I’m No Tourist

Posted by Thursday's Child on May 30, 2012
Posted in: Humor. Tagged: , , , , . 4 comments

I haven’t shared anything funny in some time, so I thought we were due.  On a trip to Nassau, Bahamas – one of many to what I call my second home, I had an unforgettable experience while swimming.  Who here loves frolicking in the sea?  Just, as a matter of reference, when I’m on a Caribbean vacation, I’m a hard-core beach person.  For me, being out there close to the shore is as near to God as one can get.  Now, if it’s not a sightseeing or shopping day, the routine is as follows: get up, shower, swimsuit, cover-up, head out for breakfast, after which I locate my perfect spot on the sand, lade on the suntan lotion, and begin the ritual.  That would involve sunning, swimming, sunning, more swimming, snorkeling, and a definite spin or two on the  large yellow banana.  You know, the one that’s pulled behind the boat.  Then, sometime around three or three-thirty I head in – get a second shower, and a clean swimsuit.  At which point I head  back out, only this time it’s to hang out, socialize, and enjoy the sunset.

On this particular day, the water beckoned one last time before we headed back to the room that afternoon.  So, without my snorkel gear I set out to splash around.  I am traveling along in a westerly fashion, probably just a few yards out, stroking, floating, peering ahead of me, when after about fifteen minutes something brushed my right ankle.  When this happens, what is the first thing a normal person thinks?  I don’t know, because my brain automatically went some place else.  Mind you, this is all taking place within a matter of seconds as I glimpse a dark object coming up behind me.  Then, another touch.  Only now, it’s a bump against my calf.  Okay, without a doubt I know it’s a shark.  It doesn’t matter that I’m in the warm water of the Bahamas, and  close to shore.  Flailing, and drinking in a few gallons of water I propelled myself upward.  I attempted my way out of the ocean, mouth open, letting out a gurgled squeal as I tried not to scream, while entangled with this large form.  At this point, racing through my mind is – oh God, it’s got me.  At the same time I am also thinking, I must get to the shore – I’ve gotta get to shore.  Because, what else could be after me, fish see objects and it wants me.  However now, my thrashing, and being out of control, has seriously entwined me with whatever is trying to eat me.

Suddenly, and out of nowhere I heard a male voice, “I’m sorry, I’m so sorry.”

By this time I’m frantic, and just about ready to throw up.  But, my brain is screaming, a person – not a shark?  You just know that he has definitely earned attitude, even if I did have to reach way down for it.  I growled, “Are you trying to give me a heart attack? What in the world are you doing?”

His response, “I am really sorry.”  He mumbled, “I was swimming with my eyes closed.”

My only thought by this time screamed….What! Excuse me?  I only had to put my extremities down, because the shore lay only a few feet away.  I trudged out of the water. Now, I mumbled – highly agitated, “Tourists.”

Has anyone reading this ever been to the Bahamas?  Have you ever seen the water?  How can a person go for a whirl in that part of the ocean, and not want to take in the sights.  In fact, if you go onto Google Earth it is the only area in the entire world where you can catch sight of the ocean floor through the emerald waters from space.  Later on as I thought about it – actually, every time I think about it or tell the story, I have to chuckle.  I guess all of my trips to Nassau made me think I didn’t qualify as a tourist.  I mean, really, with his eyes closed?  Please, do everyone a favor, if you are one who takes a dip with eyes closed, become swimmer friendly; learn to open them.  Otherwise, you may run into a real shark, the human kind.

Never Forget

Posted by Thursday's Child on May 28, 2012
Posted in: Life. Tagged: , , , , . 2 comments

Today we commemorate another Memorial Day, and although this is the unofficial beginning of summer, this post will not be for that reason.  It is to honor the men and women across this country, living or gone on who have served in the military or is serving today.  Is there someone in your life who wears this honor?  We must never forget them, because each one made or is making a sacrifice to fight for this country’s freedom – it could have been the giving of their time or the ultimate surrender.  Regardless, we must always remember, and show our appreciation.  Thinking back to the early days of our country is cause for even more celebration, because without what those men gave would put us at war among ourselves – a country divided.  But, nevertheless, I’m certain somewhere along the way we would have gotten on course.  However, lives would still have been lost to accomplish the goal.

