Sometimes NYC can feel restrictive. As though it is closing in on all sides and I am struggling to stay afloat. The energy of NYC is both a blessing and a curse. At its best, it is a motivating, creative force that provides constant inspiration. At its worst, it is a suffocating power where I feel like I can’t keep up. The things to do and places to be just can’t be conquered. It’s never-ending and it seems as though I am the only one lagging behind.
When the universe seems to be conspiring against me, I know it is time to escape and stretch my legs in another locale. So escape I did with the one-and-only Grace Freeman. Everyone should have a friend they can plan last minute, detail-less escapades with.
We left NYC on Friday with the grand destination of our neighbor up north with no plans of where to stay or what to do. We weren’t even sure where we were headed in Canada; it was a toss-up between Montreal and Quebec City. As we neared the border, we had an offer of a bed by a friend’s friend’s sister. That’s not a typo. There were three degrees of separation. Eight hours after leaving NYC, we were sitting at a table of new friends, sharing dumplings and stories across the table. There’s something beautiful about saying yes. It’s in the way in which it can instantaneously create community, especially when encountering the unfamiliar.
The weekend continued to be a scavenger hunt of sorts. Going from one locale to another based solely on the recommendations from folks we met along the way. An afternoon of playing dress-up in a thrift store led to poutine and hockey which led to hot chocolate and more hockey… because when in Canada, right?
To finish off the weekend, we headed to Old Montreal early Sunday morning. After filling our bellies at Le Cartet, we wandered around the cobblestone streets, taking in the last of the city's sights. By the way, Montreal has some amazing street art. I could spend a (warmer) weekend traversing the city blocks in search of graffiti.
While we may have only been in Montreal for less than 48 hours, it was the perfect excursion. By the time I was back in my apartment Sunday night, I felt rejuvenated from my weekend of new friends, cozy cafes, and thrift shop exploring. I think weekend trips may need to be a thing in 2015.
notes:
- in the winter, montreal is cold. it’s no joke. be prepared with all the warm clothing you own. i spent the weekend in my winter hiking boots. warmth > fashion. there's a reason why i look like a burly, bearded man in these pictures. don't be scared off though. it’s such a fun place to explore, even in the single digits.
- eva b is the just the coolest thrift store. ever. i mean they gave us shot glasses of hot apple cider and bags of popcorn as we walked in. also everyone there is just ridiculously friendly and helpful. to top it all off they have three floors of everything from 18th century costumes to children's books to dining room furniture.
- st. viateur bagels are delicious and their own category of bagel (don't go in expecting the an nyc bagel). if you find yourself out drinking into the early hours of the following morning, be sure to grab some on your way home.
- poutine = fries + gravy + cheese curds. as per recommendation, we ordered take-out from la banquise and ate it at a bar next door. doing this avoids waiting in line. outside. in the cold. take-out plus beer always wins.