Lovely La Jolla, California - 10 reasons to visit this beachside paradise

my personal favorite beach town

10. Family Friendly

9. Seaside dining

8. Live Sea Lion Entertainment

7. Boutique shops line the strand

6. World class Golf

5. Oceanside walks, La Jolla Cove

4. HH prices you won't believe

3. Sweet Beaches and Green Park areas

2. Beautiful Sunset views

1. La Jolla Caves

 

La Jolla is the mature, lush secret of San Diego. One of my all time favorite beach towns, La Jolla has a well manicured, affluent energy that draws in discerning tourists from all over the world, for the right reasons.
The La Jolla cliffs overlook a calm part of the Pacific ocean with walking paths which make the views accessible to visitors while minimally disturbing the local inhabitants. The well groomed paths are lined with florals, and the sweet birds they attract, enticing visitors like a charming, fairy-tale village.

The serenity and quiet vibe La Jolla exude make it:

Sunny La Jolla Cove

10. Family friendly - this is a place you can take grandpa and the toddlers. Age appropriate activities for every member of the family. The pace of La Jolla is suitable for ages 2 to 82.

Shops dedicated to children and their needs, as well as full service, family accessible restaurants and shops alongside the beaches. There are many dedicated trails along the cliffs to provide safe hiking experiences for the entire family.

For adult experiences, couples, or after the kids go to sleep there are:

9. Fantastically sexy, high-end restaurants and bars. The seaside dining is superb. Famous chefs, a reputation for white tablecloth service, and the most divine seafood along the coast. You can find lobster and oysters on almost every menu in this city.

The bar scene is fancy. Like Aspen in January, fancy. If that's your thing, you'll love it. It is the only part of San Diego where flip flops and tee shirts aren't truly welcome.

Sea Lions

8. The sea lions will keep you highly entertained for hours and hours. They play in the ocean and swim back and forth nudging one another with nose kisses. They bounce along the sand finding friends and mama sea lions to sun next to. The days grow long watching these sea creatures enjoy the lazy days of beach living.



When you've had your fill of the sea creatures life on the beach, make your way up the winding streets for your recommended dose of retail therapy:

7. The boutiques that line the curved streets of La Jolla are filled with various trinkets, boutique clothing items, as well as beach wear, and golf attire. Anything you might need for a weekend in California, you can find along the streets of this sweet town. The children's stores are reminiscent of animated stories and candy, with their bright colors and sweet accessories.

If you are not a big shopper, but still want to be outdoors:

6. Don't forget your putter. You will find world class golf in La Jolla, including the famous Torrey Pines golf course where Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson have been teeing up for many, many years. The greens are beautiful. The grounds are well maintained, and it is one of the most scenic golf courses I have ever had the pleasure of walking.

serene shell lined walkways

Before the sun begins to set, or you are looking for an early morning introspective walk along the oceans edge:

5. Walk the dedicated paths that line the cliffs in La Jolla cove. The walks will soothe your soul as you listen to the waves and feel the soft earth under your feet. The smell of the ocean and the sound of the water will take you to your happy place and you will never want to leave. It is a great place to meditate and reflect. This space was constructed with peace and solitude in mind.

As the day progresses and the warmth of the sun and the "feel goods" start to prepare you for the light of evening:

4. Sip a late afternoon cocktail at one of the famous restaurants and bars who dim their prices for the twilight crowd. I like a discounted glass of wine on the beach. Who doesn't? Yet, the bartenders at these spots have been around as long as the waves have been crashing against the beachside windows that overlook the ocean. They would give these new "mixologists" a run for their money.

One of the best Happy Hours in the area is notably at the Marine Room. They do have a dress code if you reserve a seat in the dining room, but the views are well worth the coat and tie. Sit in the bar area and enjoy the lovely background of ocean waves as families, and couples stroll along the sand taking in the gift from Mother Earth.

