Montreal Part I – Maison Christian Faure

I can be a creature of habit, but once in awhile I benefit greatly from a break in routine; a sweet little escape. Because of my trips to Cuba and Europe earlier this year, I couldn’t take much more time off from my full-time job – a long weekend in Montreal seemed like the perfect destination.

My last trip to Montreal was five years ago, and that was actually my first time visiting Quebec too. I went with my family and we had a beautiful road trip to Montreal, Quebec City, and a little town where nobody spoke English, and we went whale-watching and hiking. If I had to go again, I’d probably repeat that trip because the weekend I spent there this time around was NOT long enough!

I had my photographer with me, and we rented a car to make the five hour drive from Toronto. For a weekend trip, I wouldn’t recommend this. We definitely had fun along the way, but it really ate into the time we could have spent exploring Montreal. Nevertheless, the drive was beautiful. The leaves were just starting to change colour, and we had a wicked playlist. We stopped in picturesque Gananoque, and drove along the Thousand Islands Parkway. That was definitely the highlight of the drive for me! Sometimes I forget how much natural beauty we have in Canada, being stuck in the city all the time.

JC Highway Driving

Another effect of growing up in the city? Barely having to drive! Which is why I look like I’m driving into DEFCON 1 whenever I get on the highway.

Sweden, the Final Days

I’m sad to be finishing up my Travel Series, featuring my trip to Sweden and Spain. It’s so nice to look back at the pictures and reminisce. One thing I love about writing is how it can transport me back to a poignant memory. My writing may not be the greatest, but having these memories transcribed is something I know I’ll cherish when I’m old and cool, and having too much fun as an active senior to do any remembering.

The next stop in my Travel Series will be my upcoming trip to Montreal! I haven’t been in five years, and I’m looking forward to listening to all that Quebecois French again! I find it amazing how almost everyone there is bilingual. I can’t wait to practice my French, and eat some poutine. Speaking of poutine! My Swedish friend Linda thinks poutine is bizarre. See how I brought that right back around to my trip to Sweden?

Let’s get to it.

Linda and I returned from our Spanish holiday, which was probably sad for her, but I was super excited to have more Swedish adventures! Our first day back was probably my favourite day of the whole trip. This was the day that we visited two castles.

Weird Things I Learned About Sweden and Stockholm

I went to Sweden without having done my usual research assignments. When I travel, I like to learn as much as I can about the destination beforehand, otherwise I become that crazy person at the museum who tries to read what each and every plaque says. I just don’t want to miss out on anything! I like learning!! *pushes nerdy glasses up on nerdy nose*

This trip was different. I was primarily going to visit my lovely friend Linda – I didn’t expect that I would fall in love with Sweden and Stockholm! And like any great love, it wasn’t actually the obvious attractive qualities which drew me in…

Yes, Sweden has amazing social services! Yes, Sweden only sends 1% of its waste to a rubbish dump and produces 48% of its energy from renewable sources! Yes, they designed the seatbelt among many other life-changing inventions! Yes, they have given us ABBA and Alexander Skarsgard! Yes, IKEA!

But, it was actually the quirky and unique things I discovered about Sweden which established my strong love affair. I thought I’d share a few with you here today 🙂 

Gibraltar

We didn’t spend our entire Spanish vacation driving around and adventuring – there were definitely a few days spent lounging luxuriously by the pool and on the beach. But I don’t know how interested you are in hearing about that: First I tanned on my back, then I tanned on my stomach, then I ate some icecream, then I frolicked in the waves, repeat.
ALTHOUGH, I did have one notable moment! I went into the Mediterranean sea TOPLESS! It’s very common to see women tanning topless on Mediterranean beaches, but I’ve never had the chance to partake. There’s no way I’d do it on a family vacation, and then when I was studying in the South of France, I didn’t want to be topless on the beach with my classmates, and then have to see them in school. Awkward. But while on vacation with Linda? Perfect opportunity! And she totally encouraged me to do it, which felt great! Wahoo! It felt so freeing to swim basically naked in broad daylight hehe. I can cross that off the bucket list.

