Where have I been? Montreal, Quebec, Canada - I sort of speak French. I took a year of French in high school and have fiddled with it on and off since then. I would give a hearty bonjour, and get a reply in rapid French that would leave me lost. I was pleased at my ability to read, especially in context, signs, menus, simple instructions. I managed a couple of minor transactions all in French. Then there were words that I have never seen or heard in French - sort of French - Quebec French.
Why was I there? I was part of a panel discussing research into discriminatory treatment of LGBTQ+ patients in end of life health care at the McGill International Palliative Care Congress. I was a consultant on the research and Gary needed a second speaker.
What made me happy? Among other things being back to traveling a little again. I will surpass 30 nights in hotels this year, I didn't do that the last couple of years. I have a log book of all of the hotels I have stayed in back to 2005. Only a handful have a note next to them, never again. The hotel in Montreal, a newish Hampton Inn was very comfortable, very well located, very nice.
What surprised me? How easy it is to get back into the Country. I signed up for every trusted traveler program I could. I get the express lane and it is easy.
What have I been eating? Several really good things, oysters raw and baked, a melange of meats and seafood, a shellfish pasta, and a smoked meat poutine. The pointine, was not pretty, but it was tasty, to quote Spo, "like some men."
Where am I off to next? Boston for a couple of days, mostly work for me, a conference I helped plan and I am speaking at.
What am I looking forward to? My sister will be in town for Thanksgiving weekend in November. She is staying with her late husband's family. We will get a chance to spend some time together.
What did we see? Lots of pretty things, pretty trees, a spectacular church, the site of the 1967 World's Fair. More photos will follow.
What have I been reading? Better with Age, by Alan Costel - it was okay - I need to download more books to my Kindle.
What is well worn, well loved? My Kindle, I have worn through the finish on the plastic case where I swipe to the next page.
Who deserves an atta boy? VRE - the Virginia Railway Express, a commuter line - they have extended free rides where their route parallels the subway, as long as the subway is out of service for a new station being connected to the line. We are about 5 weeks in, with a couple of weeks left to go.
I have always enjoyed my Canadian trips. Have travel Canada pretty extensively except for a few areas. Have spent whole summers up there. But know I know several bloggers. Maybe another trip up would be nice.
ReplyDeleteA fun place, with many interesting people and places to see.
DeleteI had four years of French at school and I can't remember much. Perhaps because I've never bothered with it since. I can't imagine wearing out a Kindle but perhaps it will happen to mine.
ReplyDeleteThis one has lasted for years, and a few hundred books
DeleteI love your new staircase! So nice that you'll get to spend some relaxing time with your sister.
ReplyDeleteI have to be careful on the tight bends in the stairs
DeleteI could make an entrance on THAT staircase ... unless I trip, which is very possible.
ReplyDeleteWe would love to see it.
DeleteGlad you enjoyed Montreal! That sounds like an interesting panel you were part of.
ReplyDeleteI love both of your photos today! You've been busy!
ReplyDeleteMontreal was a treat to take photos in. I accidently bumped a setting to black and white, and I think the staircase is better in B&W than in color (I realized the mistake and took more images in color.)
DeleteYour Wednesday Ws are wise, witty, and wonderful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, they are fun
DeleteOK...we HAVE to meet up somewhere, somewhen, and enjoy seafood and cocktails together.
ReplyDeleteSassybear
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