3. Some of the best beaches, albeit intimate and quiet, are located in this small strip of land. The beach areas are just as beautiful as the green spaces. Parks are everywhere - take the kids and the dog, or simply find a quiet place to rest the head of your lover on your lap for an afternoon of memory making to share with your own grandchildren in 30 years. Some of the park areas are so small, they seem to be made solely with you and your special one in mind, for an impromptu picnic. Just enough space for you, your love, the blanket you sit upon... and your picnic basket. Enjoy the moments. Appreciate the intimacy la Jolla offers. If you stay long enough to catch a sunset:

2. Make certain you enjoy a sunset view from the cliffs. Take advantage of the optimally placed benches along the cliff trails. Sit and watch the sun disappear into the ocean, or stand along the palm trees or on the bridge that connects the top of the cliffs with the city limit. But take it in. Breathe it in. Take a few minutes to observe one of natures most famous daily events and wonder how such a lovely gift is offered to us mere mortals each and every day if we stop long enough to appreciate it. The oranges and yellows as they finish the ocean blue is the perfect combination of the beginning and ending of life itself, in the form of day to night.

And finally, one of my favorite things to do in La Jolla is visit the seven caves at the foot of the cliffs:

1. La Jolla caves, whether by kayak, or via foot; Find yourself traversing down 145 steps to the inside of the caves. Read about the history of ancient pirates, human trafficking, and original migrant workers here along the coast back in the day. It's fascinating and well worth the couple of bucks it costs to check it out firsthand.

the steep trek into Sunny Jim Cave

Each of the seven caves has a name and a story associated with the cave. From The Cave Store ($5 for adults/ $3 for children), you can climb down the steep stairs into the only cave accessible by foot.

There is a kayak excursion which will take you on a scenic tour of all the caves and even allow you to enter the only cave large enough to allow traffic, the Clam Cave. If the tide is low enough, that is.

The caves represent history, and perhaps folklore from the time. The white woman cave gets its name from the story of a young bride who was swept away and never seen again. These tales, as interesting as they are, still represent the danger of the ocean and the very real consequences of daring too far to tempt Mother Nature.

La Jolla is the intuitive breast of California. I embrace this town for the peaceful space it represents (in myself).

"Shift your vibration to change your reality. Vibrate on a frequency that attracts what you desire. Make it your reality." SSK

Key West Florida and my love for Hemingway

I have been fascinated with Ernest Hemingway for most for my life.

I don't know if it was his stereotypical writers life - the booze, the solitude, or the romanticism of being a tortured soul and writer. I have found myself drawn to him, his life and the cities where he is famous for living. I have this same fascination with Toulouse Lautrec (another tortured artist).  I do see my issue here, but you can't help what you can't help. These men were well known tortured souls who created something magical with their words and their art.

This is what initially drew me to Key West; almost, I should say, as fast as I was drawn to Havana. I knew I had to visit these places where this mysterious, reclusive old man, Hemingway had been inspired to live and to write about.
My trip to Havana was such a success, I knew I couldn't wait much longer to see Key West. Although, I despise Florida in general, (the humidity, the bugs, the simple blech), I made an exception to visit this writers famous home.

There have been songs written about the keys. Key Largo and Margaritaville are well known tunes that pop in your head almost immediately, if you are thinking about beach vacations, cocktails and sunsets. People equate Jimmy Buffet with spring break, and Florida. Lazy beach lyrics, go hand in hand with music written about island life and paradise. There is something to it.

The Hemingway museum located in the heart of Old Town Key West is the home of the famous author. The grounds are meticulously kept, even though the famous cats who live there roam the grounds freely. Although sometimes, there is a line around the block to get in, you do not have to pre-book, but note, they only take cash. Feel free to take a guided tour, or just wander about the house and gardens, and breathe in the old man and the sea.

The downtown Key West area has many museums, lighthouse, and shops to visit. There are popular restaurants and bars, and lots to see and buy. The downtown area is walk-able and the perfect place for a walking pub crawl. Live music can be heard bellowing out of open windows. The night seems to invite you in to each stage daring you to enjoy your night just a little bit more, and a little bit longer.
Downtown Key West is like many tourist destinations. Quaint shops that make money on the concept of the town itself. The music and artists that the town is known for, the famous songs. This cities tourism is built specifically around what the town symbolizes for the locals and the tourists. Pink houses have been translated onto t-shirts and mugs. Flamingos aren't just for lawns, they are for shot glasses and beach towels. Pineapples are for cocktails and icees. 