Unlike third world countries or communistic governments, we here in America are blessed with many freedoms, and it’s because of each man, and woman who unselfishly gave of themselves that helped to keep those liberties in place.  Living in the area I do, makes me even more aware of those forfeitures, because if you listen very carefully when driving along the streets and highways, you can here the foot soldiers making their way through the woods on the way to their nearby camps in Yorktown, Jamestown and Williamsburg.  Or at Fort Monroe in Hampton, Virginia, a Fort identified as a strategic defensive location, and used present day as a training facility, up until 2011 when it closed.  Therefore, from the Revolutionary War to Korea to Viet Nam to the Gulf to the Iraqi War, thank you all for your noble service, either for someone else’s independence or our own.  I will never forget.

Gone too Soon

Posted by Thursday's Child on May 23, 2012
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , , . 2 comments

We lose great people every year out of Hollywood, and the music business.  But, if you recall over the last three short months we have lost a few powerhouses – Don Cornelius, Dick Clark, and most recently Donna Summer.  I neglected to pay tribute to the first two individually, but after losing Donna Summer I had this tugging at my heart, and decided to honor these three from my youth, together.  Were you a teenager during the time of American Bandstand and Soul Train?  If you were, then the loss of these two show business greats had to have an affect in some way – large or small.  Some of you reading this aren’t old enough to remember Don Cornelius and Dick Clark’s beginnings, including myself, I am only aware of what I’ve read.  But, the memories of some of the American Bandstand broadcasts will forever hold a special place in my heart.  This program brought us acts like Creedance Clearwater Revival, The Jackson Five, and Jim Croce.  Then, as I watched New Year’s Rocking Eve; listening to him speak, and looking into his face, it all created a sense of serenity.  Like being in the presence of an old and dear friend – someone you could say or do anything around – a person you grew up with and you’ve known since childhood.  I do believe, many of us had that same sort of calming sensation whenever he came into our living rooms.

Once Don Cornelius came on the scene, his Soul Train became the African-American’s Bandstand, if you will.  And, like much of the nation, I too ran to the television on Saturday morning, wanting to get a glimpse of what act he would feature that particular week.  I remember at one point the two shows overlapped.  Watching Soul Train, however, fed my ethnic soul with acts like The Delfonics, Patti LaBelle and Aretha Franklin. Saturday’s episode provided a fix that would carry me from one week to the next.  What can I say about the Seventies?  An era way different from any other.  But, Don Cornelius helped define the time, I think.  His show definitely helped make a country aware of its music, dress and performers.  Although it began its humble beginnings in Chicago in 1965, against the backdrop of a racially tense country, he worked behind the scenes growing it to what it had become in the ’80s and ’90s, hosting not only African-American performers, but white as well.  Groups like the Average White Band and Elton John began the run to the show, and at one point entertainers understood they only furthered their career by securing a spot on the program.  I have to say, Mr. Cornelius built a giant in the industry, regardless of its modest beginning.

Now, when it comes to Donna Summer, what can one say?  As many did, she stepped out of the church, only making her way back after some years of performing secular music.  For me, many of her songs held a definite ethereal air about them.  I mostly recall places like Ipanema and Boombamakaoo, hot spots in Manhattan where the flooded dance floor moved like a sea current to numbers like Could It be Magic, and McArthur Park; where an orchestrated roar reverberated from the walls when Spring Affair piped from the speakers.  And, although she acquired the title “Queen of Disco,” the mighty dominion of a higher authority returned her to the roots in the church, which I am certain is how she’d rather be remembered.

What times our three celebrities left in our hearts and minds; two different time spans that will live with me forever.  Although, some of us, like Donna Summer have returned to our own teachings as well, all of the past is carried with us, it has helped carve us into what we are today, be it from Creedance Clearwater Revival, Aretha or Elton John.  In any event, as much as our three greats are missed by their families – we, the public will miss them as well.

