Tied with Boston (QS world poll) as the top city in North America for higher education, Montreal is a place my two uncles know well as former McGill University students. I came to know it a bit differently. However, I did NOT get arrested in Montreal! So, let’s just put that unfortunate incident at Jacques Cartier Square to rest.

My daughter and one of her friends came to Montreal from Ottawa with me to attend the Metro Metro music festival for three nights. After driving her friend back to Ottawa, Jennifer joined me for three more nights. So, Montreal was more of a vacation time with her than work. However, I may have finally discovered a reliable method to reach an audience. Contacting religious organizations allows for open conversations. I suppose this is not a surprise. I had great luck with this in London as that city provided me with two published interviews from strangers, including one referral from a church.

I reached out to a church in Montreal by email, and when I talked with the Reverend after Sunday service, he agreed to be interviewed and mentioned that a few others came to mind. I will follow up with him on ZOOM. I also had a good conversation with a Jewish Community Council of Montreal representative about my project. A gentleman called me back after reading my email. We will see if that leads to something. So, reaching out to faith groups will be strategically foundational for me.

Jennifer and I went to Cirque du Soleil on Wednesday night. Neither of us had seen the show before. It was spectacular. The weather was great except for the severe derecho that hit Canada on May 21st and caused tremendous damage. Thankfully, Montreal was spared the worst of the storm, but I was outside walking to my car the very moment it hit. I now understand what it feels like when a tornado hits. Getting around Montreal on the immaculate subway system was very easy.

As I conclude my adventures in Montreal, it is off to Fredericton, New Brunswick, following one night in famous “Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha!”. Yes, that is a real place. But, as I was warned when I landed at my Air B&B, don’t drink the water. So, the next time you visit Saint-Louis-du-Ha! Ha! bring your own water.