These famous fruity drinks are a popular item for tourists in the downtown area. We Americans have a thing for walking around with the largest non-cup item in our hands drinking something obscure from it.
I remember being in the Bahamas once and my kids demanding a coconut with something bizarre inside simply because it had a straw coming from the top of the coconut.
Juice in a nut.
I fear I may be too lazy for this drinking sport. Or, perhaps I am not fancy enough. I have been told that before as well.

I digress.

I stumbled upon a turtle rescue just outside of Key West in Marathon, Florida. What more apropos of the beach community I was so attracted to to have a rescue for animals I love the most. The turtle hospital was a short drive from our beach house and I couldn't pass by it every single day without a nagging feeling to see what was inside. Their main focuses are rehabbing injured turtles, research and education. This turtle facility is doing great work and I was happy to contribute to the cause.

This also may have been the saddest part of my visit. Seeing the damage we do as humans to our earths living creatures and wildlife. These rescues had debris stuck to their shells, in their nostrils, and deformities due to our garbage in the ocean, and/ or being hit by boats and disregarded.
It was terrible to see, but happy to see we have resources that care enough to take care of them.



Of course, after visiting the local turtles, I found my own personal watering hole to call mine, for the week. I felt like Norm from "Cheers" by the end of my stay. Where everybody knows my name; it is far too easy to fall into a place like this and feel at home.

Vacations give the illusion of life, as is - but this place had a local feel to it that is genuine and tangible. More locals than tourists made conversation and invited us to feel welcome in their small community. There really is a sense of kinship, and it is pretty solid.

Key West is very special. It still suffers some damage from the hurricanes that rip through there almost regularly. But the sense of neighborhood there is strong. The people are there rebuilding and living their island life dream. The homes were quietly coming back. The beach debris is slowly getting picked up. The ocean is still there, vast and as far as the eye can see.

The silence is just as loud as the noise. The water gave weight to beach life, instead of the bars.
History outweighed the masses. Key West is magical and I can see why Hemingway split his time here. I felt his solace and peace spending time here.

The Subtle Allure of Palm Springs

Palm Springs is hot hot hot!


Topping 100 degrees for over half the year, Palm Springs is known as a retirement paradise for the elite golf, and senior community. A well known tennis resort destination, the beautiful weather affords some of the biggest tournaments to visit the city. The upcoming BNP Paribas Open Mar 6 - 17 is a huge annual draw for tennis pros and spectators from all over the world.

Great restaurants and bars, live music, and fabulous shopping invite tourism of all kinds.
Palm Springs has some of the best resale and consignment shops I have ever visited.



Coachella is the new young draw, but this golf destination has been drawing the elite wealthy to this desert city for decades. The music hype has become a trendy reason to bring yet, even more money into this community...and, Good on them.

This year, April 12-21 the trendy desert music festival brings headliners like Ariana Grande and Childish Gambino, both young icons in their own right, for two weekends of woodstock-like shenanigans.
I am not a hater and any reason to listen to live music, in the sun, have some cocktails, or whatever makes your kitty purr is a reason to dance like no one is watching even when the whole world is doing exactly just that.




As a popular snow bird destination, the winter temperatures are easy on the joints, and the soul. Pool temps are comfortable year round and I believe anytime the sun out is bikini weather. Let's do this.

Desert heat and mountain landscapes line the upscale communities. Pool life is an integral part of the Palm Springs lifestyle.

One of my favorite warm weather retreats, what I love most about Palm Springs is the effort to seem casual and low key while surrounded by the elite rich and famous.

The golf and tennis clubs outnumber all other entertainment establishments in the city.
The cost of hotels here also out-price  any hotel in the country, competitive with New York and Los Angeles.
One of my favorite stays is the Hilton Doubletree golf resort. It is pet friendly, has a fantastic pool area and spectacular golfing for the price. One of the more reasonable resorts in the area and if you are a Hilton Honors member, you can use points for this booking and utilize all the Honors benefits during your stay. I always need the complimentary water, and who doesn't love the famous Doubletree cookie?

