Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Bienvenue au Canada

Auberge du Vieux-Port
Me looking out our 4th floor window

The taxi the husband and I took from the airport drove through the city completely avoiding the highways. Curious as to why and thinking aloud in a whisper, "maybe he thinks as vacationing tourists we want to see the beauty of Montreal?" While glancing at my watch, I see that it's the middle of rush hour. Mr. Cab Driver had more practical ideas as to why he drove us though captivating neighborhoods instead of efficient highways. Me and my romanticism - the husband just smiled. After some time, we arrived at Auberge du Vieux-Port. It took my breath away. The room was even more intimately alluring. If it is even possible, I fell more in love with the husband while stepping into our room for the next three days.

Finally, I can't resist sharing a bit of history regarding Auberge du Vieux-Port. Rumor has it that Auberge is where "Suzanne" took Leonard Cohen to her loft by the river and fed him oranges and tea "that came all the way from China". Suzanne is actually dancer Suzanne Verdal who is no longer alive, but left immortal due to Cohen's love song of the same name. A precious relationship which produced a highly acclaimed piece of art. And also took me back to many memories growing up in a household that played Leonard's music during family dinners, parties and anytime the TV was off.

So far it was a fantastic start to our much needed vacation.



. . . more pictures to come . . .

15 comments:

Jay said...

Oh I would totally have to stay in that hotel with a story like that.

If I ever go to Paris I have to stay at Maison du Perier. Which is the hotel where Oscar Wilde died.

Anonymous said...

I love Montreal! (And Quebec City...Le Swoon.) Can't wait to see the rest of your pics! And I'm going to post that recipe right on my blog in a day or two, stay tuned...figured I'd just share the love. :)

Rock Chef said...

Leonard Cohen played at my Uni last week!

Jen said...

Jay: the husband did all the research on where we were staying. I didn't know about this history until we got there and I read our guide book! I was so excited! If we ever go to Paris, we'll have to look up Maison du Perier . . .

Freakazojd: I loved, loved, LOVED each city we vacationed at! We walked and subway'd, ate, laughed and just saw a great many things! I'll post more.

Looking forward to that recipe, but please tell me which one it is that I owe to you! I can't remember!

Chief Rock Chef: Say it isn't so! I would've died to have been there! Did you go? Did you bring your bass guitar? How exciting!

Real Live Lesbian said...

What a romantic place!

Yes, more pictures please!

Ian said...

Just how French is Montreal anyway?

Jen said...

RLL: I can't even describe just how romantic it really was!

Ian: I believe French is their first language. They greet you and talk to you with French (all menus/subway/signs/etc are in French; most have an English translation), but anyone in the service industry also speaks English. Which was very good for us non-French speaking individuals. We vow that next time we need to know "some" Francois! Just 'cos it'll be fun!

Sid said...

Hmmm never thought of Montreal as a romantic place. In fact I have heard very little of Montreal so I can't wait to hear more.

tt said...

Ok..now it's deffinitely on my 'to go ' places!!! How fun and romantic!!I'm glad you 2 got a change to get away and relax and have some fun....

Jen said...

sid: everything about Montreal is awesome! There is much to do and see. The food? It's to die for! There are loads of romantic places to stay as well - you just have to look (or ask someone who's been before).

tt: I have to say, this was one of the BEST vacations on my list! If only for the fact that we planned for no plans. We slept in until whenever we awoke, we would do anything we wanted whenever - no agenda, we walked everywhere for 5-6 hours a day and we ate whatever and whenever we wanted. It was refreshing! Finally, something that was not "go, go, go" all the time (i.e. life)!

Rock Chef said...

Jen - It was so and I did not go because I never really liked him! I bet you really hate me now, don't you?

Jen said...

Rock chef: awww. . .no, I don't hate you - he is a bit different in his musical talents. He's been a staple of mine throughout my life - reminds me a lot of my parents. So, for me, he's a good thing. Had I known though, I would've begged you to go get his autograph for me!

Real Live Lesbian said...

Ok, where'd you go? Let's hear the rest of the story! You're missed!!!!

Rock Chef said...

Hi! How are you?

You have been very quiet. Hope everything is OK!

Anonymous said...

What makes you think Suzanne Verdal is no longer alive? Last time I heard, she certainly was...