Day 9, Saturday, July 13th

What a glorious day to be in Montreal!  I was looking forward to being here but I must say that actually being here exceeded my already high expectations.  Now you may have heard that the French are haughty and not very friendly but the French Canadians here in Montreal, Quebec, have been extraordinarily courteous, friendly and gracious.  Everyone we have interacted with has been extremely pleasant - much more so than our typical encounters at home.

Our first stop today was back to the Basilica Notre Dame for a tour.  Luckily last evening when we walked down here (and it was a hike) we noticed a couple parking spots on the side of the building that said 'No Parking' except for Motos and there were two motorcycles parked there.  So guess what we did today?  I'm not saying but I think you'll figure it out.

On the courtyard in front.  I know, I know I got the photo of this statue last night but I think it is better in daylight

A street musician.  He was quite good actually.

The Basilica was just awesomely spectacular and the docent who gave us a twenty minute talk about it, its history and the icons inside was just delightful.  We've toured many churches, Cathedrals and Basilicas and this is the first that charged an admission - $8Can per person.  But I was more than happy to pay that small fee as I'm sure the maintenance and upkeep on it is gargantuan.  To be able to see it in all its splendor was a privilege.

Afterward we're going walking so Dave is putting on his walking shoes.  We already had ours on.

Went by to check out this Science Museum.  Didn't visit as it would not doubt take way too long. . . and

J. Carolyn didn't especially care to see an exhibit on spiders!

But there is a neat Ferris Wheel.  I really wanted to ride it but oh no the other two were CHICKEN!

Looks like the Queen found a car she really likes.  Yikes!  An 8 cylinder, turbo hybrid.  This thing is gonna cost more than my Harley for sure!

Lunch and then back on the road.

We went to the Harley dealer in Montreal.  Got a couple souvenirs and then on to ride past the boyhood home of Montreal's most famous son the poet and singer Leonard Cohen.  What's that you say you don't know Leonard Cohen?  Well meet the bard.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Leonard_Cohen

And of course his most famous and his signature song, Suzanne:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6o6zMPLcXZ8

Here is another version of the song (many, many singers have covered it) by Nancy Wilson that we really like as Nancy is one of our all time favorite singers.  She was just the best.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=41OrQ5uBwgk

J. Carolyn and I found Leonard back in 1969 shortly after we married and just fell in love with his poetry and music.  A truly gifted if not tortured (aren't all artists) soul.  So very honored to be able to just ride by his boyhood home.