Waiting at a rest stop just inside Quebec border.


Sailboats along Lakeshore Drive in Montreal.


Spiral ramp off bridge onto Lakeshore Drive. Lots of fun!


Different architecture in Montreal.


Group reaching Quebec.


Bicycles are given their own traffic signal at some intersections. How Cool!

We had been in Ontario for several days, maybe even pushing a week. There were many similar traits and characteristics. The language was the same, much of the food was the same and so were many of the customs. I often felt I was not really in a different country and wondered why people would chose one country over the other in which to live. A couple of the notable differences were of course the money, which is now close to the US $ in value, but we do not have Loonies ($1) or toonies ($2) coins, the price of gasoline, which is about $4/gal, the use of the metric system, which is used throughout other parts of the world, the historic nature of the country and the age of many buildings, and a wonderful respect for people on bicycles.
Upon arriving in Quebec the differences are immediate and very notable. French is the primary language, with all street signs and most ads in French and the language is spoken in every shop and restaurant. This did cause me some difficulty in getting into Montreal on samedi (Sat). While we just left Montreal this morning, it already seems worlds away. The Montreal experience was a pleasant one and one I immensely enjoyed. It truly felt as if we were in a European city. I rode along Lakeshore Drive, which goes along the edge on Montreal Island for many kilometres, viewing great houses, going through fun little towns, museums, locks and canals, and goes into the heart of the the city. Many people were out riding, walking, jogging, and just enjoying being outside. There is a great deal of history and great buildings to represent the dynamic and wonderful people and cultures which have thrived in this city. What a privilege to experience such a wonderful place fairly close to home!
au revoir.
Dennis