AirBnb's are plentiful and accessible to travelers providing access to the upscale lifestyle and quiet neighborhoods of Palm Springs, and many times less expensive than a hotel or resort. Why rent a room when you can have the whole house?


The AirBnb I chose was landscaped beautifully, with an inviting pool as the centerpiece.  Fire-pits accessorize the outdoor entertainment area and provide a sexy backdrop for nights outdoors by the pool. The designer payed special attention to keeping the decor aligned with the Palm Springs aesthetic yet still remaining contemporary and clean. This is always my favorite option when traveling to Palm Springs.
Indian Wells Private Retreat available for rent, year round.

Sunny San Diego

San Diego is one of the most popular destinations in the United States. The sunny weather and year round activities bring people from all over the world to experience what some consider the best of California.

Craft breweries abound and the restaurants are amazing, especially in popular neighborhoods like La Jolla and Little Italy. With a variety of prices, you can enjoy fine dining beach side, or a quaint Mama's dining experience at the famous Filippi's Pizza Grotto. A neighborhood like Old Town has it's share of good bars and restaurants serving the authentic Mexican fare that San Diego is well known for. You will find your choices are unlimited when it comes to international fare in downtown San Diego and the attached beach areas.

The craft brewery experience has grown leaps and bounds with new brew pubs popping up every week. Some of my favorites, if only for the patio dining experience, in the glorious weather, are Stone Brewing Co. and the Coronado Brewery on Coronado Island, just a short ferry ride from downtown San Diego. The beers are diverse, fresh, and highly recommended, but the staff experience at both these places is amazing. There are a number of reasons you want to visit both these places - Did I mention the food, *slurp*. Stone Brewing Co. has a dining room experience that offers private dining areas and has a delightful, original menu. Coronado Brewing Co. is far more casual but has a more diverse menu with salads, pizza and sandwiches, as well as plates.

Popular Motor Ride, Lime-S

It is easy to scoot around SD lately with the addition of motorized scooters, electric bikes and traditional bikes you can find docked all over the city. Ride and go is extremely popular here. You can find stations on almost every corner to check out a bike, or motorized personal unit of transportation to get you all over the small city. I took a quick ride from downtown to Point Loma on a Lime-S motorized scooter, and in under 30 minutes I found myself seated on the patio of my next brewery. When I came out, ready to uber to my hotel, another scooter riding tourist had already taken my scooter to the next cool landing-place.

Then there are the more traditional modes of transportation such as taxi, shared ride, and rickshaw (especially popular in the mission beach and Point Loma areas). The downtown area is easy to access and maneuver without a car, which makes it a prime travel destination.
I am more than happy whenever I find a boat to taxi me to another destination, and the Coronado ferry runs on the hour and on the half hour to and from the convention center and downtown areas.

Potato Chip Rock

There are many scenic hiking and climbing areas. Hikes and trails for every experience level. The number of parks and rec areas is astounding with over 400 parks and 40,000 acres of park assets. This makes San Diego extremely lucrative for outdoor activity seekers.
For the more leisurely athlete, there are numerous places to jog and skate along the coast. Or simply walk along the coastline and enjoy the ocean nearby.

USS Midway/ Unconditional Surrender Statue

If boating is your thing, San Diego is the ideal place to be. With a heavy U.S. Navy influence, numerous naval bases, and various marina's throughout the city, San Diego is the perfect locale to see every type of boat or ship you are interested in. It is the best place to learn how to sail year round. Is is a cornerstone of history for nautical information and experience.


Find yourself vacationing in a beautiful location with everything outdoorsy you can imagine, and a cold brew too. That's my San Diego!

The Secrets of Amsterdam

Ever since I was a teenager, I have been torn between visiting Amsterdam (and not). The stereotypes of the red light district, and being able to smoke weed, or hash, in public had me terrified. What kind of wild version of my parallel life was this? First impressions from propaganda and third hand stories were too much for my naive mind to comprehend.

traditional windmill

So, down the bucket list it went, getting bumped by destinations like Florence and Rome, Vancouver and Montreal, Copenhagen and Bali. Hell, even Thailand somehow made it on the list before Amsterdam. After visiting so many places that I knew nothing about, I somehow raised my travel bravery bar. I decided it was time to see what all the hubbub was about.

