Dinner at CS place early in the morning

We did Couchsurfing at this sketchy girl's place. The whole experience is hard to forget. The picture that describes it all the best would be this. No comments needed!

Mount Royal

I think they say when you have been to Montreal, but haven't been up at Mount Royal then you have seen nothing. It is basically a huge hill in the city of Montreal, immediately west of downtown Montreal, Quebec, Canada, the city to which it gave its name. The hill is part of the Monteregian Hills situated between the Laurentians and the Appalachians. The hill consists of three peaks: Colline de la Croix, Colline d'Outremont and Westmount Summit. It takes some time to get up there, but it is worth, especially four avid tourists like we were.

So long Montreal!

Le Phare du Cosmos and a Porte de l'amitié ou La Puerta de la amistad

There is not much to say about this industrial robot-looking design "Le Phare du Cosmos" (1967), which author is Yves Trudeau. It was created for Expo 67 and is located in St. Helen's Island in Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montréal, Quebec. It is massive, bold and safe. I would call it a landmark...by the way, not far from it was another, similar red monument....

which has a very complicated name and goes like that: Porte de l'amitié ou La Puerta de la amistad

This sculpture is made by Sebastián in 1993. It was a gift from Mexico for the 350th anniversary of Montreal's founding. Sebastián, one of Mexico's most prolific sculptors, created this “friendship gate” to represent exchange, passage, and opening. Sculpture erected on the Parterre of Île Sainte-Hélène.

Habitat 67

One of the high-lights of the visit to Montreal was to finally see famous Habitat 67, which is renowned model community and housing complex in Montreal. It was designed by Israeli–Canadian architect Moshe Safdie. It was originally conceived as his master's thesis in architecture at McGill University and then built as a pavilion for Expo 67, the World's Fair held from April to October 1967. It is located at 2600 Avenue Pierre-Dupuy on the Marc-Drouin Quay next to the Saint Lawrence River. Habitat 67 is widely considered an architectural landmark and one of the most recognizable and significant buildings in both Montreal and Canada.Due to mass visit of tourists the property has been covered with many signs stating that this is a private area, no walking in and no taking photos. Security people are really there and working. If there is a conflict in your behavior they let you know about your faults through speakers. Pretty spooky!

More about Habitat 67 HERE.

Montreal Biosphère

One of the things to see in Montreal is definitely Montreal Biosphere. Is is a museum dedicated to the environment. It is located at Parc Jean-Drapeau, on Saint Helen's Island in the former pavilion of the United States for the 1967 World Fair Expo 67. The dome had the outer covering as well, but that burned on May 20th, 1976, during structural repairs. Now they just use the frame around the museum to present the former landmark.

More about the Biosphere HERE.

Montreal downtown

First thing of course we are walking around in the old and some new town. Architecture is interesting, offering, well...new and old. The city has many little cozy bars and artsy little stores - something fro everybody.

We experienced some troubles with our host from Couchsurfing, as their dog ate all things from my bag, even things which are not edible, she tore apart and made a big mess. I was the one to blame of course, as it was my bag. Gee, I didn't know anything of a dog and was noted like that. I have had dogs and they haven't pulled such act...hmmm.

Montreal - here we come!

Took a trip to Montreal with Katre and Evelyn. We'll see what the place has to offer us! So far so good, nice weather and great sights! A lot to explore.

Toad

I have to tell that I have heard so much people talking about toads, that they are ugly and venomous, but I hardly ever came across any of them in Estonia. In Canada they seem to be in abundance and very common. this was the tiniest one I have ever saw. Had to take a close-up, which turned out the way it did.

This is the last photo of my volunteering in Quebec. I will be on vacation and then heading to camp.

St. John's Day the Canadian way

This is me taking a jump over Solidarity Day bonfire, as we, Estonians are used to do during Jaanipäev, on 23rd of June every year. It took at least 13 shots to get this frame, as I had no remote and anybody assisting me. Just me and the nature, the best combination.

Fading villages

This is happening everywhere - small places are fading out. I was volunteering not far away from this particular village in Quebec and I came across many abandoned and falling apart houses and businesses. Sad to see fine architecture turning to dust. It makes me think of Detroit.

Situation is the same in Estonia. Southern and eastern countryside areas are getting empty and there are more houses which are falling apart. But I guess this is the circle of life.

Volunteer

It is very common in Canada that men from the small villages are also part of the fire rescue team. So was my host at his hometown, a tiny Quebec village.

This has becoming a trend also in Estonia lately. Brave men.

Fish and chips

I have heard about fish and chips before, but never tasted. Mostly that this food is common in the UK. I guess I had to come to Canada to fell in love with the food, so here it is, my first fish and chips I have had. Served in a little village diner run by two women. It sure looks as good as it tastes. I am hooked!

Chairs

I am sure for the rest of the world such chairs are nothing special. I can tell you that for me they are, as we fo not have such in Estonia! What a cool way, to bring that light chair with you to any event you are going and then enjoy sitting and the show! How patriotic as well!

Ontario and Quebec

While taking this photo I was still on the Ontario side of the Ottawa, across the River Ottawa is the Quebec side of the city. I know, it is a bit complicated, but again interesting. On the background, on the left you can see the Canadian Museum of Civilization which is now called History Museum.

Dessert 5

Canada was the country where I came across the world-famous Pecan Pie. I enjoyed one mini one in a park near Parliament Hill, what you can see in the far background. Mmm-mmmm. You could say that this pie is a tradition to many Canadians and memory from childhood.

If you do not know what the heck is Pecan Pie, then check out this quick and easy recipe for it and then you can't blame me if you are hooked ;)

In Estonia Pecan nuts are a rarity and there is not even a correct name for those, as they are just called pekaani pähklid. 

Outing in Ottawa

Today I was visiting Ottawa, capital of Canada. Some call it a boring dull city, but for a new-comer as myself this city definitely offered a lot of sights and experiences.

Pictured on left is the world famous Hotel Chateau-Laurier, which you already saw in my earlier post. In the middle of the shot you can see nice outside exhibition, which was following the Rideau Canal on one side of it. Great quality large format photos of Canadian nature and life, what may be more interesting, eh?

View from my trailer

So imagine it.

Hare

I saw this lovely hare looking for something to eat next to my trailer. It is thrilling to take photos of a wild animal while enjoying your morning hot chocolate. Estonia this is not an average sight, unless you really live out in a wild.

My "home" for a month

This is so far the most rustic living arrangement I have had. Trailer with a hallway, kitchen, washroom and bedroom, electricity included. Nothing can beat the view to the lawn, which I mowed and cleaned from dead and wilted trees, while making lots of bonfires - exciting evening pastime :) (check the post after the next!)

Electricity came from the solar panel pictured on the left, as the log pile, where the groundhogs used to live.I really liked such experience.

Sound asleep

Never I had seen a child sleeping like that. What a creativity!