Travel by Train

Posted by Thursday's Child on May 16, 2012
Posted in: Travel. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a Comment

What do you think of when you ponder travel by train? Do you right away envision no leg room, stuck in your seat, no space to move around, sore bottom – no, that’s the bus. At one time, this mode of travel in the United States held as much celebration as a day on the red carpet. In fact, more people were on the train than the airplane, since it cost less. When you Google “Super Chief,” which is the name of a west coast connection that ran from 1936 to 1971, it gives you glamour shots of many movie stars as they prepared to board for their destination. Those celebrities, along with the everyday Susan and Joe also slid their favorite suit or dress out of the closet for their trip. Each line had their own dining car, adorned with fine china and flatware. Just thinking about it takes me to Agatha Christie’s Murder On The Orient Express. Fast forward sixty or seventy years and rail journeys are still a necessity for some. And, I do believe we even have converts – the ones who gave up flying after 9/11, and will now, only go via car, bus or railroad. Unfortunately though, over time, I think this is one mode of transportation that has genuinely been forgotten and under-appreciated by many. I know that is true a lot in this country.

In any event, I’d like to stir your interest in riding again or for the first time. I don’t know who knows or actually who thinks about this, but there are groups who hold conventions and/or take short rides, just for the thrill. I mentioned in one of my blogs along the way how as a child my family would hop on board in New York for Virginia and vice versa, many times. I recall those exciting, yet tearful rides back to New York with my mother at the end of summer vacation. Right now, I’m actually foreseeing a short outing to Washington, D.C., since it has been some time for me, and from where I live it takes under four hours. Today, the short distance runs provide just a snack/bar car, but the longer rides are still equipped with that dining car. My husband – this could be a northern New Jersey thing, but he prefers to drive everywhere. With me, it may be a mentality born from city living, but jumping on one of these behemoths came as easy as breathing. I also know most of it is attributable to my childhood. Anyway, my husband always bucked and kicked, never showing any interest. Then, one day I almost passed out when he said, “You know, why not?” I must say, he reminded me of myself – the excited child. Now, whenever he spots Amtrak rolling along, he says, “Hey, there goes my train.”

Before Amtrak took over, the Atlantic Coast Line serviced the east coast with names like the Champion and Silver Meteor.  In fact, the latter continues to service the east coast.  I can remember as a little girl riding in the car with my grandmother – we’d spend the day or an afternoon in the town with the station. Occasionally we’d hit the city limits just as the express headed north – it whizzed by like a jet, kicking up paper and anything else in its way. I’d jump up and down in my seat, pointing and giggling while watching the silver cars glisten in the afternoon sun. I say, do yourself a favor – take the little ones, your own or the grandchildren. Take a week and head west on something called the California Zephyr that can be picked up out of Chicago or do a simple four-hour mini-excursion someplace. And, don’t wuss out by taking the little ones on the commuter route, the only thing that qualifies is the long distance passenger service.  Also, don’t forget, when you ride the rails it’s not driving.  Therefore, you can actually hunker down in your seat, sleep, eat, talk, read or simply sit quietly, and enjoy the view.

As I write this, I realize just about every country has their own iron horse, if you will.  There is the Indian Pacific and The Ghan in the down under country, the Coastal Pacific in New Zealand.  Europe has an unbelievably massive system, and the United Kingdom has its own lines.  Getting back to Agatha Christie, this literary great has been quoted as saying, “Trains are wonderful…. To travel by train is to see nature and human beings, towns and churches and rivers, in fact, to see life.”  What a great summation – that’s putting it in a nutshell, huh?

