...And Back

So I was wrong about Canada, at least the part about it being like the States. Very wrong. Canada is so far apart from the States that it makes you appreciate how hard they're trying to keep it that way. Probably the biggest noticeable difference is French. French is everywhere. French is on the signs, in the stores, on the food wrappers, and very much in everyone that lives in Montreal. They switch from speaking impeccable English, well, most of them, to fluent French without thinking twice, and remain very much aware from the time that a broken "Bonjour" escapes your mouth that you are not by any stretch of the imagination capable of speaking French. This fact alone makes for some very awkward cultural exchanges when you try and hide your shame of being "Monolingual". Well, I guess perhaps now I can say that I speak two lanugages, barely, but the second hasn't been very useful to me as of yet in the real world. Not to worry, I know that some day Japanese will have it's spot in the sun. Someday.

But apart from the language barrier, Montreal is a pretty neat place. By some chance if you find yourself in Canada, Montreal is a good place to go. Culutrally sophisticated, energetic, slightly seedy, and close to home. That, and the drinking age is 19. All that needs to be said.

Oh, and I bought a really cute wallet. Normally I don't get super excited about things like that, but this is seriously a neat wallet. Who doesn't love cherries?