I am so glad I did.


Amsterdam is one of the most outgoing, inviting, international cities I have ever visited. Men and women alike, stopped to talk to me, smiled and even asked me questions. Faces like mine; all shades of human - many shades of multi-ethnic mix. It is beautiful. The men are extremely friendly, on the verge of flirtatious, but I try to never mistake common hospitality for flirtation. Although very much welcomed, from someone accustomed to brushing down busy streets surrounded by people not making eye contact, or receiving a sneer in lieu of a morning smile or a genuine, "good morning." Here, the train conductors are happy to smile, and say, "Good morning Beauty, what can I help you with?"
Not only did the little girl from the midwest find it utterly charming, even the east coast cynic in me had to smile and just take the compliment...and the assistance.

museum district

There is so much to do in Amsterdam, let's start there. The museums, the canals, the tours, the historic architecture - these are all just the beginning of what the canal city has to offer locals and tourists alike. Parks, and art are bountiful in this city. I was able to see the work of Banksy at the MOCO, a quite diverse selection of works at the Van Gogh museum, and the historic Anne Frank House. Before you go, please note some of these museums require reservations and ticketing far in advance, so be prepared for disappointment if you do not do your research and plan ahead.
The prostitution museum is also quite famous. You can find discounted tickets to this exhibit at most of the hotels.
I like to utilize the hop on hop off bus/ boat system to visit as many of the cities attractions as possible in a succinct manner. There are always things on the tour I know nothing about and I am happy to learn.




The well known components of Amsterdam like prostitution and marijuana aren't as "in your face" and offensive as you would believe (by American standards). Amsterdam has a come as you are attitude, and doesn't push who they are on you. Oh, but you want it. You want to inhale it all, because it is magnificent.
The bars and restaurants are very European, almost with a Parisian cafe air, but with German styled sausage and beers. Fries, cheese and local meats define the delicious tastes found in most eateries here. You can find international fare of all types as well as you travel down the winding side streets and canal lined avenues.

There is a natural social ambiance which lends itself to a sense of unity and community living. One of my favorite moments in Amsterdam was standing on the canal watching a man in a rowboat in a yellow rain jacket play the trumpet while a church bell nearby responded to the tune. All while it rained and an audience of probably 200 people stood and enjoyed the musical dialogue. This interaction gifted me my biggest smile the entire trip.

Watch out for the bicyclists. In the spirit of NYC bike couriers, they are everywhere. They will run you down, then curse you out for not watching where you are going. There are areas of downtown where you must be so careful entering and exiting buildings and crossing the street. There are dedicated bike lanes everywhere.  It is quite apparent that most visitors are not used to this, and do not know how to accommodate.

IAmsterdam

The foodie revolution is in full swing in Amsterdam. Like the rest of the world, top tier tastes and flavors have mutated all over the city. I had great food at my hotel, as well as downtown. Even the bar food I tasted was well above par. International favorites and local cuisine alike were both above standard.

Trendy bars such as Icebar combine tourism and chilled liquor in a friendly and unique atmosphere that even impressed me. They even provide coats, gloves and hats to enter into the arctic back room bar where the frozen shot glasses are kept. The Heineken brewery is also a big tourist favorite. I did not visit the brewery, but the canal stop is a busy intersection of the city where many locals and tourists meet and gather for socializing.

Amsterdam has all the qualities of a great international city. It is livable and walk-able, and most certainly bike-able, but overall has the vibe of a down to earth culture of individuals who just live and let live. It is remarkably simple, and they get it. The art scene is magnificent, and they do a grand job of highlighting the historic value of the city. IAmsterdam is a slogan I can relate to.

The Royal Wedding... A destination trip to London and Windsor, U.K.

London
I had been to the city before, maybe four years ago, and was a tad disappointed to say the least. I felt I was treated poorly and perhaps an unwanted tourist in the city. Outside of a couple experiences with locals who invited me to dinner and a sweet visit to the Princess Diana memorial park, I had previously stated, I would never return to this dreadful city.
I was wrong.
I am so glad I gave a second chance. I met nothing but lovely people. The weather was strikingly beautiful. I felt welcomed by everyone I came into contact with. I don't know if it was the climate of the wedding itself, or the good weather, or perhaps, just time, but London gave me the face everyone has talked about in the past that I had not yet been able to experience.

