We awake refreshed after the wedding and a good nights’ sleep in an amazing king sized bed with feather pillows and (the all out ruler in these parts) ‘aircon’. After a walk in wet room power shower and one final good bye to the honeymoon suite we head up for breakfast with Karena and John.

Karena greated us and told us she would call her friend in Montreal and that she was sure he would love to show us round the city. A quick call to Simon, a Kiwi that had moved to Montreal 5 years ago and we where set to meet up with him later that afternoon. Simon in true kiwi style had also offered to put us up for the night!

After lots of coffee and a hearty breakfast we head out for a picture of the four of us together, I set the camera up on the timer, point it at the group and make a run for it. I am still not sure why, but John must have fancied a dance at that exact moment. We couldnt stop laughing!

We loaded up the van and said our final goodbye’s, Karena and John had kindly bought us a wedding gift…. the best wedding gift. A espresso maker for the van! We couldnt believe that the genorosity was still flowing. Thanks Guys!

Two of the guests had taken a load of pictures of the wedding and then invited us over to make a copy and have a coffee so we set off to Frank and Christines house just 10 minutes round the corner. We sat and drank coffee, ate cake and Frank told us all about his adventures around the world. Now retired Frank likes to get away and climb the odd mountain…Peru, Kathmandu and the rockies are just some of the places he has climbed with his friends recently! All inspired and looking forward somehow to a trip we are already on, we headed to Montreal.

Rain…. I am not talking about normal rain or even heavy rain! I am talking buildings actually fell in this 30 minute thunder, lightning and rain storm. We slowed down and put on the lights but it was just like driving through pea soup. Peggy leaked (a bit) which under the circumstances was acceptable. I might add my newly fixed back door ‘thanks Omar’ did not leak!

Then it was gone and the sun was out almost as quick as it came. Bad news was the accidents where plenty and the drive to Montreal took us 4 hours instead of 1.

When we arrived in now sunny Montreal Simons welcome was met with open arms, we were handed a beer and told we should head down to the local park for a quick dip in the pool. Simon casually mentioned ‘If the lightning starts again, just get out the pool’. 8 minutes later we are jumping into the cold (apparently refreshing) water. If anyone knows me well they know that jumping into freezing water is not at the top of my list! But to be fair once in I half enjoyed it.

On arrival back to Simons apartment we are shown around and told to make our selves at home. We are then shown a large black plastic bag in the fridge with the question ‘ guess what that is’? Holding back the temptation to say ‘someones head’ I noticed some whiskers popping out the side.

Simon pulled out a massive Sturgeon easily 4 foot long (10% added!). He had caught in the St Lawrence just that morning! Iwas starting to really like this guy! ‘We are going to fillet it, marinade and smoke it for the BBQ tomorrow. Some people ask why we are considering moving to New Zealand!!

Photo shoot out the way we settle down to a bottle of white and a mussel and king prawn linguine! Heaven. We chatted the night away and things naturally progressed to a few cheeky shots! Well 2 Brits and a Kiwi what did you expect?

Next morning we head out into Montreal. The market first, bustling with people
and amazing produce and Simon introduces us to every and anyone that turns in our direction. The first stall we stop at the owner lets us try everything and tells Simon (who kindly translates) in french all about his family, business and produce.

A few more quick stops at the fruit stands and bakery and we head off to the Mafia church, we are told stories along the way about Montreals Italian influence, the building materials and corruption that came hand in hand! We were granted a quick stop for a real espresso at an Italian cafe (amazing).

 Quick metro trip over to the old town and we proceeded with our 3 person adventure mission, we tried on bear skins, hung from iconic statues and where almost talked Lisa into having a go on the trapeze. Quick stop for a power sandwich on the marina and we continued on our way.

We popped to see the 3 fat ladies and got an ice cream to cool down. Wandering the streets we headed towards a little known spot in Montreal. The St Lawrence river is fast flowing and just behind Habitat 64 there is a surfers paradise. The water hits the rocks just right. If you have the skill you can catch the wave you can surf away to your hearts content!

Now up Mont royal, the highest point in Montreal. No structure is allowed to be built higher than this point (despite the Italian coruption!). Another ice cream was in order as we took snaps of the surrounding city and Simon pointed out all the places we had been. Walking back we ran into a family of Racoons keen to be photographed and well practiced at the big round eyes routine happily being entertained as we waited for the bus back down.

Back to base we got out the marinaded Sturgeon and popped it on the BBQ to be smoked. Of course we had a quick homemade cheese burger whilst we waited for the fish to smoke.

Legs ready to drop off and bellies full we crashed out….. hard.

Thanks so much Simon for showing us round Montreal! We had an amazing few days with you and hope we can return the favour one day!

See what happens next in our wedding travel adventure!