not in this lifetime!
Third day was the best of all. Our list included Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal science center and Montreal museum of fine arts. Notre Dame chapel was located in the center of the city and one of those spellbinding architecture, you would come across in a Disney movie, and one of the tallest too. But the real beauty lies within the church. I couldn't explain the whole beauty of Notre Dame by words or even by picture, I don't think anyone could do that. You have to be there, to experience it, an experience so unique and so heavenly. The exquisite colors, sculptures, paintings and magnanimous grand design, magnificent Gothic structure and topping all this, is an organ containing 1,648 pipes in 25 stops distributed over two keyboards and a pedal board. It is not an exaggeration to say that Notre Dame Basilica, is the most beautiful structure man has ever made.
Are you a lover of arts and histories?
If yes, then don't ever miss Montreal museum of fine arts. Numerous amount of original paintings ranging from Picasso, Leonardo Da Vinci to modern oil paintings craves you to take a look at them. I truly am blessed because I had the rarest opportunity to see the Napoleon temporary exhibit. I saw the swords, weapons and other artistic itineraries, which was used by the great ruler himself.
We spent the rest of the evening, eating French pastries and roaming through the streets of old Montreal. We booked our return tickets for 6'o'clock that evening. The thought of leaving the city, made me all gloomy and left me with an unexplainable depressive weight deep inside my heart. We had only one hour left. I was not satisfied with this goodbye. A special city would bid an even more special goodbye. I knew that, that was not our goodbye.
Moments later, cool breeze of the previous night, invited some drizzles and along with the drizzle, dark clouds tagged along. I always loved a perfect rain. I thought that it is the city's way of bidding goodbye. But soon I was proved wrong.
We went down to the subway station. We were supposed to go to the Greyhound bus stop, which was two train stations away. Once when we reached down the subway, we saw a subway musician playing violin, in a corner. We couldn't resist, so we approached him and gave him few dollars and asked him to play any one of Mozart's track. We highly doubted that he could play Mozart, but to prove us wrong he held his violin in his arms and without the slightest hesitation he started playing "Mozart Symphony #40, Molto Allegro" One of the seductive and most famous tunes in the world. We were standing there speechless, addictive to the tune, like the children following the pied piper. He smiled the whole time and I thought that was the city's way of bidding goodbye. But I didn't know that soon I was going to be wrong again.
We reached the Greyhound bus stop and unloaded our bags and I found a comfortable window seat. Few minutes later, the vehicle started moving, and I was sitting there, longing to stay longer. Moments later, I was gazing outside through the window constantly, for the entire ten minutes during which the blue colored "Greyhound" bus, I was sitting in, rode through a high over bridge. It was an unforgettable view. Montreal was showing herself in an explicit manner, showcasing all her smooth curves and ravishing smiles. Lots of elegant streets and majestic Gothic buildings were passing by. It was raining. The pleasant scent which the rain drops made, holding hands with sands of the city made the view look more beautiful.
The passing dark clouds added a real flavour. I was sitting in the comfortable cushion window seat. There couldn't be any better way to bid goodbye to this artistic city. I knew that Montreal, in turn was bidding the same goodbye to me, as I got a glimpse of the entire city in a pleasant rainy atmosphere, dark clouds in background with the most beautiful creation, man has ever made, Notre Dame Basilica, standing tall, right in the center of the city when the bus was passing through the bridge.
Gradually Montreal was moving behind me. I was so reluctant to leave. But I had to. In an exaggerated tone, it was like a parting moment for a lovely couple. I kissed, I smooched, I was holding her hands, so firmly, so rigidly, not wanting to leave. But she was actually letting me go, Soon Montreal started to fade away from my view as the bus was heading towards the lonely highway, kissing the evening sky.
(Note: A simple road trip turned out to be a life changing experience as well as a great photography trip. For more pictures from my trip, click the link below.)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3254105985627.2142043.1056361851&type=3
The passing dark clouds added a real flavour. I was sitting in the comfortable cushion window seat. There couldn't be any better way to bid goodbye to this artistic city. I knew that Montreal, in turn was bidding the same goodbye to me, as I got a glimpse of the entire city in a pleasant rainy atmosphere, dark clouds in background with the most beautiful creation, man has ever made, Notre Dame Basilica, standing tall, right in the center of the city when the bus was passing through the bridge.
