A Montréal Picture Book January 4, 2009

(click images to enlarge, if you like)

As it was the first visit to Montréal for both Shastri and Mum, we decided to take the team up Mont Royal for a breathtaking introduction to the city. Despite his Siberian armor, Shastri was frozen and became singularly preoccupied… ‘How can I get the team to abort Operation: Brisk Winter Hike? If they wont, when can I ditch the team and bolt back to the car?’

As you can tell, our mothers on the other hand were both grinning from ear to ear.

Nonetheless, we did make it to the chalet, imbibed hot chocolates, and headed back out to enjoy the view (for about as long as it took to take this photo). Ok, we’re winter wimps, but it was COLD!

The highlight of the week was by far a visit to the historic home of William Sutherland and May Bolles Maxwell.

We thought a stroll through Old Town might make for another enjoyable afternoon, but only made it as far as a snow/ice bank.

Even enlisting the help of a passing snow plow proved fruitless. The team’s morale began to fade as passing tourists snapped photos and left.

But then Superstar Maram emerged from a neighboring store, borrowed shovel in hand, and saved the day (Mom, Mahtab, Shastri, and Payam look on).

Eventually, we did make it to Old Town…

…and McGill Avenue to boot!

And, for the remainder of the week, we stayed indoors; sipping warm beverages, playing Cranium and Dutch Blitz, and enjoying winter from behind double-paned glass!

Many thanks to the Montréal contingent for a most enjoyable week! Now, who wants to visit California?