Wednesday, May 21, 2008

 

trippin' en francais

We arrived back in our lovely and shockingly warm Vancouver home late Saturday evening. Birdie was totally pooped. Of course. She fared incredibly well, regularly demonstrating her ability to learn how to travel and cheesing up every single stranger to our collective advantage; which made our experience unique to that of our previous trips.

When we plan an excursion that involves the airport, I forget that there are several accomodations that go along with having a 'half-pint'. For example, we are invited to jump the queue for security, boarding, and bathroom breaks. I find myself recognizing the humanity of others more as a parent by watching how fascinated complete strangers are by Bird and how quickly enamoured they are to her and she to them.

Montreal was a dreamy spot to be, naturally. A and I found several spots (by chance) that were familiar to us from our last visit there sixteen years ago - which was the summer when we met and became friends. Montreal beauty was constant. The people were fantastic. The food was great, especially our daily continental room service (part of the hotel deal we got) which included fresh croissants, muffins and yummy coffee. Above all, the city was approachable and that made it a real winner with a babe.

I can confidently and knowlingly say that we'd happily take another trip with Birdie. Yes, the extra free seat in our row, both directions, helped. Yes, the posh hotel with stellar service made each day and night much more manageable. Yes, the type of travel we did was a lot more basic. That said, we did it, and we're going to do more. And, we did everything we wanted to, and more! The more we travel, the more we love to do it.

Here are a few pics to keep you going...


On the plane... Birdie flies to Montreal!





Check out MY giftbag from the hotel!



On the Metro. Birdie quietly observed the experience. Not upset, not thrilled, just taking it in.

A family self-portrait taken in Outremont Park in the Jewish Quarter on our last full day in Montreal.


Comments:
Oh you guys...sounds like great planning and good expectation management! It helps that IF was a good sport and that extra seat is heaven. I got teared up seeing the last photo - so much the same as self-portraits from other trips but also SO different.
 
Great pictures of your trip to Montreal. I especially loved the one of Imogene smiling on the plane.
With Imogene being your child... how can she not enjoy travelling, as it is has been so much a part of your lives.
So thrilled that Imogene has taken to travel as you have.
May you have many more happy memories in the travels that will come your way!
Happy trails to you...
Love ya!
Mom
 
Sounds awesome. That last photo walloped me too -- "ah, the usual cute self-port...wait a sec...who's that extra...oh my, they're a family."
 
J & T,

Funny that you both noticed the final photo and how it was classic but different. I didn't really register that until you mentioned it. A family. Wow, crazy but true.
 
Thanks, Mom. She is really hamming it up on the photos of Montreal and since that time.

I sure hope she's learning the art of travel; it isn't a natural process, it's certainly practiced.
 
One word: AMAZING!

-J
 
Aw, J. you're right! the whole scene is amazing.
 
Post a Comment



<< Home

This page is powered by Blogger. Isn't yours?