TRAVEL
Surprises
John Hui, Article Julia Hui, Photos
Journeys, great and small, often take us where we least expect.
Montreal was never meant to be the highlight of our trip. It was simply a stopover on our way to Morocco. We expected convenience, maybe a bit of charm. What we didn’ t expect was how deeply this“ stopover” would stay with us.
A Midnight Arrival Full of Warmth
Our flight from Edmonton landed close to midnight under a soft drizzle. The runway glowed through the mist, and the air felt gentle and welcoming. To our surprise, Montreal’ s 747 airport bus runs well past midnight— and it runs full. Even more impressive was the kindness of the driver, who patiently explained the stops and helped passengers with luggage.
When we stepped off the bus, we walked two blocks to our hotel. Normally, unfamiliar streets at midnight would make any senior cautious. But Montreal felt calm, safe, and almost magical. The quiet streets, the lamplight, and the mist created a peaceful first impression.
The People: Our Biggest Surprise
Montrealers were friendly, patient, and genuinely helpful. As Albertans with no French, we never felt out of place. One young woman even chased after us to explain— using gestures and a smile— that the bus stop had been temporarily relocated. The sign was written only in French, so her kindness made all the difference.
Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
We arrived on a Monday, so the next morning we took advantage of the museum’ s free admission for seniors( 65 +) from 10 a. m. to 1 p. m. The museum is vast, beautifully curated, and full of treasures from around the world. Through one window, we spotted a giant mural of Leonard Cohen— a lovely surprise. Even after three hours, we had barely scratched the surface.
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