We started our day with a quick visit from our son before he headed off to work. I then sat and sipped coffee and planned our day while Keith caught up on his sleep...we are both still feeling the three hour time difference I think.
I studied the guidebook and we decided our first destination would be the Maison des Cyclistes, recommended to us by the Grampies. Our accommodation is literally down the street. We couldn't believe our good luck. We had a wonderful visit in the cafe/bookstore. Keith sat down to peruse a book about cycling in Austria, but something didn't seem quite right. Oops. It was a book about cycling in Australia. We miscued on that one because we have Austria on our minds. I debated hard about buying the book about Quebec's Route Verte, but when I heard you can order it online I reluctantly left it behind. I really don't want to carry it all across Europe. I did come away with a free map of the Montreal bike paths. The cycling infrastructure here continues to impress us.
Next we explored Parc Lafontaine, which was beautiful, and fully accessible by bike. I think all the parks are what make Montreal such a livable city. That is what it looks like to me.
Then it was on to the Musee des Beaux Arts, but not before a stop at Juliette et Chocolat for a coffee and crepe with strawberries, bananas and chocolate. Yummy! Unexpectedly it started to pour while we were sipping our coffee, however, by the time we were done the cloudburst was over and the sun came out. Perfect timing. We walked down Sherbrooke to the museum, and were delighted to discover Keith was free on Thursdays due to his advanced age. Since he married a younger woman, I had to pay, but the gallery was more than worth the price of admission. I found the galleries devoted to decorative arts and design fascinating. The collection of post 1900 objects, utilitarian and decorative was extensive. Keith was most appreciative of a piece of modern art called 'Ken Dryden'. It really was very cool.
Once done at the museum we walked along St. Catherine, a huge shopping destination. We didn't go in too many stores. For a couple of smallish city types it was absolutely mind boggling. I almost dragged Keith into Ogilvys because I remember it from when I was a kid. I decided there wasn't much point...I am really unlikely to buy anything because I don't want to carry it! That makes bike touring very budget friendly.
This bike signage was in Parc Lafontaine. One spot in the park had a bike path, a jogging trail and a walking path. What a great way to encourage healthy living.
The painting that was Keith's favourite. It is called 'Ken Dryden', who was a goalie with the Montreal Canadiens hockey team. Since Keith loves his hockey it had a natural appeal for him, but I really liked it too.
One of the many, many pieces in the decorative arts and design gallery. Some of the gallery was a walk through memory lane, some was stunning and historical and some was sleek and modern and stunning as well. I really, really enjoyed it. I haven't seen this type of exhibit in an art gallery before and really took my time. It was fascinating.
