Before we get started, yes the title of this post is a reference to a Barenaked Ladies song. Now on to our regularly scheduled post. 

When I woke this morning the lake was "like glass". For those who don't know, the phrase "Like Glass" is a reference to a lake being so calm it looks like glass. But lakes are not glass, so yes you can jump into them without risking a severed jugular. Back to the post. I made coffee pulled up Duolingo on my phone and started in on my French lessons.

The lake kept taunting me as I worked my why through various ways to say "He has a big black bag". I start every morning with a French lesson and I wasn't about to break my streak because of some damn lake. 

After five lessons I couldn't take it anymore. I grabbed my camera, jumped in the kayak and headed out for a paddle. As I made my way around the lakes I kept feeling incredibly grateful to be able to enjoy this Canada Day on the water. After moving here a little over a year ago I am beginning to feel more and more Canadian everyday. So today I celebrate this Canadian life of mine with my wife as we begin life 2.0 year two. 

You can read more about why we moved here if you'd like.

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There are times when I need to get out of the city and just breathe. No car horns. No sirens. No planes. No subways. No rushing around for reasons I don't understand. I just want to breathe.

Don't get me wrong, I love the city. I love all the sites, the sounds and the never stop mentality. But there are times I just want to breathe.

For me the best place to calm down is The Cottage. There is no agenda at The Cottage. It's just me, my wife, some cats, nature, swimmers itch and my thoughts. Days are filled with reading, long walks and an occasional swim when the water is warm enough to keep your heart from stopping upon entry. Sure there is maintenance and tending to the lawn and gardens. But these are not considered chores, they're a means to keep boredom at bay while I ease into the slow life. 

I believe that without nature to nourish our souls we become empty shells. We become robotic in the way we operate day to day and we forget who we are deep inside. You need to take it slow or the world may eat you alive. 

If you feel anxious, out of control or like the world is piling up on you, stop. Disconnect, get yourself some nature, slow down and just breathe. 

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There is never a shortage of festivals in Montreal. This weekend is the start an eleven day event celebrating the international urban art movement known as of Mural Festival. And yes, I did pull part of that last sentence from their website. The festival takes place on and around Saint-Laurent Boulevard, one of Montreal's main arteries which you could say is the dividing line between the east and west parts of the city.

Walking around the festival you definitely feel the vibe as the smell of spray paint fills the air. As you weave your way though the mass of people you can explore what the local shops and restaurants have to offer by visiting their stations assembled on the street. 

The sound of music is everywhere as vendors, street musicians and local bands performing on stage compete for your attention.  

It's fantastic. 

Disclaimer: Most of the mural images shown above are from past festivals. Murals being created this year are not complete. 

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Admittedly I struggled to come up with a title for this post. I'm new to this blog thing so I'm playing the rookie card. Besides, this is an informal place for me to post about what I've seen while out exploring my surroundings. So no pressure. 

What an interesting walk around the city today turned out to be. I've been wanting to to check out The Promenade Fleuve-Montagne for some time and today was the day for that to happen. The Promenade Fleuve-Montagne is a 3.8 km pedestrian walkway that connects Mount Royal to Montreal's Old Port. I had no intention of climbing the 100,000 steps to get to the top of Mount Royal, but I was there and I had not been to the cross in a long time. I started climbing. 

I sat under the cross sweaty from the climb. I just sat there. Calm. In silence as tourists passed. For reasons I'll never know, I felt I needed to be there. 

I headed down the 100,000 steps to begin my stroll down The Promenade Fleuve-Montagne after spending a couple hours at the top. I stopped off at Victoria Square to people watch by the fountains. In case you're wondering, sitting by fountains is the best place to people watch aside from airports. Cheaper too. 

This is when things got a bit weird.

I was sitting there watching the bike police hand out jaywalking tickets when I heard a loud bang behind me. I slowly turned to take a look. A lady jumps out of her car and begins screaming at the guy who just rear-ended her. A passer-by waves over the bike police to assess the situation. As the police ask the drivers to move their cars to prevent a traffic jam, a taxi driver opens his door, a lady on a bike slams into the door, the bike stops while the lady goes airborne over her handle bars onto the pavement. She stood up, brushed herself off and rode away. I sat there with my mouth hanging open asking myself what the hell just happened.

For an enhanced experience read that last paragraph in slow motion. 

I decided it was time to move on.

When I reached the old port I found a vacant bench. I sat down and began another people watching session. As I was sitting there making up the life stories of everyone who passed by, I started hearing yelling behind me. At first I didn't think anything of it, but the yelling continued. I turned to see what was going on as an older gentleman was tossing his lunch next to the cafe table by which he sat. Poor guy just kept puking. All I could think was "Man, if that was my restaurant I sure wouldn't want a guy puking at the table. It's bad for business." I hated myself for thinking that, but I guarantee you everyone walking past was thinking the same thing. And now you are. 

The man recovered and needless to say I called it a day and headed home. 

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