Panoramic, Montreal

One last photo to wrap up that weekend trip to Montreal! This panoramic shot of the lantern festival is one of my favorites photos from that trip. 

Vieux Montreal

I seriously have no memories of taking these photos. I do remember that I was freezing (thanks for nothing, weather report) and that I hadn't had coffee so I wasn't in the best of moods. Not a good day, haha.

I wish I had been able to proper look around Montreal, but alas. The stars just weren't aligned this trip! But perhaps a day trip is in order?

Last week was exhausting on all levels, so I'm hoping that today ushers in a week of calm. And lattes.

Fighting!

Chateau Dufresne

While in Montreal we visited the Chateau Dufresne, a house built by a bourgeois family in the 20th century. The house was restored in the 70s by another wealthy family (bless the rich!) and returned to its former bourgeoisie glory. 

Look, I was raised in Virginia so I know how to appreciate history. But I totally think that the cost for touring this house was a little steep. I think it was about fifteen-twenty smackaroos? And before you call me a miser, I should let you know that it took less than 45 minutes to tour the entire house. Yeah. 

And there isn't a guide or a ton of information posted around the house, however, everything that's posted is bilingual. 

I mean, it's cool and all. But...I would recommend the Biodome before this. 

But maybe you just want a lowkey tour of a fancy house? Then visit. But don't do it with children!

Biodome

Saturday we all woke up bright and early (sans coffee. I don't know how I did it. #superhuman) and headed to the Montreal Biodome.

Guys, this place is pretty cool. The Biodome was actually the velodome for the 1976 Olympics for track cycling and judo. I KNOW. I discovered this series of abandoned Olympic stadiums earlier this year and felt sad that these grand buildings fall into disrepair, especially considering the effort and money poured into their development. Seeing how Montreal transformed this building was inspiring. The entire Olympic Park has found a second life!

And not to toot my own horn or anything, but that little raccoon loved me. He would stand up on his hind feet and gesticulate at me. Or maybe he just wanted to eat me. Either way, it was adorable.

Jardin Botanique

After classes ended Friday afternoon, my host family and I jumped in the minivan for a quick trip to Montreal. (Fun fact, I had thought that Montreal and Quebec were only an hour apart. Nope. Three hours, in fact.)

We arrived around 5:30 p.m., unpacked and then ate a quick dinner of pâté, brie and fresh bread. After dinner, we hopped back in the minivan and headed toward the botanical garden to see the Chinese lanterns on display. 

Taking photographs was a little tricky, but I think I managed to snap a few good pictures of the lanterns. They were truly gorgeous. Each lantern can take up to two months to be handmade in China. And each year the theme is different! I think the theme was Chinese folklore and animals. I thought the floating boat lanterns were the prettiest! 

The weather cooperated nicely and we had a pleasant walk around the garden, though I'm sure it is even prettier in the daylight! It reminded me of the drives my family used to take to view the Christmas lights. All we were missing this time was the hot chocolate and sprinkle laden Christmas cookies. Ahh, memories!