Montreal was moving behind me. I was so reluctant to leave. But I had to. In an exaggerated tone, it was like a parting moment for a lovely couple. I kissed, I smooched, I was holding her hands, so firmly, so rigidly, not wanting to leave. But she was actually letting me go, soon Montreal started to fade away from my view as the bus was heading towards the lonely highway kissing the evening sky.
I sat back, resting my head to the seat, as my memory wandered through the three amazing days, I ever had, in my life. I was walking in the memory lane through the streets filled with music and arts, through the delicious creamy taste of a French pastry, through the majestic and brilliant internal structures of Notre Dame, through the beautiful and elegant example of a perfect French women, who was sitting in the reception of "Cinemathesque Qubecoise", through the old gentleman who always whistled a catchy tune at the reception of the warm and welcoming hostel "Auberge De Paris", through all the historical museums, through the late night walks and through the roof top view from the hostel I stayed. As I was taking this alluring walk, I slowly was invaded by sleep.
Three Days Before ...
After our ride dropped us in front of the Namur Subway Station, we realized that we were the two new strangers who knew nothing except the name of that mysterious and unknown city! We entered the station and took a look at the city's subway map. It is complicated than the Toronto subway system. Toronto has only two lines, but Montreal has four. An hour later we got down from the old grey train at Sherbrooke subway station. We were met with distant French voices, extremely beautiful ladies, well dressed gentlemen and a sweet, melancholic, acoustic guitar song was passionately filling up the station's premises. Sure, this may sound like a bunch of clichés, but when you get there, you'll find that everything I wrote, are present, but most of the people fail to notice. We came out of the station, hit the road, asked around and finally found our youth hostel "Auberge De Paris." It was a pretty building with an authentic French architecture. Staffs were very welcoming and the beautiful receptionist, showed us the way.
How many of you have dreamed of sleeping in bunk beds?
Many right?
Sleeping in a bunk bed is my childhood dream and even as a grown up, I had the regret of not sleeping in one. The receptionist, shattered all the regrets, in a single blow, by showing us our room. The room was filled with bunk beds. It was a sixteen bed mixed dorm. It was one of my dream come true moment. When we arrived the room was empty. Grasping my look, she said that everyone were out partying. I unloaded my bag, and was setting up my luggage space for the next three days wiping my tears of joy caused by bunk beds. Minutes later, after refreshing, Dominic suggested a relaxed night stroll. Our hostel was right in the middle of downtown Montreal.
 |
Our Hostel "Auberge De Paris" |
We already laid our plans for the next three days, as we got our Montreal Museum Pass and the transportation pass. Just a few blocks of walking in the city made me realize that Montreal was one of the beautiful cities I have ever visited. We planned to walk to 'Old Montreal', a part of the city, which lies near the sea. I heard that Old Montreal is what makes the city unique. So I was really hoping to see it that night. A hour long walk proved that we were actually walking in the exact opposite direction. The street, we were walking was getting weirder and weirder. Everyone were partying outside with bizarre costumes, eerie music and some of them were starring at us. "Okay, lets get back! Its late, I'm tired and it is getting weirder and weirder!" I said.
" Lets go a little further! I think there's a church" by saying so Dominic walked further only to find a huge poster which said "Latin Gay Village"
"I think walking back is a good idea" with a nod to his statement I slowly walked back and made it to the street of our hostel. By the time we were so hungry and as I'm a pizza freak, we were hunting for a pizza shop, and were glancing the rates through the glittering glass windows.
I know that I've been using lots of superlative sentences in this post! But I had to and it is my honest opinion. You may wonder about this statement which popped out in the middle of nowhere! It is a warning statement for the pizza shop we found, since it is the best Pizza I ever had till date. Deliciously different vegetable toppings, mouth watering white cheese, made me melt away. I would honestly do anything for that pizza. You would have known the impact that pizza made in me, if you had seen me while I was writing the lines above. Anyway, after finishing our dinner we went back to our room and I climbed, as the top bed was mine. The room was empty, exactly the same, as we left. I switched off the lights, and closed my eyes, and soon dozed off as it was a long and tiring day.