The green room, The Portobello Hotel

Portobello Hotel

I stayed at The Portobello Hotel in Notting Hill which has a wonderful reputation. Quite a few celebrities, as well as at least one royal, have stayed there. It presents as a bed and breakfast. It's luxuriously quaint, as it sits on a side street, almost hidden from the public view. It is lovely inside and out. The rooms were lush. The gardens in the rear were green and beautiful. The setting was right out of a travelogue.
The staff was cheerful and generous. They were extremely helpful from check-in, to instructions on local directions, and activities. They made me feel very welcome and treated me with respect and kindness. It really does make a difference and change the feel of your trip when your hosts act as if they truly want you there for your visit and care about your stay.

I visited some traditional pubs, had fish and chips, drank Guinness with friends and found myself wanting to experience more. The famous Piccadilly Circus and Paddington Station were two of the high traffic places I would have normally avoided, but the energy was fantastic. The crowds were peaceful and good, and there was no fear of negative interaction which has unfortunately deterred me from going many places in America lately. I felt safe and un-threatened and truly enjoyed every minute of every day in the U.K.

The crowded shopping areas were fairly calm as people milled about minding their business and enjoying the day. I just had to remind myself to look right when crossing the street! Even the climate on the crowded tubes was pleasant and extremely tolerable.





Windsor


The city of Windsor is quaint and filled with boutiques, pubs and restaurants. It is quite touristy but small and unassuming. There are hidden B and B's all over the town and even a university right in the center of town

The grounds outside Windsor Castle were filled with the self-invited guests, and tourists from around the globe. We came from far and wide to celebrate the historic moment of the Royal wedding between the younger son of Princess Diana and Prince Charles, Prince Harry, and the American actress, Meghan Markle.
It was a moment to watch history in the making. But also, a moment to revel in love.Everyone loves a great love story with the happiest of endings. The locals were happy to fill in the visitors on how this wedding was so much different from event of the past; the rules of the royal family. One of the B and B owners shared the entire history of how royal spouses were chosen and accepted into the family, and how pleased the people were to see some of the outdated rules overlooked for this union. The celebration by the people, us, was the best part of the event. We brought the energy of all who wanted to see this union which offers hope, not just for love but for the world to change for the positive.

The wedding

The view of the screens showing the wedding inside

The crowd exceeded over one hundred forty thousand people gathered in the small city of Windsor to witness this historic event. Yet unlike many events which require armed police and high security, and hours of lines in and out of the venue, this event was sophisticated and calm. The crowds moved gaily into the venue, mostly respectful of others space. From tee shirts and shorts, to fascinators and wide brimmed social hats, everyone acted with decency. It was a family friendly event and even the children seemed on their best behavior even though waiting for hours to witness the Queen, her grandson and his future bride.

We arrived hours before the wedding ceremony began to secure the best viewing spot for the post-ceremony procession down the long walk. There were screens positioned outside the Castle grounds where the thousands of visitors could watch the ceremony that was happening just inside the gates. After the ceremony, those of us lined up alongside the procession drive were able to witness the new Duke and Duchess of Sussex as they formally made their way through the community. It was a well known tradition and readily received by all who had traveled for this moment. The day had an air of joy which included dancing in the streets and many many celebratory parties afterwards.

Introducing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex

L'Interessante Montreal

House of Jazz

Montreal is world renown as a true international city. Revered for their food, art and as an international community, Montreal presents itself as sophisticated. As a true foodie and artist, I looked forward to visiting this ever-hot city. It also offered me the chance to practice my French.