In closing, and in doing my research for this piece I used a lot of information from a website - Seat 61. Want to know what every train in every country is about, just click on the link above. Also, thank you to Mark Smith for all the time and effort he has put into compiling the data provided, and remember be directed by the guidelines posted on his site. So, go – make a reservation, create a memory of the long glistening cars and the big cushy seats, and if for no one else, do it for the little person in your life. Believe me that is one memory that will last forever, and I imagine, bring a smile to their adult faces. Once that happens, be assured the tradition will undoubtedly get passed down. Do you have a railroad outing recollection you’d like to share?

Helsinki, Finland-Passenger Train

Information provided by New York Social Dairy, Wikipedia, and Mark Smith/Seat 61

Photos Courtesy of iStockPhoto

Permission to Invent

Posted by Thursday's Child on May 9, 2012
Posted in: Writing. Tagged: , , , . Leave a Comment

Today, I’d like to talk about the different forms of writing, which reminds me of a line in the movie, Bridges of Madison County.  Clint Eastwood said, “….Problem with being a journalist too long is, you stop giving yourself permission to invent.”  He continued, “They (National Geographic) like their wild life in focus, and without any personal comment.”  We know that writing is writing, but there is such a diversity in this field.  Can I begin with the journalists who either like the news or are trapped, and have been doing that for so long, like Clint Eastwood’s character, they’ve lost their creative edge?  Then, there are the script people handling all those sitcoms.  We also have travel shows where descriptions of each locale are given, and their creativity is sneaked into a sentence describing a town built into the side of a mountain.  For instance, “The whitewashed homes on this hillside sparkle and reflect not only the personality of its residents….”

Then, my favorite – the tons of history broadcasts, which in my old age has become extremely interesting.  I really don’t know where that came from, I hated history in school.  But, I love the narratives to do with World War II, and Eastern Europe.  The other day my husband laughed and said, “Why weren’t you a Historian.” Who knew.  In any event these are the most complicated, I think.  He or she has to provide as much information as possible, and usually fit it all into a sixty minute time slot.  Who could do that?  With all the hours I’ve logged watching this stuff, I consider it quite difficult to figure out how to describe the Wannsee Conference or Germany’s taking of Poland in that amount of time.  Yes, I know the information is provided, but I’m pretty certain I would have one of two problems – I’d have too much information, and not be able to cut it down or only be able to come up with one paragraph.

Next, those goofy World’s Dumbest Driver’s videos.  I always wonder, do they watch all the way through and then, come up with their humorous descriptions?  But, as I think about it, I guess they’d have to, huh?  I know I said the history pen person’s job proved most difficult, but I think this category also ranks up there as challenging.  An inebriated driver is butchering the alphabet while swaying to and fro with his hands behind his back.  A script is devised to the effect – “This alphabet alchi is aching for apprehension.”  Or, “This swaying and smashed inebriate is headed for the slammer.” (Woo, that hurt). I would seriously believe, one would profess a comedic background to fill those shoes.  It’s gotten so bad or should I say good in my house that whenever we go to the movies or are watching a movie on the television, while I’m engrossed on the screen, yelling at the characters, my husband is reminding me – PLOT.  And while at the theatre, one can tell three rows back, this man is married to a writer or maybe he is the author.

Moving on, everyone in my immediate peer group tells stories – developing pictures through words.  Yes, we have given ourselves permission to invent – create; characters, quirky or otherwise, places, weather, on and on.  I think developing tales in this way is so much fun, although it can be very frustrating at times.  I remember Nora Roberts mentioning at one of her workshops she enjoyed being at her computer making up stories, because she could control the environment.  Does that mean that all of us writers are controlling people?  I don’ t believe so, but it certainly gets the endorphins cranked, doesn’t it?  To work for one of these shows, yes, is a paycheck.  But, does the professional receive a sense of fulfillment when checking that bank statement or say to him/herself – “Well, it’s a paycheck,” wishing all the time they had never gotten into that end of the writing game?  For me, I’ll continue concocting stories, controlling my characters in my little make-believe town/city.  Because, although I and a lot of my peers are not published as of yet – like reaching the gates of Heaven – can’t you anticipate one day witnessing that marvelously colored book cover with your picture imprinted on the back. And that is an unquestionable accomplishment.  Wouldn’t you agree?

