Our final day in Montreal and the end of our holiday. Determined to make the most of it so we packed and left our cases at the hotel and walked to Mont Real. It was a beautiful day and lovely to get back to walking amongst trees. It was a real hike up to the top (lots of up bits) but well worth it for the views.

Then walked back down and along to the old port area again and had a very welcome lunch and even more welcome Shock Top – probably our last until we return to Canada! Then it was back to the hotel to pick up our cases and a bus to the airport. Was not at all impressed with the airport staff. The check in desk was late opening so we had to stand in line for ages. Then the queues for the security were the longest I’ve ever seen and then the guy asking questions as you put your cases through was very rude and really upset me! Not good. I went straight through but Paul was very thoroughly searched and was there for ages – this was not my fault I might add, it was a different security man searching Paul!

I was very glad to finally get on the plane and the Airtransat staff could not have been more helpful. A good flight to end the adventure.

Up early to get the coach to Quebec. Should have been a three hour drive but was much longer as there was heavy traffic and an accident in some roadworks. Once we arrived we had a walk through the Old City with a guide who then came on the bus and we were taken around the Upper part of the City. After that we had some free time to have lunch and a river cruise. We were lucky with the weather as it rained a few times but only when we were inside. Got back to the hotel about 9pm and I felt shattered, in spite of the fact that we were sitting down most of the day! Not looking forward to tomorrow – packing and travelling to the airport. 

Have a feeling that my next blog won’t be until we are in England.

What a day! Breakfast included here so had a very nice breakfast before heading out. Walked down to the harbour where we wanted to book a jet boat ride over the Lachine Rapids. While I waited for Paul to find out where we needed to go I sat on a bench and witnessed another fight. Some bloke was screaming at security to get the police as another man had pushed him up against the wall. Police arrived and, boy was that man mad. Think the police wanted it just to calm down but that man was determined not to let it drop. Unfortunately we had to leave then so not sure how it ended!

Booked to boat ride and then went around the house of the first governor of Montreal. It was really interesting with lots of old native artic acts. Then walked back to the hotel to pick up some towels for the boat trip and as soon as we reached our bedroom an electrical storm started. We seem to attract storms! Luckily once again it stopped as soon as we were ready to walk back to the port.

The boat trip was hilarious – we got absolutely drenched!

Then it was dinner time and I decided to finally try the poutine. It wasn’t bad, although I probably won’t have it again. Washed it down with a Saison Framboise beer – very nice and very raspberry.

Now time for an early night as we have to be up early tomorrow as we’re off to Quebec City. 

A long day. Up early to get to the Penn Station to catch the train to Montreal. Only coach but much more comfortable than British Rail. Track followed the Hudson for a long way and even went through Yonkers – had heard of Yonkers in a song but for some reason hadn’t realised it was a small place by the river! Managed to see plenty of herons and even a pair of Bald Eagles which was magic. 

Really comfy seats with trays which you pulled down like aeroplane seats. Paul went to the cafe and got a couple of beers, poured us each a glass and then the woman in front of him decided to put her seat back up – you can guess what happened! Yes, Paul’s beer went everywhere but especially into his open backpack. He was not pleased as you can imagine, everything soaked in beer. The woman seemed surprised he was upset!

Got to the border half an hour late and were there for two hours while  the border police went through everyone’s papers. They took two Moslem women off for a while and then let them back on. From then on the journey seemed to go on and on and we finally arrived an hour and a half late.  Luckily the hotel was only a five minute taxi ride away. I was very pleased to get into our hotel room and don’t think I’ll be up early tomorrow.

Last day in New York and a busy one (just for a change). First up was a trip up to the Observatory at One World.  Stunning and a beautiful day for it. Then it was the Memorial Museum – that was very saddening and I wish we could have spent longer there. It did upset me that there were people there who were doing selfies with big smiles on their faces. You would think they would show some respect! 

Anyway we then had to go back up Manhattan to TimesSquare to the theatre (fitting in a quick drink you’ll be relieved to know). We were lucky enough to get very good seats to watch Motown the Musical. It was definitely worth going to see. The cast were amazing and, of course, the music wonderful.

When we came out it was raining – lucky we’d already decided to eat at Red Lobster which was just over the road. The ads for Red Lobster are on the tv here all the time so we had wanted to try them and we were impressed. Paul had a huge plate of different seafood and I had prawns in coconut – that went very well with the Pina Colada we were drinking.

By the time we left the rain had stopped so we walked back to the hotel. Now it’s time to prepare for the train journey to Montreal.

Not a good night’s sleep. Not sure why but the pillow are hard and when I did drop off I didn’t sleep for long and woke up with a really sore neck. Took pain killers but felt really spaced out for most of the day.

