DAY 7
Decided that maybe yesterday I was going to bring my laptop with me up the mountain (Mont-Royal technically qualifies as such) in case, after I had time to go downtown or something. Big mistake. Ended up walking for much longer than I probably would've liked, with my shoulders in immense pain.
On my way to Edouard-Montpetit station, a STM officer (transit police--they wear bullet proof vests btw) asked me while I disembarked at the Snowdown station to change to the blue line about my France football bag (which was holding my laptop) and if I knew what it was (since most girls these days randomly get merchandise with BRAZIL and the football crest just to look cool. Shame) and I said yes and we had a random discussion in French in which we talked about the French football team. That was awesome.
When I got to E-M station, the Université de Montréal was holding orientations for first-years. (The two stations E-M and one appropriately called Université-de-Montréal both are in front of the University) One group's guide was like *checks the street* Ok! Traversons! and the students were all "Hahah...ouais...lol*impatient driver honks horn*". Another group was just as special, they were singing oh...can't remember but I used to sing it tons as a kid. Just to think, in about 5 or 6 days I'll be going around partaking in orientations.
Anyway, I made the long walk along Mont-Royal Boulevard with my heavy bag (it's mostly uphill) and that maybe took me an hour at least. Finally got to the cemetary after almost nearly walking into the Jewish one. Anyway, about the cemetary; it's located around an area (a rather large area) of Mont-Royal. Now, this spot is huge, maybe not as big as the other sides with the tourist and picturesque views.
So the secretary gave me directions and so I commenced my march up Mont-Royal.
Had I not had my bottle of water, I would've collapsed.
If none of you feel comfortable reading this you can by all means, skip :)
Anyway, after another 45mins of walking, taking a break, walking, I walked into a circle of tombstones. The area where mum and grandma were buried is called the Mountain View. It litterally is a mountain climb you're doing. Without a car, you're in for a long walk. Past the trees, there's a fantastic view of the south of Montréal, really a sight to behold.
Well, I walked abit to the third row in and looked and the first stone that caught my eye was a black, shiny granite tombstone which read Joan Kaye and Anne-Harvey. I guess I kinda just broke down there an then and had trouble getting myself to move closer. I sat for maybe forever staring at the thing. I guess it was time I faced a bit of my reality and that was the way I had to do it.
It was an experience I prefer not to repeat personally anytime soon. It was just too hard. And too wierd I found. Definately a bit on the wierd side. It's really, really difficult talking to a piece of granite with two of the people you loved lying below. I'll be honest, I tried to talk to mum but it was just...wierd. Grandma was just as wierd. They're buried next to each other so yeah.
I mean, I suppose it's good for me to do it but..I just didn't like it too much.
You can start reading again ;)
After that wierd moment on the mountain, I walked down the steep end of the path. Not fun as I almost slipped on a rock on the way down. Then I nearly got lost, but I found my way back, refilled my bottle and walked all the way back to the UdeM and the metro.
After that I litterally 'ran' to Westmount by transferring lines and then getting a bus right away. So I got to Westmount Park school and walked around to the other side and spotted my old caretaker and the lady who runs the daycare (and she's still running it after all these years...good god)
That's the "front" of Westmount Park. it's got about 3 or 4 floors plus basement and a science-type lab. Oh and it seems they've re-implemented public school uniforms here (a polo shirt with trousers or a skirt for girl with the school crest on the side) for some schools. I used to go here for pre-K, kindergarten, my extra year and afterschool care. :DSo Colleen (the lady who runs the daycare still!) remembered me and we talked for a few minutes as she got together her things as they had just closed for the evening (wow, good timing AGAIN) and I asked her if she knew anything about my old friends (I had brought some photos with me and she and I reminisced on some of them) She gave me the last name of my best friend Jordan's parents (though they were divorced I remember) so I might do a directory search. Apparently the dad is a prof at Concordia so I'll look into the prof directory there. And she gave me her card to email her about my fun stuff in University and such and just to keep in touch and such. Apparently two people whom I had in Afterschool and Pre-K are still there as well as one lady from Kindergarten. my goodness.
So I gave her my email to pass on if she finds Jordan or David or anyone else. Maybe I'll be lucky.
I also went by my old Elementary, Roslyn School also in Westmount. I wish I could've taken more than one picture of the houses because they're extravagant. and HUGE. HUGE.
This, is Roslyn School. The front entrance fails to capture the sheer size of it. It's got two floors, the gym I remember was HUGE but it might be smaller now that I'm older. Oh and we had public school uniforms but not polos like it seems to be now but just t-shirts, navy sweaters and such. I used to wear a navy skirt with navy socks and shoes with my sweater on some days.
So I tried to see if Stéphanie was still there in her house on Grosvenor but it seems they moved or moved along time ago because the house was empty. It was a bit sad but I mean, at least I have a chance to find Jordan maybe. Or something. Well, now I know that Stéphanie is somewhere but I probably won't find her for a while or ever again even. At least I can put that to rest :).
Later I tried to head to Place Alexis-Nihon to look for a gift for my godfather and his wife as a thankyou but all the stores (but Winners and Second Cup which is in front of the Dawson College (HUGE CEGEP. omg!) and a Pharmaprix (aka Shoppers Drug Mart)) were closed! Hence the stealthy attempt at getting them a present this morning (read: DAY 8)
DAY 8
I've uploaded all my photos but I don't know if I want to do the photo entry before I go or not. I've got about 62 pics but I want to stop by a music shop and buy a Cowboys Fringants CD.
Anyway today, I somehow stealthily managed to sneak a box of Laura Secord gummies past my godfather and his wife as I bought them while they were kinda present. lol I gave it to them as a thank you when I got dropped off at the gare. :D
Then I checked-in my luggage and totted my laptop throug the underground city through Place Ville Marie and into Eaton's Centre. Right now there's a bunch of University and primaire students walking about the food court as school started for most EMSB (English) and FMSB (French) schools. No idea if that expensive private school that was on the way to Roslyn is open yet or that other one past my school.
Anyway, final thoughts on Montréal?
Awesome.
My purchases?
- A Tintin wallet for 50% off as one button was broken (12$..HAH!)
- A Tintin clearfile (to hold papers and such)
- Some manga (okay...that's a lie...not some but quite a few...er---)
- A Dalia suit for 20-something dollars (70% off sales are awesome)
- A Jacob's rugby-type shirt
Definately forever going to love this city. There's just this...thing that makes me want to come back and live here again. I guess becuase it's the city where I experienced the better part of my life and I've got this unbreakable attachment to it because of that.
Anyway, signing off now to try and locate a music store before I get back to Gare Centrale ;D
Salut!
1 commentaire:
It's never too late to come back. Montreal will wait for you...
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