I've got a pocket full of sunshine...

I have had a somewhat busy week and have been terrible and writing this up; which always leads me to forgetting the crucial things I have done, people I've met and places I've seen. As I write this I am the coach from Montreal to Quebec City so this seems the perfect time to sit and write about my time in Montreal. Now we all know I wasn't really that big a fan of this big sprawling, culturally confused and architecturally clashing city but it has definitely grown on me. I'm not saying I wish I had stayed there, 8 days is more than enough, I was discussing with another girl (who I am now traveling with) that by day 8 we had seemed to run out of things to do, we had visited most museums (some good, some, well, bad) art galleries, churches and other tourist spots in the city. By far my best experience of this city would be the gorgeous Vieux Montreal; worth every word that is written about it. Now it's mostly just a little square with restaurants, cafes and shops looking out onto to the water to the East and onto Nelson's column to the West (which pre-dates Trafalgar I am told) It is this quaint, unassuming square with its little Church tucked around the corner that I fell in love with. The cobbled streets and cafes on the pavement - so typically European. I think I may have spent too much time in Europe and am far too used to and expectant of these kind of surroundings.
Another place I have to mention is the Marche Jean Talon in Little Italy, a ride on the metro takes you into the most glorious explosions of colours, tastes and sounds. It reminded me of all those times I used to go to the market in Ecuador; everyone hustling and bustling about - the best fruits, vegetables and flowers all artfully arranged and samples always at the ready. We walked around for an hour or so just taking it all in, munching on fresh pineapple and watching everyone go about their business. We sat on the sidewalk and enjoyed a kebab while attempting to tan and failing to take sly photos of interesting passers by.
Montreal is also home to a Biodome which reminds me of Edinburgh Botanical Gardens (going through all the climates etc) but with animals, I have to say that the Biodome was one of my favourite attractions in Montreal. I feel this is mainly due to the penguins that occupied my time and attention for a good half hour.
The sun really does show another side of a city, it hides all the blemishes and highlights the beauty; you can never dislike a place in the sunshine. Having wondered around Montreal in the pouring rain and in the warm sunshine I can see how people can go for a visit and stay for awhile. And yet I am glad to be leaving; new city, new people and many more things to see!