Minnie’s Musings

It did indeed. But not in Montreal. Back in Blighty. Yesterday, to be exact.

On day two in Montreal, we decided to take a hike up Mount Royal. This involved packing up and traipsing up to the mainline station to find left luggage. Montreal has a whole subterranean city so citizens can move about freely during the harsh winters and hot summers. Well, they need a better map is all I can say.

After testy march up and down tunnels and escalators we stowed our stuff and found the train to Mount Royal. Which I may say is nowhere near the mount named ‘Royal’ itself but rather slap bang in the middle of a decidedly bohemian neighbourhood. I would have felt hip and happening were I 35 years younger. But I’m not. So I didn’t.

Anyway, we eventually got to the park –can I say that digging up roads and cutting off pedestrian crossings is also a Montreal pass time – and hiked up the hill. Does it qualify as a ‘mount’? Probably, but possibly not in Mr Munroe’s book. On a warm day it was quite hard work.

Anyway, what a view! I love a view. Right across the city, with the St Lawrence snaking sluggishly in the distance. We admired said view from all angles and had a beverage and sandwich in the pavilion at the top.

Lots of people were up there with us. The cynic in me (for which read deeply sanctimonious if knackered scaler of numerous hillocks including Snowden and Kinder Scout) thinks they might have taken the bus. But I am uncharitable.

But I would also add that I think it is lovely seeing families of all descriptions out and about enjoying the sights and sounds of a new city, meeting friends and generally having a good time.

Ahhh yes, back to the dropped penny; Mount Royal translates to Mont Real. Isn’t that clever?!