Montreal or Bust

We just got back from Montreal and took in the Cinemania Film Festival, Romeo and Juliet

Opera, and most of the big museums. Everyone kept telling us to check out the Underground, which actually took us awhile to find, despite the fact that it is incredibley accessible. The fact that it is so accessible actually threw me for a loop and was part of the reason I kept missing it -- and that it resembled an upscale mall was impressive. Growing up in Atlanta, my only real exposure to the Underground was Underground Atlanta which resembles a row of tacky souvenier stands, a few shops, and depressing eateries. And then of course when I moved to New York, dirty subways and rumors of C.H.U.D.s were about the only experience I had sub-zero.

Taking Amtrak from New York, we delicately avoided acknowledging that the trip would take nearly eleven hours. But we were pleasantly surprised to find the trip relaxing and a beautiful ride up the Hudson. The first 6 hours really flew by with the opportunity to sit in Amtrak's new sight-seeing Dome car and stretch our legs. Plus it's much more comfortable to stretch out in train seats than on a plane -- unless you're lucky enough to get first class. Our train tickets were only $114 each way total with the 50% discount we used by entering the promotional code V707. Despite my high of getting such a good deal, there were some problems. I contacted Amtrak and was told we could pick up our tickets in the automated machines at Penn Station, yet when we got there we were denied and had to run around looking for someone to help us. We made our train with about 3 minutes to spare. Coming back was a similar experience, though we allowed for more time and were told our return fare had never been charged to our credit card. The best I could understand was that certain discounts require tickets to be physically mailed, so unlike plane tickets, this might be your best bet whenever using Amtrak discounts. If you do opt to pick them up in person, allow for plenty of time.

I found Montrealans to be incredibley polite. We would usually shy away under an awning or a corner to take a lok at the map -- not only stay out of people's way, but to avoid an obvious sign that screamed "WE'RE TOURISTS WHO DON'T KNOW WHERE WE'RE GOING, TAKE ADVANTAGE OF US". Yet every single time we had a map out, people stopped and asked if we needed directions. I also loved the fact that everyone spoke French first, then English. It was very fun that the people our age spoke English with perfect midwestern accents, but would often forget an English word like "lobster" or "sign". The mix of European flair, Canadian sensibilities, and North American flavor really makes this city accessible to travelers looking for anything from exotic to comfortable.

The city is well laid-out with the city center easily walkable and convenient to Canada's Via Rail/Amtrak station. Though a bit far, we frequently walked from McGill University all the way to the Old Port, about 45 minutes. I recommend staying near the universitywhere the prices are a bit more reasonable, the streets are tree lined and quieter, and plenty of fine dining to coffee shops and boutiques abound. Though we got press passes to the Opera and Cinemania as a "work" incentive, I recommend all tourists to take advantage of local festivals. You really get to soak up the culture and meet new people as well as contribute to the community of the city. And of course don't forget the local brews while you're visiting anywhere from Pittsburgh to Montreal -- I recommend the Borealis Rousse!

Hopefully we'll get to the Jazz Festival in the summer, check out this clip I found from Travelistic.com.