09 AUG 2010

Today we woke with no rain – thankful for that for sure. I checked the closet to see if my jacket was still wet and it was. Oh well today I will travel with Wes’ light weight rain jacket since mine is a bit heavy in this weather. The sweat of wearing it would make me as wet under as outer should it actually rain again.

After we made our own breakfast in the shared kitchen we headed downtown. We did not have coffee at all so of course the first stop had to be at a Tim Horton’s that we had spotted last night. The coffee was needed and it gave us a chance to plan our day. Where to start and what to do?

Parc Jean-Drapaeau (old Expo site) on Ile Sainte-Helene where we toured the Biosphere d’Environnement Canada site. First we had to go visit the Eco Friendly house which ran entirely on solar energy. This included the ability to have all minimum conveniences so had the usual kitchen appliances (yes even a dishwasher), electronics like TV’s and computers, an air conditioner, and all other essentials.

Totally 100% functioning on solar power panels attached to the roof. Of course the house was designed to maximize efficiencies. Outside parked by the door was an electric car – a Zenn and it was recharging off the system as well. The car was cute but when we saw the maximum speed of 40 km, both Wes and I felt it was one eco friendly choice that could wait for more development.

The Biosphere was sectioned off into rooms with different themes. Electricity, Industry and Toxic Waste, Water, Transportation, Planet Bucky, and other topics.

We were able to watch a short presentation on Migratory Birds and one on “All the Water in the World”. We actually spend a couple of hours here and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Half Off - a Bargain

From the viewing platform near the top we had great views of Montreal area.

From here we decided to walk around the old Expo site and walk over to the Ile Notre-Dame. By now we have been on our feet since 9:30 with scarcely any time to sit down and it is almost 2. First I insisted that we find something to eat, which meant more walking.

I did not object to the walking, but my feet was complaining and I suspect it was because I was in sandals and on concrete. Regardless by 3:30 I was pointing out that we actually had a couple of chores to do before the day ended, like shopping for t-shirts, going to the AAA for maps and picking up some supplies for us. So we started the walk back to the downtown area of Montreal.

Now one of the stores we were looking for was in the Eaton’s Center – and our directions were clear with even a street address. How simple could it be – but it was not unless you were Harry Potter. The number given was not 1171 and we could find a 1173 and a 1169 BUT no 1171. Turns out it was a wrong number on the internet - can not trust electronics apparently. We did find it btw.

Once in this mall, we learned that a rabbit could get lost. It is HUGE, and halls go in every which direction, including up and down. I was getting concerned that we had entered a shopping maze never to be heard from again. But common sense prevailed and we discovered that by following the bread crumbs we left behind we could retrace our steps just fine.

We needed a break so found a food court for Coke Zero. While there it is not almost 5, we talk about what to do this evening. Another night out to the pubs was not our style, and we were sitting right next to a movie house with “Sorcerers’ Apprentice” . So we checked to be sure it was in English and that we could get the 6:45 sitting and when confirmed we decided to stay right there for dinner and go to the movie.

The movie is lots of fun, much like Harry Potter, and very entertaining. If this is your flavour I am sure you would not regret checking it out. After the movie we hopped back on the subway and went back to our room. We both were very tired.

Did I mention that we managed to get tickets to see Cirque du Soleil in Quebec City? And that we got a room booked at the University of Laval? Well we did.  Oh right, it did not rain on us but was sunny and VERY humid and hot.  Good thing we carried the rain coats today.

Night