Montreal, Quebec

November 12, 2016

Waking up the morning of my birthday in an extended stay motel outside of Albany, and heading toward Montreal had the eerie feeling of making a run for it. Two days after the 2016 presidential election, I wasn’t much in the mood to celebrate or for a weekend vacation. Don’t worry, I’m not trying to make a political statement, but the shock, fear, and pain myself and those close to me were experiencing as a result of the election was very real, and cannot be denied.

That weekend, the weather matched my mood -- gray and overcast. I went through the motions of my birthday, while aching for those I cared for. Luckily, I had a lot of amazing recommendations sending me to Wilensky’s, Fairmount Bagels, L’Express, Dieu Du Ciel Brewery, Eva B, Basilique Notre-Dame, etc. Gradually, the fog was lifted, and while strolling in Old Montreal, the history and culture of the city struck me. It was a reminder of how young our nation is, what has been endured before, and how we decide to face the misfortunes of our lives. So there I gathered my strength, and came home.