Mei ManuelKonnichassu!!!
I finally have time to continue the Canada blogs! Things have gotten all busy for me since my last post and well, I am backlogged for most things. But, since its getting closer to the holidays, I am going to have some time to complete the Canada blogs on top of the stuff I may update here if something interesting happens.
I am in the middle of strengthening my blog because when I updated my SSL certificates, I was advised to take a look at the system so that the site is fully optimized. I will do my best to sort it out during my break.
Anyway! Let’s get it on with the Canada blog and this time, Montreal! As always, check the comments in the bottom to learn the context of these photos!
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We started the day pretty late because we don’t have much scheduled. Sleep was ok since I had my own room but man! The bed was so high and the aircon… I’m not used to not having a fan or aircon on my room. Canada for you.
We did agree to eat out for lunch so we went to drive to this place, Schwartz Deli. When I did my research about this one, it is the top place to try out their sandwiches and it is a must visit when in Montreal. My sister wanted to go on a foodtrip so this was in the list.
When we got here, it was a line under the sun! But, the turnover is quick and they also have a takeout spot so if you don’t want to line up, you can still try out their sandwich at home.
Since we dined in, we got in the restaurant which was very cramped but actually quite quaint since you can see the history of the place in the walls and in the decor. Here’s the menu! I had their smoked meat and some fries.
Although I tried to restrain my cola drinking throughout the trip, I was curious if coke was different in Canada. In Japan, coke was more tasteful. This one? It was pretty mild but the fizz was strong.
Here’s my smoked meat sandwich! It’s actually pretty good. The bread was made fresh and had a spicy spread that matched the sliced beef. I could go for more next time I come visit.
After that nice lunch, we drove to try looking for the viewpoint. We did find the other viewpoint after getting lost and here’s this view. Not worth it if you decide not to go up the hill coz there is one but we were not in the mood to climb the stairs.
The facade of our final destination for the day… its larger than it looks in this photo.
Our main highlight for the day’s trip is this place, L’Oratoire Saint-Joseph du Mont-Royal or the Oratory. Its on top of its own hill and man! We saw it from the road and woah! It is big!
Considering its size, there are several floors in this basilica and this one in this photo is the main altar. It was really crazy and humbling I was able to come and see it for myself.
Here’s the pipe organ for the main chapel
We did manage to find the viewpoint access so you can see the front facade of the Oratory. Its larger than it looks in person but man! How did people get this made!
Here’s a selfie from my old phone. Still too big to fit!
No filters! It was cloudy when we went there but still worth the trip!
This one is in the viewpoint area and if memory serves me, this is a sculpture that depicts how Catholic pilgrims came to the place.
We did also check the exhibit featuring the life of this priest which I believe is Brother Andre Bessette, the one behind the Oratory. His tomb is also in the Oratory and we did pass by it during our visit.
This photo was taken in the ground floor of the basilica. When you get to this place, you will be hit with a solemn ambiance thanks to the lighting and location. Many people have used the place though as a wishing area or where they place their prayer petitions.
This place is where you can see mini candle shrines depicting various scenes in the Bible and meant for different petitions.
Here’s an example of one of these shrines
Here’s a smaller chapel near the candle shrines for smaller masses. Really amazed on how this basilica was made and how intricate its design wherever you turn.
Before we left the Basilica, we did go to the souvenir shop to get some souvenirs. We lucked out coz we got in time before the shop closed. I got some rosaries for my mum and sister-in-law coz it was rare chance for me to get there.
If you don’t want to go buy souvenirs from the souvenir shop, this is actually a cheaper alternative you can consider. It is a souvenir medal machine and you do need coins to get one! They do have different designs so you have options. I did get one for myself since I had coins with me.
Here’s a view of the Oratory from the main road. The front area is being renovated as you can see here. I am not sure when they will finish this but I have a feeling it will increase the number of people who can come here during the masses and events in the Basilica.
On our way back to our Airbnb, we did pass by this cathedral which is considered Montreal’s version of St. Peter’s Basilica. I will try to visit this on my own when I return to Montreal in a future trip.
This is also the day I got to enter Walmart! My sister was so amused by me taking photos but heck. It is my first time! We did go to Walmart to buy some food to cook for dinner and to replenish our supplies.
We did also go to the nearby Super C, a bargain supermarket. It is kinda cool to see how different it is from a normal supermarket and how much bargains are available. I do recommend going to one if you are in Canada to see how different it is in your home country.
Dinner was bacon coz we had loads of it since I got us some the day prior. Kinda odd to have bacon in Canada coz the marinade they use is quite different. Water too to be honest.
After dinner, we just rested and I also tried fixing up my luggage because my clothes were all over the place. It was at that time I thought I need to invest on new luggages for me.
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So that’s the end of this Canada blog! I still have… a few more. I am going to double check if i am going to combine some of them since the next few parts of the trip were uneventful. We will see how it goes!