"Wake up! Wake up!" I slowly opened my eyes to the whisper. Dominic was standing down. "Its already late, come on, we have to make it to Bio Dome" he insisted again.
I, for a moment didn't realize the surrounding and used my loud voice "What?" That's when I realized that I'm in a dorm room with sixteen others and I already managed to wake some of them up. The room was filled with people who were sleeping soundly after a late night party.
"Okay, I'll meet you in the front room, half an hour" I carefully whispered this time. Dominic was ready to start. I tried to get out of my bed. It was the top one, so I couldn't help the shake. I heard a low murmur beneath me. I peeped my head below.
If fairies had the same face, in all the fairy tales, it would be hers, I swear. She was sleeping there, like a baby, so innocent, exposing her beautiful, sharp and dark eye lashes. I must've disturbed her slightly, she whispered something in sleep. It was the definition of the word 'cute'. I couldn't help but constantly stare at her face.
It is a bliss, you know?
To have a chance to see such a beauty, in such a close way, through the early morning light, in an elegant city! It truly was amazing!
It was a good day. To my surprise Bio dome had penguins and Atlantic puffins. That was the first time I'm seeing those wonderful little creatures. I always wanted to see Atlantic puffins. Bio dome made it possible. But on the other hand Biosphere failed to impress me in spite of its magnificent modern structure. But I really liked the island in which the Biosphere was located in. Rest of the day, it was just a normal visit to some nearby museums, insectoriums and botanical gardens. Later that evening, we ended doing the same relaxing night stroll and having that special pizza.
 |
A caring father and an excited son "Bio Dome" |
The real deal started from our visit to 'Marguerite Bourgeoys church/museum', the next morning. It was a town church, which was built on the ruins of the first ever chapel built in Montreal. The chapel allowed us to view the city in a very different perspective. We had a bird's eye view of the city's port from the historical roofs of that graceful chapel. I got a glimpse of the Old Montreal in a distance and after hours of enjoying the view, we returned to the church. The delineative designs, careful work of art and the silence, the peacefulness of the church, I simply couldn't explain in words.
We then walked to the much awaited part, the old Montreal! The previous day, I realized that Montreal was one among the best cities I ever been to, but after walking through the streets of old Montreal, I knew for sure that out of all the cities I've been, Montreal is the best. The paved 18th century roads, gothic buildings, the royal horse ride and the medieval gas street lights made me feel like I was a character in one of those lovely romantic poems of William Wordsworth.
There was a street called "La Rue Des Artistes" (A Street for artists). It is a narrow street especially for artists of different kinds. I was taken aback by the people's love for art. No wonder the city was so seductive. Many cities nowadays, don't appreciate arts as much as they did back in those days. But Montreal is an exception for that and the proof lies in each and every corner of the streets and alleys.
 |
The street for artists |
Daylight faded away and lights were lit all over the city. Later that night, I decided to do something special, alone, all by myself, since it was the last night in that wonderful little city. I climbed to the roof of that hostel with a chair and a bottle containing one of the finest grape pulp. I set the chair facing the edge, and I comfortably sat back and watched the city slowly going to sleep, passionately sipping the grape pulp, grasping the taste, allowing all my senses to have a great time. It was a breezy night with a great view, and in a distance, an old Gothic chapel was lit up, with all of its colorful lights. I would never forget that night, not in this lifetime!
 |
The roof top view "Last night in Montreal" |
Third day was the best of all. Our list included Notre Dame Basilica, Montreal science center and Montreal museum of fine arts. Notre Dame chapel was located in the center of the city and one of those spellbinding architecture, you would come across in a Disney movie, and one of the tallest too. But the real beauty lies within the church. I couldn't explain the whole beauty of Notre Dame by words or even by picture, I don't think anyone could do that. You have to be there, to experience it, an experience so unique and so heavenly. The exquisite colors, sculptures, paintings and magnanimous grand design, magnificent Gothic structure and topping all this, is an organ containing 1,648 pipes in 25 stops distributed over two keyboards and a pedal board. It is not an exaggeration to say that Notre Dame Basilica, is the most beautiful structure man has ever made.
 |
Stunning Notre Dame |
Are you a lover of arts and histories?
