Jan 19th - 23rd. A visit to Montreal in the dead of winter is an interesting and cold experience. After visiting Jackson Hole last week, I thought I was prepared for the cold, but I was poorly prepared. Snow, wind and ice in a big city combine to produce a frozen experience. Cold aside, Montreal is a wonderful city.
The beginning of the trip did not start well. Driving in a new city covered with snow, most road lanes missing and most road signs in French is difficult. Added to that, I was given the incorrect address to my customer, and then my GPS unit did not have the new address. A couple of hours late, with the aid of hand scribbled maps I finally reached the customer site. Later that day, my room key broke at the hotel, locking me out of my room for a while. I was finally able to go to bed after they had replaced the door electronics. Usually, the travel aggravation on the first day sets the tone for the business week, but so far my fears have been for nought as my customer has been a gracious host.
On Tuesday night I went out into the city with my customer Daniel. We drove up and around Mount Royal (Mont Royal) when I had a great view of the city at night - finally it wasn't snowing and the skies were clear. Back in the city we had dinner at a great little and warm bar call Baton Rouge (The Red Bat). While we were there I could see that the Atlanta Thrashers were beating Montreal in Ice Hockey being played back in Atlanta (3 - 2 when I left). After ribs and chicken, we drove to Old Port Montreal. Sand stone buildings line the streets and port, transporting you to any European city across the pond. Reminded me of the Rocks in Sydney, or Salamanca in Hobart.
Leaving the snow pack cobblestone streets, I returned to my hotel, where once again, my keys didn't work.
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