One Year Later

Posted by Thursday's Child on May 2, 2012
Posted in: Writing. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a Comment

One year ago this week, we were all joining in the celebration of the now Duke and Duchess of Cambridge.  At that same time, I busied myself preparing to go live with my website.  Where did that year go?  I could not lend this week to some other post – I had to, myself, take some time to celebrate this anniversary.  As I look back over the year, I have learned quite a bit about this on-line venture.  I have found there really is internet etiquette; dos and don’ts if you will, and some of the lessons, believe me, came about the hard way.  But, it has all put me in a position to keep my head down, and add another rung on the ladder to achieving my goal of becoming a published author.  It has taken me twelve months to find structure for this page, and after some thought I realized it would be very difficult to restrict myself to only one topic.  Therefore, I think the format has come down to writing, recipes, news, and a sprinkle here and there of travel; not necessarily in that order.   One of my writing peers, at the outset of this attempt advised me that my readers would let me know what they wanted, and that has definitely happened.

The minute I went live, I also took on the enterprise of Twitter and built myself a Facebook page; two actually, one personal, and a Fan Page.  All of this, mind you, just to get my name out there and shout, “Hello world, I’m joining the ranks.”  Now, I must say, if you Google – Veronica L. Singleton (you must add the L.) – you’ll probably get five pages of just me.  I guess that means, I’ve been a busy bee building my hive.  Which reminds me, even if you’re not on FB, I certainly would appreciate your clicking on the “Like” button to the right of this post.  That would increase my numbers for my Fan Page.  I think after a few weeks of posting this blog I began asking, but for whatever reason it has been extremely difficult to grow those figures.

If you’ve noticed, I have guest bloggers on my site occasionally – I will make a concerted effort to increase this over the coming year, I pray.  What else have I discovered?  You must be alert at all times; always keeping an eye open for new avenues.  Also, there has been a lot of talk about befriending people, and not actually meeting them, which is basically what happens on Twitter and through your blog.  I mention that, and recall a car commercial where the parents are out tooling around the countryside while the daughter is home reading her FB page.  The parents have about 19 friends, and their girl has over 600 (I’ve still not been able to figure that out).  Anyway, I have a very sarcastic nature – usually, leaning toward the funny side, but sometimes not.  With that being said, it is very difficult to remember these new acquaintances don’t know me.  Therefore, I always need to go with a nice approach first because otherwise it comes off as just rude.  But, of all the things, while just as in real life edification goes a very long way when talking to people on the internet.  Which confirms that we do, indeed, live in a different age.

My whole point is that if you want to be a writer, you must keep plowing ahead.  I’ve had people leave comments, asking how to begin a blog.  There is only one answer – just do it.  I remain attached to my writing group from New Jersey and whatever they are doing new, I’m always following right behind – I simply shout, “Wait for me,” then I jump right on the wagon.  I want to thank each and every one of you who follow along each week, and those who have been here since the beginning.  I appreciate your loyalty, and I hope you’ll hang in there with me another year.  Together we’ll watch the horizon, and keep an eye on where this journey leads.

Okay, keeping this simple, Facebook will not allow a person to become a friend if they do not themselves have an account.  However, if you do, and wish to become friends, I am at Veronica Truesdale.  Even if you are not on FB, you can “like” my page, so please come on over to Veronica L. Singleton, and do so.  Also, as I said earlier you can simply click on the “like,” to the right of this post.  And one last thing – I am guest blogging again today at a friend’s site, Nathan Rudy.  Why not pay a visit, take a peek and leave a comment, won’t you?  Thanks again.

