Visited Montreal this past week ... absolutely loved it!

[NewHampshireDem]

We were there for only 2 days--my wife was not feeling well, so we cut our trip short by a day--but what we saw of the city was wonderful. We are definately going back over the summer for a second visit, probably taking in Ottawa and Toronto as well.

I was wondering about the accuracy of the impressions that I got there. First of all, it seemed to me that the people we saw were generally happy. I don't mean 'happy' in the sense that Americans are often 'happy'--meaning that they temporarily find themselves with nothing to be pissed off about or complain about. For instance, as we walked around the city and the Underground City, I saw people singing or moving to the music in the shops. Waiting in line at the kiosks at lunch, I didn't hear folks grumbling about waiting, the selection, the service--anything. People who I interacted with--mostly shopkeepers, the hotel staff, and waiters/waitresses--seemed genuinely glad to be of service. There was just this 'vibe' I got that I really appreciated.

Furthermore, no one seemed annoyed with the fact that I didn't speak a word of French. (I know a very little bit, but was too embarassed to seem like a moron when I whipped out my dozen or so words.) I was a little worried about that going there, but as the desk clerk at the hotel said--to another boorish American who asked, in that loud, slow voice "DO .... YOU .... SPEAK .... ENGLISH?"--"Most of us here speak many languages." And she said it with a smile and without a hint of condescension!

I don't want to seem condescending myself and say, "Oh all you Canadians are such wonderfully nice people ... blah blah blah" or stereotype. But, I was curious how you feel about this? Is it really that people generally nicer, more laid back, in Canada and, if so, why?

[The Backlash Cometh]

1. I hear Canada just got FoxNews. Give it time. They'll soon be

bitching at each other and unhappy like the rest of us.

[V. Kid]

6. don't worry about it

It's on digital cable. So almost no one is going to see it.

Furthermore it's so stupid we'll laugh at it -- and if any Canadian politician adopts views commonly held on Fox News they will be marginilized to the lunatic fringe where they should be in the US.

[HamiltonHabs32]

7. haha foxnews

If I had digital, I would get it as a part of my bundle, just for the cheap laughs thats all... then again I wouldnt want to support channel....hmmm, what to do?

wait a minute I dont even watch tv, problem solved.

by the way you can get all the good foxnews bits here on the internet, like the Ann coulter schpiel on how Canada is "Lucky" to be on the same continent as the US.

[V. Kid]

9. link to coulter/carlson stuff

Two words: Clinically Insane.

<http://www.abum.com/?show_media=3125&file_type=Movies>

[BlueStateBlue]

2. I visited there a few years back

and have also been to Ontario since.

The thing that really struck me was that the kids were such a pleasure to be around. They were happy! No temper tantrums, no whining. It was really quite an eye opener for me.

[GOPFighter]

3. Montreal is a fun city

Back in the early 70s we found a fair amount of hostility toward English speakers in Montreal and Quebec, but that has passed.

Every time I visit Canada, I can feel the difference at the border. With few exceptions, Canadians seems happier and more respectful of others, less suspicious, more interested in enjoying life that making a buck, and, and as a country, have better self-esteem than Americans.

My advice to Canadians, and I'm serious, is close the border with the U.S., don't allow any America TV in - especially Fox, and fight like hell any political movement that relies entirely on dividing the country by class, religion or wealth. I would sure hate to see Canada go the way of the US.

[carnie_sf]

4. I haven't been to Montreal

but I have always found Quebec City to be fabulous, and Halifax is probably my favorite city in the world.

[Hand]

11. Thanx!

From a Haligonian!
:hi:

[SidDithers]

5. Q: How do you get the Canadian paparazzi off your front lawn?

A: You say "Please get off my front lawn."

:)

Sid

[KurtNYC]

8. My favorite Montreal activities

I go every year, sometimes twice. Here is why:

the People - entirely sane and reasonable. Friendly and relaxed without being phony about it. Honest and expect the same of you (the token booth clerk for the subway will click you through if you are going to UQAM to buy a pass). I have had Canadians tell me that THEY find Montrealers a notch "stand-offish" and they attribute that to the french influence. I didn't see that.

Jean Talon Marche - big open air green market in the Petite Italie section of the plateau. Gorgeous local produce and free samples.

Sunset from the top of Mont Royale - take the bus up, hang out for the golden hour then walk down into the city.

the Sunday drum circle - about 150 locals pounding every type of drum. It gets old but worth a stop. Off of Avenue du Parc.

their subways - quiet rubber tires, high ceilings and they make this really cool high tech sound (like the land speeder in Star Wars) when you ride them. Their subway beats New York, London and Berlin.

the Food - Montreal has more restaurants per person than New York and probably every other city in North America. The competition means only the best survive. Add to that, Montrealers are not 'afraid of food' (as Julia Child said of Americans). Cheese, bread, desserts, game, poutine, beer and wine. And to cap it off -- they are thrifty and value oriented - you can bring your own wine to many places.

the Firework competition - every week during the early part of summer, there is a fireworks show by one of the international teams which compete. Half the city turns out; young couples, families, tourists.

the whole island thing - I love cities on islands (coughing: '...manhattan'). There is a stronger pride of place perhaps because of the physical boundry. It is as if the separation gives a city the extra impetus to have a strong personality.

Miscellaneous - $1 pizza (thats 83-cents US), Tim Horton's donuts, Au Petit Extra; http://www.aupetitextra.com/ , Le Grand Comptoir (1225 Phillips Sq), a big glass of Boreal Rousse, smoked meat sandwiches, french fries with flavored mayonnaise, Vieux Montreal, the casino (just don't gamble), Chinatown and the way they speak french.

See you there!

[NewHampshireDem]

10. Thanks for the tips ... I plan to go back this summer and ...

probably again in the fall. It's such a short trip for me--about 5 hours--and such a wonderfully affirming experience.

BTW, I've also heard so many raves about Halifax that I'll probably head up that way too at some point.