Montréal Local Neighbourhood.

Easy rise again. The plan was to visit the local well-reputed market. Return with our supplies, find a café and explore the neighbourhood.  We did not anticipate the pull of the market.


The Jean-Talon Marché was recommended by our taxi driver, host and tourist info. Just 200 metres or so and across two roads we found the major entry. From the first stall we knew that this was our type of market. Heather was nearly in Heaven. Are you sure that we were not in France!! Pies, cheese, charcuterie, cakes, seafood delicacies, artistically displayed fruit and veg...it was all here. The main indicator that we were in Canada, was the man making toffee on the ice ( with the added touch of covering fresh fruit skewers in the maple syrup before solidifying the toffee), and the stalls selling Maple Syrup( sirop d'érable) products.

We lingered longer, and longingly, at many stalls. Having passed considerable time just looking, lo and behold it was coffee time and we just happened to have reached the most delectable range of gateaux.   After decadent selections, we really needed to buy food. We planned our nibbles platter plus two evening meals. Perhaps we may still be in the streets on NYE. ( Although Heather has read the forecast and a cold front may arrive to thwart plans).

Cheese, bread, rillete, saucisse, and tomato was lunch. We then decided to follow a pedestrian map of our neighbourhood.   Found two more "de-commissioned" churches. Such a pity because the buildings were built to last. The copper spires stand out on the skylines. I really like the little street closeby with community vegetable gardens ( currently dormant) and sitting nooks along the main road in front of the cafés and small shops. A park was another destination complete with several squirrels and a frozen lake ( unlike the artificial rinks in the city) where locals either skated or walked.  (see photo)
The residences are the traditional 2/3 storeys of the early1900's with the outside staircases. I presume perhaps the elderly live on the first floors or maybe everyone is just so fit that constantly climbing up and down each day is no issue.  Checked out the Metro for tomorrow's sojourn to the Vieux Ville...yes, Montréal has one too.
Alcohol is only sold in certain outlets so I went back to the cute veggie-tub street and found a "General Store." The shopkeeper, having spoken French during the transaction, farewelled me with, "See you around Mate!"

Back to our warm home with the promise of a fresh pie of porc et boeuf  for tea.

Cautiously leaving the house. 

We all chose a different cheese...blue, sheep and brie. 

ready-made Coquille St Jacques ...we bought some for later.

Seriously!

How to choose from so many breads?

There were raised plates of cut fruit and veggies to try. 

Our selection of goodies including cheese, meats, rillette, pies, choc-coated cranberries and bread. 

View from our kitchen window. These are backyards. Note the wooden telephone pole with the accumulation of wires, clothes-line pulleys, bins hanging from the top balcony and the paintings nailed to the pole!

Skate or walk, your choice. 

No playing in this park...scary ice. 

The oh-so characteristic stairs.