So besides our beach days, we had another adventure to Gibraltar. Successfully this time! We had learned our lesson, and dutifully brought our passports with us the second time. We left early in the morning, and had some bad luck with the weather. Unfortunately it was extremely cloudy, and we couldn’t even see the top of the rock at one point. Nevertheless, we trekked on and decided to make our way up anyway. I was surprised at how unorganized Gibraltar seemed to be – the street signs were not very helpful for tourists, and Linda and I spent a good deal of time wandering around before we found the gondolas to take us up. Even though Gibraltar is under British rule, you can totally see the Spanish influence!

I was most excited to see the monkeys. When we got to the top I was blown away! There were so many monkeys everywhere, and I felt like I was in an Indiana Jones movie. Because it was so cloudy, we couldn’t see over the edge of the rock, but clouds and fog were literally billowing up over the fortified edge and gates. It was very cool. So although I didn’t get to see Africa from up there (on a clear day you can see directly across the strait!), it was still an unbelievable experience.
I was also the luckiest tourist. We had been warned explicitly not to touch the monkeys, as they get stressed out from human contact. I tried to keep a safe distance from them, but I think one of them really had a crush on me…

Polaroids

Ronda

I love Spain. There is so much rich history and culture to discover, I think I could drive down the Costa del Sol a thousand times and still find something new and beautiful.

Linda and I were basking in the sunlight, enjoying our fun roadtrip, wondering why we didn’t just live in Spain, at least for a little bit…
But we were rudely awoken from that dream on the day we decided to visit Gibraltar.

You see, Spain, and all Mediterranean countries, are a paradise to visit. But once you try to deal with any type of bureaucracy or authority, you’ll remember why you haven’t moved there. The police, clerks, government workers – basically anyone with a stamp or a gun in their hand – seem to love to make life difficult. No, your papers are not in order, no, you need to pay this fee, no, you’re in the wrong line, no, no, no.

Spain! But First, Köttbullar & Chokladbollar

Köttbullar = Swedish meatballs

Chokladbollar = Swedish little balls of chocolaty buttery oat-filled heaven

I had quite the eventful foray into Swedish cuisine before leaving for Spain. I was dying to try traditional Swedish meatballs – Ikea meatballs are GREAT (no, seriously I do love them), but I had come to Stockholm for the real thing. And they did not disappoint.

Sweden, Part I: Fika, Midsommar

I’m excited to share with you, stories from my trip to Sweden and Spain! I had been looking forward to this trip for soooo long. Months. Probably a full year, actually!

Earlier this summer I went to visit my dear friend, Linda. I met Linda while studying in the South of France in 2013, and we made a pact to try and meet up annually, or close to, and to host each other. Last year we met in New York City, when another one of our study buddies got a job working in Manhattan. This year a few of us managed to get together in Sweden (and Linda and I hopped over to Spain, as one does while visiting Europe).

Next year we may be reuniting once again in France, and then soon after the destination will be Canada!

But on to my travels. In this particular post I’ll be writing about Midsommar, and also Swedish culture shock 🙂

My Travel Tips

Airport style – the layers are REAL

I travel a lot, or as often as I can. I’ve never found the actual “travel” part of it to be very much fun – I still can’t believe we haven’t figured out how to apparate 🙂

Airports are just stressful, and I’m a big worrier so I become even more anxious. I always imagine the worst possible outcome for every situation. I will get sick on the plane, they will lose my luggage, there will be flight delays, I’ll sit next to someone who farts the whole flight, I’ll forget my passport or visa, etc.

To minimize this stress, I’ve rounded up all my best travel tips! Keep this as a checklist, next time you travel…

I’m in Stockholm!

Hej! I’m in Stockholm to visit my Scandinavian friends, and to celebrate Midsommar! Tomorrow we’ll be braiding flower crowns, dancing around a maypole, drinking cider, and eating new potatoes. I’ve only been here for half a day and I feel like I’ve learned so much. Swedish culture is unique, lighthearted, and fun. Just listen to someone speaking Swedish, and try not to smile 🙂

You can follow along on my Swedish adventures on instagram @jocelyncaithness!