Guest Blogging

Posted by Thursday's Child on April 26, 2012
Posted in: Writing. Tagged: , , . Leave a Comment

Hello all:

I know, this is totally out of character for me, but I wanted to let you all in on something.  Yesterday I forgot to mention, I guest blogged at a friend’s site, and thought some of – maybe all – of  my followers would like to take a peek.  The blog is about work habits, my working space, and my distractions. When visiting the website, you will get to her blog for today – read it if you like, since Anne runs a fantastic blog.  Then, scroll down to the next one, which is dated April 25, 2012.  Thanks so much, have a great afternoon. The website is – http://www.thewritingnut.com/

Veronica

Stir Fry Zucchini

Posted by Thursday's Child on April 26, 2012
Posted in: Food. Tagged: , . Leave a Comment

2 tsp. Peanut oil
3 medium Zucchini, sliced 1/4 inch thick
1 Large onion, sliced
Water
Low salt soy sauce
Sesame seeds

In a large wok heat oil on high until wok is very hot.  Add onion and a couple of tablespoons of water – stir fry until they begin to wilt.  Add zucchini and mix with onions.  Drizzle tablespoon of soy sauce over veggies as they cook adding another tablespoon of water as needed, just to keep from burning.*  Midway to their being done, sprinkle with more soy sauce as desired and a tablespoon of sesame seeds.  Continue cooking until seeds are browned a bit and zucchini is at desired tenderness.  Serve immediately.  Makes 4 servings.

* Water is to aid in cooking/steaming – only add 1 to 2 tablespoons as needed, being careful not to make veggies soggy.

Photo courtesy of iStockPhoto

The Not So Friendly Skies

Posted by Thursday's Child on April 18, 2012
Posted in: News. Tagged: , , , , , , . 10 comments

On Friday of last week, I watched an episode of 20/20, entitled Just Plane Crazy.  I’m certain we’re all aware the one time friendly skies on any occasion nowadays, can  become the sinister, other worldly skies.  Way back in the day, and as ABC television has portrayed with their new show Pan Am, becoming a Stewardess (what they were called at the time), almost held the same recognition as a rock or movie star.  And, the Captain certainly possessed an ethereal mystique.  I myself remember once in my life having a desire to become one of these airline jewels.  Why didn’t I? Who could wait five years to even get an appointment.  As I watched 20/20, my husband and I sat amazed at how the rules have definitely, and so harshly changed – only being paid for on hours and even then, a minimal amount? Yes, the industry is certainly different.

Who remembers Steven Slater, the male flight attendant back in 2010 having a meltdown, and his antics being posted on You Tube?  He advises, in this age they can make as little as $9,700.00 a year.  What! Added to the stress of today’s pace, the agitated and unpredictable passenger; the one who has been poked and prodded one too many times at the gate, mixed with that extra Bloody Mary has all made the attendant question his/her desire to maintain that job.  I mean only a few weeks ago, we all watched in amazement as a Captain, yes CAPTAIN, lost his cool and found himself in a Hannibal Lecter type chair, being removed from his flight.  Then, some time before that a plane had to make an unscheduled stop to have two sisters on their way to a fashion show in Asia wrangled off.  This incident also tied itself to having more alcohol than needed.  It is a very good thing that the punishment for such outrageous behavior has now been elevated to the Federal level.

One attendant interviewed confessed, she could spot a trouble maker right away; they are usually the ones  highly agitated and flinging complaints as they come through the airplane door.  I myself am a horrible flyer.  The inter-island service in Hawaii runs back and forth like the M6 bus in Manhattan – no assigned seating – it operates on a first come basis.  I remember an extremely confusing and tense flight from Oahu to Maui, because  my husband decided to plop us down in seats at the Emergency exit.  The entire experience sent me into a mini-tirade; this is what my fear does.  So, let’s say I’m dealing with this, and then out of nowhere he has to assist in subduing some out of control person threatening everyone’s safety.  And, as if all of this were not enough, what is up with the Transportation Security Administration searching babies, the disabled, and grandmothers.  They make us all want to write the Fourth Amendment message on our chests in protest.  Aah, for the old days, huh?

