Wednesday, October 26, 2022

Wednesday W's : Back in the USA edition


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. 


 

14 comments:

  1. 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.

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    1. A fun place, with many interesting people and places to see.

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  2. I 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.

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    1. This one has lasted for years, and a few hundred books

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  3. I love your new staircase! So nice that you'll get to spend some relaxing time with your sister.

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    1. I have to be careful on the tight bends in the stairs

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  4. I could make an entrance on THAT staircase ... unless I trip, which is very possible.

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  5. Glad you enjoyed Montreal! That sounds like an interesting panel you were part of.

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  6. I love both of your photos today! You've been busy!

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    1. Montreal 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.)

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  7. Your Wednesday Ws are wise, witty, and wonderful!

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  8. OK...we HAVE to meet up somewhere, somewhen, and enjoy seafood and cocktails together.

    Sassybear
    https://idleeyesandadormy.com/

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