Well, like I said, we woke up early!!! Couldn't believe it. We got washed up and ready and cousin was still snoozing, so we stole the keys, locked the door, and went out on a neighbourhood adventure.
It was a beautiful morning with lots of folks milling about. The folks in Montreal have lots of style and personality .. just like on Spring Garden Rd. We peeked in to a few shops - open on Sunday - and went to the bank.
We went to the bakery that we had been smelling since arriving at Liam's and it was deeeelish! They had lots of baked goods, cheeses, truffles, etc. And vinegar. So, we got some to take home, and also had a lesson. Balsamic vinegar is aged. Who would've thought??? Around a nine year is good for salads and bread dipping. They had a bottle there the size of an eight ball that was aged one hundred years and it was $950!!! Imagine.
They also had truffles that were $60 for the size of 1 and a half Ferrero Rocher chocolate. What is a truffle anyway I wondered? Aside from the name of yummy chocolates ... http://www.mssf.org/cookbook/truffles.html They are like mushrooms, sort of, from what I can gather .. and very expensive. Fun to see all that stuff though. So, we got some homemade garlic loaf loaded with red peppers, artichokes, feta, onion and black olives. So good!! And we also got some homemade pizza. Also terrific. We headed back home and woke Liam and had brunch from the bakery. Yummy.Then we toyed with the idea of going to La Ronde http://www.mssf.org/cookbook/truffles.html to ride the roller coasters, but we also wanted to see the Tam Tams. We just couldn't do both, so saved La Ronde for the next visit.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Royal#Mount_Royal.27s_Tam-Tams This link best describes what the Tam Tams are all about. I would have sooo loved to dance, and am kicking myself now like I knew I would because I didn't because I was too shy. And Mark was too "whatever" to even tell me why he wouldn't dance. This was just like going back to what I imagine the 60s and 70s were like. What an experience to witness!! Next time, I will be participating - NO MATTER WHAT!!! Life should be lived.
Here a couple of pictures, but not sure they do any justice. This is held in a park, and what a park it is. Really it is the people who make the park!!! Very inspiring to get out and get involved in something - anything. And sure would be a nice way to spend a people watching day too.
At the park, there were groups of folks playing guitar, juggling, using devil sticks, twirling batons, tight rope walking, more guitars, archery, hacky sacking, picnicing, badminton, nearby there was tennis and football, frisbee ... you name it!! My favourite by far was the SCA group .. which I forget what it stands for. A bunch of guys, mostly, create weapons out of fairly friendly materials like pool noodles, bamboo, and duct tape, some wear costumes and they fight. Looked like sooo much fun, I wish we had made up some weapons to play or practice with. (As you can see, I wasn't really "dressed" for tam tam dancing or I would have danced by myself!!!)
On our travels around, we saw some really richy rich neighbourhoods and castles really. With gated entrances and slate roofs and everything. Really amazing. We went to a look off while in one of these neighbourhoods and the view was just super. Really super. Was glad to get to see it.Then of course - we went to eat AGAIN. We sure had lots of good food on this trip. We went to a great little cafe that Jeannine loved and recommended. It was called the Santropol http://www.santropol.com/ . It was very cool with oodles of teas and milkshakes. And the best sandwiches that you would find anywhere EVER. They were so creative. All organic and fair trade stuff too. There was the neatest 3D artwork there too (some on the website) wish I had taken a picture!!! The sandwiches had ingredients that I'd never even think to put on bread. And the bread was fresh, and homemade and I think one of the best brown breads that I've ever eaten. And I had a maple milkshake. Never even heard of that ever before and I am a maple fiend so I was quite happy. It was a great way to end the trip.
Great food and great company.
And then off to the airport. Can't wait to get back to Montreal again!!
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