Anyway we had a lovely day. The weather was a little more overcast but just as hot. Got the subway to Coney Island. I’ve heard it mentioned so many times on tv so was determined to get there this time. It was very simple as the subway went from right outside our hotel straight to Coney Island. Anyway, my thoughts – it reminded me very much of Southend. A slightly run down fair but with some very up to date rides. The beach is big and very clean. I was impressed.

We got the subway back to Manhattan and walked the Highline. They’ve revamped an obsolete overhead railway and it’s great – lots of plants and artwork. It’s very well used and I can see why – an oasis in the middle of the city. Afterwords we popped down to South Street Pier and booked at the Tkt booth for Motown the Musical tomorrow afternoon. It’ll be a busy day – we’re going up the World Trade Center and then to the 9/11 Museum in the morning.

Off again. Train to New York. This time just a short journey – about three and a half hours. Business class obviously! Could almosthave been a trip England – except for the big comfy seats! Like British Rail it was half an hour though! Arrived mid afternoon and got a taxi. The heat was sizzling and the traffic horrendous. By the time we started unpacking (I say unpacking but as there are no drawers that doesn’t really describe what we were doing!) there was an electrical storm and everyone was running for cover. The room is small but clean and the guy on reception is great. The position is good too – Canal and Broadway.

Went to Little Italy and had a lovely risotto and some sangria – very welcome. We then walked down to Battery Park, around the tip of Manhattan , had a beer and walked back up Broadway. Still very humid. Nice to be back in the air conditioning of the hotel.

Less dashing around today – still very hot and storms threatening. Paul bought an umbrella everyone seems to carry one. Walked along the National Mall – shame the reflecting pool is covered in algae. Lincoln just as impressive in the daytime. Picked up the bus to Pentagon City and visited the memorial to the victims of the plane crashing into the Pentagon on 9/11. Unfortunately not allowed to take pics but was a garden – very peaceful.

Then got the bus back to the hotel, had a drink and did the washing which had built up during the last couple of weeks. Ate in the Hard Rock Cafe again – lovely food but the service was incredibly slow – you can imagine Paul’s reaction. Now an early night before catching the train tomorrow.

Up early and started the first bus tour by 9.30am. Managed to do 3 around Washington, seeing the three presidential helicopters going to pick up the president and take him to Airforce 1 so he could attend the funerals in Dallas, and had a very nice lunch in Georgetown. By 3pm I was knackered and so we went back to the hotel for a cool down and a short rest before having a nice cold beer and a snack. We witnessed an extraordinary scene in the middle of the road beside us – a man was backing away from a woman who was following him. He tripped and fell and she really laid into him with clenched fists. God knows what had gone on before we saw them!

We then did a night tour around the city. Unfortunately it was a bit of a shambles as there were obviously a lot more people waiting than were expected. Eventually we got on a bus but where we sat the speakers weren’t working so we couldn’t hear the guide. Never mind, most of the stories we’d already heard and the whole thing was worth the final hour when we got off and the guide led us around the Lincoln Memorial which was spectacular and the Korean War Memorial which was moving.

Blimey – this train is completely different from the others. First of all the sleeping car attendant was very grumpy! He did not like Chicago at all and had had a bad day! Things didn’t get much better for him when one of the clients accused him of stealing her very expensive water, them she wanted him to get someone to change rooms, then she asked some stranger whether she could use some of his wifi – he was a little taken aback, naturally. The meal last night was much easier to eat as we had proper metal cutlery!!

Didn’t sleep very well at all – the train went much faster than the others and was shaking from side to side all the time and constantly blowing his whistle. Paul was in the shower just after 5am and I was up by 7.30am. The scenery was pretty with the Potomac flowing beside the train most of the time. We went in for breakfast at just the wrong time as we ended up sharing a table with an American man who was fascinated by everything we said. He kept asking us to,repeat ourselves. Paul enjoyed discussing politics with him though. Said goodbye to him and got ready to disembark (or detain as they keep saying) in Washington. Walked up the platform  and at the end were greet d by someone shouting “Hey Brits”, looked around wondering what was going on and it was him – he only wanted to introduce us to his daughter and to have a picture taken with us! How embarrassing!

Anyway, the hotel is great and in the perfect position. It’s about 10 minutes from the White House. Unpacked and decided to have a quick look at the area. Needless to say, ended up walking for 2 hours in the heat. The sun felt like it was crimping up our skin as soon as we went out. Luckily found a Hard Rock and, even better, they served Shock Top, our favourite beer!  Now need an early night so we’re up and out early tomorrow so we can get lots of sightseeing in. Just keeping our fingers crossed that it isn’t quite so hot

Early feelings about Washington is that it’s much more laid back than Chicago. Certainly not so noisy and busy and the streets look much more English.