december 30 (w). impressions of Montreal, so far

** Montreal's winter is every bit I remembered of that from my childhood, only now we have all the modern, hi-tech attires and accessories to combat the brutality of winter. All bundled up there is really nothing to fear. These past two days I've made out pretty good, except that bending my knees and elbows are somewhat challenging. And for periods of times I can't feel my face. Next time I'll get face mask and ski goggles then I'll be all set to explore North Pole.

** I've forgotten how much I loved the sound of packed snow crushing under my boots. I can't get enough of that. Luckily the snow on the sidewalk are not melting away anytime soon. My sister's brand new boots (which I bought her for her birthday) by now look like something left behind in Salvation Army's bargain bin.

** Montrealers are among the luckiest people in the world. There are quality ethnic food everywhere you look. For lunch we had rotisserie chicken from Romado's, a Portuguese deli. The menu and signage, for the convenience of the customers, are in both French and Portuguese. So I ordered in French :) My pronunciation must have been perfect for the proprietress followed through my request with showers of French questions. I told her I'd get back to her in another twenty years. The chicken, by the way, was not only well worth the confusion, and also--I'd go that far to say--it's worth a flight up to the city. Their pastry case was infinitely alluring.

** Tonight we must have noodles. It's way overdue.

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december 28 (m). in the mood for porridge

The weather cannot be said the foulest, but it took us nearly six hours to get up to Montreal. Given the local standard, today must have been a beautiful day with the temperature well in the 30's, and I handled it with poise. But tomorrow it'll be in single digit (in Fahrenheit) with occasional snow shower. We should be fine. I hope. We came prepared with boxes of toasty-toes and hot-hands.

As soon as we dropped off our luggage we headed out in hunt of food--what else is there when you are in such a multi-culture metropolitan? And we found Boustan on Rue Crescent (near Blvd. De Mainsonneuve W), a Lebanese quick stop for great taste and great value. Afterward we took a leisure walk on Rue St. Catherine W., on which modern chain clothing stores dotted along. It was quite an experience to hear all sorts of languages being spoken all around you. And I felt giddy when being greeted by Bonjour. I'll pretend that I'm in Paris just for a few days.

The old Chinatown came to view as soon as we made a turn on Blvd. St. Laurent. It was nearly 9 o'clock and although my chicken shawarma was still lingering in my tummy, a great urge for rice porridge was overcoming me. In such harsh winter weather, I allow myself to surrender to any food request. However, it was a such a disappointment that there was no porridge and noddle shops in old Chinatown. Instead, there was quite a few Vietnamese pho places. We might just have to have that for breakfast tomorrow, and look out for rice porridge in the new Chinatown across the River.

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december 23 (w). let's get fat

While walking the Boston streets all bundled up, it occurred to me it's utterly impossible for one too look good in winter when there are 5 layers of shirts/sweaters/sweatshirts/coats completed with the most heavy duty long underpants finished with carpenter jeans. And then there are the ugly boots under which there are your carefully pedicured toes. So we might as well all eat up until we explode.

No pictures were taken because the thought of exposing my delicate bare hands to the below freezing temperature is quite unbearable even though the weather, as they say, could be much worse.

Here is my sister's dog, Pearl. She is a big fluffy ball.

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december 22 (t). and then we are in the north

After much of delay and cancellation, Kevin and I finally made it up here at 3:00 am of Monday morning. We took yesterday to rewind, and got much needed sleep. Today, the weather being sunny with a tender breeze, we ventured into the coolness of New England winter.

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december 16 (w). wrapping up

In one and a half hour I'll turn in the grade for the semester as I have promised the students. That concludes another more or less successful semester on my part. Kevin's school is over by tomorrow. After that I can live my much preferred nocturnal lifestyle for two days. Sunday we will head north to embrace some real wintry weather, and hopefully a very white (and icy?) Christmas. If luggage situation can be managed, I shall bring back a few dozens of lobsters for all to appreciate. Until then, happy shopping everybody!

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