Sure, the post is a bit off-topic, but I figure if Mike Grehan can write about falling in love with cities, why not SEOmoz?
This was my first trip to Montreal, and my first experience with Quebec. Luckily, I didn't have to rely on my non-existant French as much as I'd feared, as the city is completely bilingual - though reading the English in the small, paraenthetical portion of each label/sign/display sent the clear message of which culture was in charge. Thank goodness, too, as the English really can't cook, and food was one of the primary focuses of the trip.
I was lucky enough to be able to bring my girlfriend with me, and together with fellow SEOmoz blogger and native Montrealer, Guillaume Bouchard (of NVI) and his stunning girlfriend, we got to see a lot of the city.
We visited the Jean Talon open market
Got bagels on St. Viateur
And ate at the famous Au Pied du Cochon (literally - the foot of the pig) restaurant (where I tried poutine for the first time, along with fresh seafood and lots of foie gras)
Montreal is fascinatingly seductive. With thousands of underground stores connected by tunnels (presumably to help dodge the brutally cold and snowy winters), a metro system that was clean and efficient, stunning views of old and new at every corner, and a penchant for enchanting visitors via the tongue and stomach, I couldn't ask for anything more.
On the business side of things, I'm pleased to say that Guillaume and I will be working together on a still-secret project. It's great to work with friends, and just as eye-opening to be exposed to working with different cultures and languages. The speed of business and commerce in Montreal is at break-neck speed - surprising for what is generally thought of as the most European city in North America. Having just returned from a few weeks in Europe, I'm not entirely sure if the moniker fits, but I am sure that my love affair with Montreal is just beginning.
Great city, eh? I've been there a couple of times to do the Esprit Triathlon (IM distance). I gave them a hard time because they didn't have Molson's at the aid stations.
It was a real pleasure to have you here with Geraldine. Montreal has a lot to offer, and we'll make sure that we get you a full trip planned next time you pass by ;) Thanks for coming, we had a blast, and my VC's too!
Delighted that you made it here, Rand. .. and that you're telling all your friends what a great place it is. :)
Barry - I'm so sorry I didn't get in touch. The next time I'm there, I'll be sure to drop you a line.
I love Montreal. I haven't been in too many years. I'm glad to hear you saying commerce and business is at a break neck speed there. This was NOT the case ten years ago when I was living there.
I often joke that I would love to live in Montreal but I would be drunk, stoned and broke. But again that was ten years ago...
I'm getting tired of the laid back west coast, maybe a revisit to Montreal is in order. 4 AM Bagels, sandwiches at Schwarz's, drunken meals at the Main, no wonder I never got any work done...
Ahh.. poutine. who doesn't like french fries, cheese and gravy?
My mother has a house in Island Pond Vermont (about 1 1/2 hours from montreal) which i visit quite frequently. This is where i discovered poutine.
Friends and i make it a point to go up to montreal just about everytime we're in Vermont and usually anywhere from around 2am - 5am we're wandering around the city looking for some late night/early morning food. No matter how many of us go, it always seems the same.. everyone at the table looks at the poutine on the menu.. and says, "what the hell is that.." after a brief description, they proceed to order it. The waiters/waitresses always get annoyed..
"8 orders of poutine please, for the stupid americans" =]
as a yank now living in MTL - next time DO NOT miss out on schwartz' smoked meat.
It's the best in the world!
ecommerce brokerage @ https://www.roccanet.com/" rel="nofollow">roccanet
Welcome to MY city.
If ever you plan another trip the time to try is the June 24 weekend. (Quebec's big holiday)