Way back when, the friendly skies really were hospitable; a loved one could walk you to the gate or stand outside as the airplane taxied and took off.  In fact, in my mind, I remember only yesterday when that same loved one could hang out there and watch that flight until the contrails were the only visible thing left.  What has happened to that America?  If you’re old enough to recall that time, then like myself, you miss it as well.  As you sat on board, you only had arriving at your destination on your mind; maybe getting to your business meeting or beginning that vacation.  Not to point this out, but shoe bombers, captains and attendants having meltdowns, absolutely never entered anyone’s mind.  I have so many places left on my Bucket List, and I simply refuse to develop my mother’s philosophy – if I can’t drive there or take a bus and train – then, I refuse to go.  Who is with me on this?

Photo courtesy of iStockPhoto

Montreal – The Northern Jewel

Posted by Thursday's Child on April 11, 2012
Posted in: Travel. Tagged: , , , , . Leave a Comment

Champlain Bridge/View of Montreal in distance

When I lived in Northern New Jersey, my husband and I would often take the nine-hour drive up Route 87 through the Adirondacks to Autoroute 15, and eventually onto the Champlain Bridge, into downtown Montreal.  We would then maneuver our way to the Montreal Marriott Chateau Champlain Hotel (the Cheese Grater Building as it’s known by the locals).  It still also has the name, Le Chateau Champlain.  Now that we live in Virginia, it is easier for us to fly, although Canadians do take the seventeen hour drive from there to here.  Once we make it to the front desk, we request a room on a floor above fifteen, and facing west in order to overlook the Marie Reine Du Monde Church, and the city – the view is incredible.  As I have already professed, out of all of my travels, Canada happened on my list of places not visited, along with the west coast.  Both locales were introduced to me by my hubby.  Now, not because I had stars in my eyes, but this northern jewel left me with nothing short of amazement.  If you like a cosmopolitan metropolis and need a romantic getaway, then this is a fantastic jaunt.

Alternate view

Marie Du Monde Church

Something very interesting to note, if you drive, once you arrive and park your car at the hotel, don’t worry about catching up to it until it’s time to go home.  If you fly into Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (formerly Dorval), it is just as easy; outside of rush hour a relaxed thirty-five minutes will get you downtown, and for a reasonable amount of money.  Those wanting more adventure – an Amtrak train will deliver you to Gare Centrale Station, where you will also find your pick of taxis. Incidentally, the station is located directly across the street from Le Chateau Champlain.  Just make certain to have the proper documents, a Passport for instance – remember, although it’s attached by bridges, it is another country.  Once, you’ve settled in, and you don’t want the cab out front of the hotel or the subway up the block, you’ll simply hoof it to wherever you fancy.  There is absolutely no need to drive in this concrete jungle.  Oh, and two little notes – the subway has rubber wheels, and at any given time you’ll find someone washing down the walls – yes, I did say the subway.  One other note, when it comes to the language, probably half of the populace speaks English.  Simply be polite and ask, and if the person you’re talking to does not, there’s usually someone close by that does.  So, not to worry.

Lastly, Montreal came up with a clever concept for their cold winters, and they named it Underground City.  The town receives up to thirty-nine (39) inches of snow a season.  When that happens, along with the brutally cold temps, everyone escapes under the streets.  It is for this reason I recommend going in summer.  Even in the middle of July temps can range in the mid sixties.  (Can you tell I don’t  like the cold?)  This idea hosts a concrete maze of shops, restaurants, movie theaters, connecting subway stations and entrances to hotels.  It truly is a remarkable.  Now, if you will, let me list a few of my faves.  Simply click on the first picture.

In summary, maybe I love this place because the city from which I hail is very similar.  Like Manhattan, Montreal is an island – somewhat larger though (approximately 31 miles x 9 miles).  It also has more inhabitants, over three million.  But in any event, I would have to say the city has something for every adult: art, history, nightclubs, comedy clubs, shopping and eating, and one that I never tire of visiting.  I think, calling on the friendly inhabitants, and strolling down one of their seasoned streets, you too will be captivated.

Images courtesy of Google Earth

Photo of Escalator courtesy of iStockPhoto