Travelling to Montreal brought me one step closer to my full Canadian experience. Since last summer, I have been making my way across Canada trying on each city like new heels I may like to own. I loved the laid back, seaside lifestyle of Victoria, B.C. I thought Vancouver was subtly the best city I have ever loved, with their stunning downtown. North Vancouver reminded me so much of Colorado, I looked at real estate. Very livable for me.

downtown eateries/ breweries

Montreal is reputed the foodie and international scene of the Canadian territories. The bi-lingual city offers an immediate feeling of culture and a savvy pretense.
The Francophiles here are prominent and English is the second language spoken in Montreal.
I visited in the winter, so the music, and social feel of the city were low-key. There were many venues,but not many were open or had much going on while I visited. Even the restaurants seemed to have limited hours, even on the weekends, most places were not open until lunch or dinner. This is surprising for a town known for their food.
Again, I attributed this to the season and the brutal snow and ice. (note: there were many signs "Danger: Chute de Glace" warning of ice falling from the rooftops in downtown. This is a serious warning, and the melting ice chunks could kill you.)

I was able to find poutine despite the limited hours of available restaurants. If you are not familiar with poutine, it is similar to cheese curds smothered in a delicious gravy.
Hearty, comfort food, perfect for the weather. Canada is known for it's poutine and it was mmm mmm good.

underground transit

This is a walk-able city, yet equipped with a transit system that is exemplary. It was extremely easy to get around downtown and to other outlying areas.
I felt extremely safe taking the train or the bus as well as walking around the area downtown.

The beauty of the city of Montreal is partially due to the mixture of old and new. The architecture and streets went from cobblestone and quaint brick buildings to charming townhouses and trendy, hip streets with wine shops and hookah bars. This mix gives the allure of a European city with New World values. It is interesting to move between the two concepts from street to street. Respecting the old but having access to the new. 

A true urban mecca on some level. Yet, actually meeting people, or more so the level of friendliness was unfortunately not what I have experienced in other Canadian cities. Montreal is far more urban, with a big city feel even though it is an extremely small city. Not much warmth between tourists and locals. Montreal wears the attitude of some of the up and coming American cities that have found sudden popularity. Cities like Denver and Austin, for example, that used to be chill and became popular with new microbreweries, live music and wonderful eateries - now these cities are filled with transplants who think they are adding to the energy when in fact they are sucking it dry, not adding anything...at all.

McGill University, Montreal

With McGill University located in the heart of downtown Montreal, the university atmosphere lends an air of intellectualism which may also add to some of the pretense of the city. The campus itself is very laid back and extremely quiet. I visited one of the bookstores on campus, expecting a campus buzz. You know that feeling, when you are surrounded by people whose minds are open to learning something, anything new? It was super quiet, nondescript even. I was able to purchase a book, grab a coffee, and sit and read in a surreal peace.
The university is a beautifully succinct campus, even though smack dab in the center of this metropolis.

The historic architecture is extremely interesting. I do not which I was more intrigued by; the old historic buildings with the history of Montreal depicting the standing culture of the city, or the newer architectural projects which have been introduced. Montreal has very innovative architects and scientists changing the scope of architecture, as well as science. It is fascinating.

downtown Montreal

 I happened upon a wedding at the Cathedral Notre Dame the weekend we arrived. It was so striking to see the wedding party dressed to the nines entering this beautiful cathedral. The processional was nothing but respectful of this historical building and the vows this couple chose to take here. The attendees of the wedding also quietly entered the building with the divine love and respect for the couple as well as the history that was being made in the building they were entering.

Notre Dame

Montreal Bio-dome

 There were two buildings I needed to see. I am always interested in the ecosystems of other countries, and had researched the Bio-dome prior to this trip. It is interesting to witness the future forward thinking shown in the design(s) and the concepts regarding the future of our populations and the environment. The Montreal Bio-dome was the first place I wanted to visit. I am completely impressed with the technology and potential for a more eco-friendly world.

The second structure was built by an Israeli/ Canadian architect named Moshe Safdie. Habitat 67 was originally designed as a thesis project. The intent was to project a housing development for overpopulated, fast growing, urban cities with a design that allowed for more of a suburban feel. The development(s) would include gardens and allow for more unit by unit privacy by the multi-tiered design. Still a brilliant idea, even if considered a failed experiment in Montreal due to the end price point for each unit.



Montreal is beyond interesting. I hope I get the chance to revisit the city again soon to appreciate more of the offerings of this diverse and intuitive hot spot.