If yes, then don't ever miss Montreal museum of fine arts. Numerous amount of original paintings ranging from Picasso, Leonardo Da Vinci to modern oil paintings craves you to take a look at them. I truly am blessed because I had the rarest opportunity to see the Napoleon temporary exhibit. I saw the swords, weapons and other artistic itineraries, which was used by the great ruler himself.
 |
Statue of Napoleon |
We spent the rest of the evening, eating French pastries and roaming through the streets of old Montreal. We booked our return tickets for 6'o'clock that evening. The thought of leaving the city, made me all gloomy and left me with an unexplainable depressive weight deep inside my heart. We had only one hour left. I was not satisfied with this goodbye. A special city would bid an even more special goodbye. I knew that, that was not our goodbye.
Moments later, cool breeze of the previous night, invited some drizzles and along with the drizzle, dark clouds tagged along. I always loved a perfect rain. I thought that it is the city's way of bidding goodbye. But soon I was proved wrong.
We went down to the subway station. We were supposed to go to the Greyhound bus stop, which was two train stations away. Once when we reached down the subway, we saw a subway musician playing violin, in a corner. We couldn't resist, so we approached him and gave him few dollars and asked him to play any one of Mozart's track. We highly doubted that he could play Mozart, but to prove us wrong he held his violin in his arms and without the slightest hesitation he started playing "Mozart Symphony #40, Molto Allegro" One of the seductive and most famous tunes in the world. We were standing there speechless, addictive to the tune, like the children following the pied piper. He smiled the whole time and I thought that was the city's way of bidding goodbye. But I didn't know that soon I was going to be wrong again.
We reached the Greyhound bus stop and unloaded our bags and I found a comfortable window seat. Few minutes later, the vehicle started moving, and I was sitting there, longing to stay longer. Moments later, I was gazing outside through the window constantly, for the entire ten minutes during which the blue colored "Greyhound" bus, I was sitting in, rode through a high over bridge. It was an unforgettable view. Montreal was showing herself in an explicit manner, showcasing all her smooth curves and ravishing smiles. Lots of elegant streets and majestic Gothic buildings were passing by. It was raining. The pleasant scent which the rain drops made, holding hands with sands of the city made the view look more beautiful.
The passing dark clouds added a real flavour. I was sitting in the comfortable cushion window seat. There couldn't be any better way to bid goodbye to this artistic city. I knew that Montreal, in turn was bidding the same goodbye to me, as I got a glimpse of the entire city in a pleasant rainy atmosphere, dark clouds in background with the most beautiful creation, man has ever made, Notre Dame Basilica, standing tall, right in the center of the city when the bus was passing through the bridge.
Gradually Montreal was moving behind me. I was so reluctant to leave. But I had to. In an exaggerated tone, it was like a parting moment for a lovely couple. I kissed, I smooched, I was holding her hands, so firmly, so rigidly, not wanting to leave. But she was actually letting me go, Soon Montreal started to fade away from my view as the bus was heading towards the lonely highway, kissing the evening sky.
 |
Royal horse ride |
 |
Notre Dame and its creator |
 |
Medieval gas lights |
 |
Rainy streets |
 |
Port town |
 |
Notre Dame "Whole view" |
(Note: A simple road trip turned out to be a life changing experience as well as a great photography trip. For more pictures from my trip, click the link below.)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3254105985627.2142043.1056361851&type=3
4 comments:
I'm dumbstruck !! I envy you.. :D by the way do i find shades of "aayutha ezhthu" style !!?? :) but this is a real good one.
Wow... U really took all the readers who read this chapter to a tour de montreal... Brief explanation of each and every place u visited... U really those girls at reception i think... Ha ha ha....konjam overa u explained abt them....:-):-):-)
@sai - Thanks da! Yeah, exactly like "Ayudha Ezuthu"
@sid - Thanks da! Yeah, because they created an impact!
Good one Karthick - keep writing more often. This is Badri here.
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