In Montreal

Bonjour, it's Tuesday morning and we are in Montreal, where French is the language of choice and we are trying to consistently start conversations with 'Bonjour' and then asking if we can speak in English. When we do it that way, things go well, people are gracious. Starting in English seems to be considered rude and can elicit a sharp response.

Monday we arrived at SeaTac in good order, but our takeoff time was delayed one hour due to snow in Chicago. We landed in Chicago late, but our next plane to Montreal was only two gates away and that plane was also late arriving so things worked out well. After dropping our bags at the hotel at 11pm, we went out looking for dinner. Most restaurants were closed, even the '24 hour' McDonald's, so we ate a small pizza at a French speaking Italian joint where we were served by a Spanish speaking man that moved here from Cancun!

Tuesday, we got up late, blaming it on jet lag, and decided to explore a bit. We spoke to the front desk, and got great directions to several destinations and decided on the underground shopping area. The clerk told us it was raining, but we said that we were from Seattle and a little rain shouldn't bother us. The shopping area was great, just about a mile swimming upstream against the current! It drizzles in Seattle, in Montreal, it rains with vigor, wind and a touch of hostility. Snow is predicted for tomorrow and Thursday in Quebec City.

It's Wednesday morning and we just walked to the ship in the cold and occasional snowflake to take the picture that is above. We will send this and then board the ship around noon, get settled in and then go out to explore the old town area near the ship. We will write again after Quebec City, tomorrow's port.