An English affair: Pontefract Castle

Pontefract Castle was a running joke between B. and me in the days leading up to my visit across the pond. She joked about how it would be the first place she took me, and then laughed when I said, "I can't wait!" with more excitement than she expected. But here's the best part -- I actually enjoyed my visit through the castle ruins.

Pontefract Castle: History in the ruins
Known as one of the most feared forts in England's history, Pontefract Castle is truly a sight to see. Though all that's left of it are the scarce ruins, a walk through the grounds gives you an eerie sense of all that happened there in centuries gone by. Used as a fort, then as a castle, then as the prison of Richard II (It's believed he was murdered within the castle, actually!), it has played a pivotal role in the history books. In fact, Shakespeare was inspired by the story of Richard II's death there.

I couldn't help but appreciate the views from the castle grounds. It's situated high above the town of Pontefract, so depending on where you stand, you get an awesome view of all the hustle and bustle in the town below. I had this moment where I felt I was part of history and part of the present. I was walking through the ruins and staring off into the distance as cars drove by. It felt pretty remarkable.

Visits to the castle grounds are free, except when special events take place there.

A stone pathway around the castle ruins.
Photo by StraightFromTheCurls

Wide view of the castle grounds.
Photo by StraightFromTheCurls

The remaining ruins of Pontefract Castle.
Photo by StraightFromTheCurls

I'm amazed at how so many of these ancient structures are still preserved in the UK. It's so fascinating to see the modern world built around these centuries-old buildings. Though not always romantic in history, these structures give modern culture roots, and I'm grateful that I had the chance to see so many of them firsthand. There's more to come, so please visit often!

xo
Simi

My favourite things today include:
- A summer that (so far) isn't as muggy as last year.
- The gift of time.
- Fresh, clean drinking water within reach.
- Alfonso Ribeiro coming out of hiding to do this. (Ignore the obnoxious bits and skip straight to 3:30)
- And this. It never gets old.

An English affair: Harewood House

I was lucky enough to visit a real heritage home during my trip to England earlier this year. I knew I wanted to see one in real life (I guess you can say it was on my 'bucket list'), so B. and her sister graciously made it happen during a day trip.

Harewood House: A national Treasure House
As one of the 10 most treasured houses and palaces in England today, and located on the outskirts of Leeds, Harewood House was built in the mid-18th century and stands on a vast property. Among it's acres and acres of well-manicured land that's dotted with sheep (and some molehills), there's a beautiful bird garden and a serene orchard.

The house itself is grand. There's no other way to describe it. From the the old kitchen in the lower levels (or 'under the stairs'), to the cabinets filled with centuries-old fine China on display, one could spend hours simply exploring life as it used to be. I also got a sense of just how many people it took to maintain a home like this -- think Downton Abbey and multiply that by a dozen. Gardeners greeted us while planting flowers along the pathways, and we also saw a man go into the bird garden to feed some of the exotic birds on display.

Perfect for a day trip or a family excursion, Harewood House boasts history in every corner. It has art collections, rooms that display old Chippendale furniture and huge terraces that overlook green fields as far as the eye can see.

Harewood House - front view.
Image courtesy of stardustwish.tumblr.com

Quote on the walled garden at Harewood House
Photography by StraightFromTheCurls

One of my favourite parts of this trip was when I found this quote (above) on the door leading to the orchard. It really spoke to me and I thought I'd share it with all of you.There's no question that the English have a way with their words. Beautiful!

One of the many views as I walked through the paths surrounding Harewood House.
Photography by StraightFromTheCurls

I took a moment to capture this shot because I couldn't get over how breathtaking it was. I thought about how I could easily get used to the serenity that came with this view. Stunning, isn't it? 

xo

Simi

My favourite things today include:
- Mum's delicious home cooking.
- Dreams of an east-coast wedding happening later this month (not mine, but a dear friend's).
- A Chicagoan coming to visit me in a couple of weeks. Yaay!
- My faith that everything will work itself out as it's supposed to.
- Free time -- the fact that it's rare makes it that much sweeter when it happens.

An English affair: Nostell Priory

At the end of February, I picked up my bags and hopped on a jet plane bound for England. I had made up my mind earlier this year to spend about 10 days exploring a country that's been on my travel list for as long as I can remember. And explore I did. I had the chance to travel through some of England's major cities in the north, and ended my trip with five magnificent days in London. Over the course of the next few posts, I'll share some highlights from the trip, including my favourite sights, sounds, eats and experiences. So visit often!

A love so true
I flew in to Manchester and met my dear friend B., who I've known since my stint in South Korea. B. lives in West Yorkshire, and I spent the first few days of my travels exploring this quaint section of the world she calls home. I can't deny that the sights, sounds, smells and simple beauty of this part of England had me giddy with romantic thoughts. I was finally a part of the English countryside I'd read so much about -- it was no longer simply in my dreams, and it didn't fail to deliver.

Nostell Priory: The big house
I visited Nostell Priory with B. and her sister on my first full day in England. We drove through the country roads and pulled up to the front parking lot of a grand house near Wakefield -- the kind I'd only seen before in BBC dramas or in my imagination while engrossed in Jane Austen novels. I remember seeing the house in the distance and thinking about how magnificent it looked set against the misty English weather I'd come to love.

The Nostell Priory website sums it up quite truly and simply: An 18th century architectural masterpiece. Getting to the house meant walking through the grounds, which seemed to go on for acres. But I didn't mind it. I imagined the ancestors of the Priory (home to the Winn family for 300 years) walking the grounds just like me, but years before; sharing stories, exchanging ideas and dreams. My little romantic heart went pitter-patter as I walked through the well-maintained pathways, and I finally started to realize the inspiration for all my beloved Victorian novels.

The main grounds of Nostell Priory. Photography by StraightFromTheCurls

I hope you enjoy this photo as much as I do. Stay tuned for more from my trip to the other side of the pond. From an actual estate home to a serene walk along the Thames in London, there's a lot more happy memories coming your way.

xo
Simi

My favourite things today include:
- A clean desk at work (I took my lunch hour for some spring cleaning -- absolutely worth the effort).
- My bed (March was a busy travel month, and there's something to be said about the comfort of your own bed).
- The Hundred-Foot Journey (It's the book I'm currently reading, and absolutely love).
- Duck Dynasty marathons on A&E.
- Daily texts from my mother.
- The first signs of Spring (I saw tiny crocuses pushing their way out of the Earth today, and I couldn't help but smile).

Your turn! What are some of your favourite things right now?

Simple love in real time

How can it already be February? Where did the last month go? 2013 took off to a busy start for me in terms of work and my personal life as well. I was knee deep in all things Valentine's Day, but I was also experiencing something that I hoped would eventually happen... 

In the cold days of January I felt the fog over one of my past experiences lift... and for the first time in many years, I experienced clarity. And oh, what a feeling that is! It's that moment where there are no more doubts about something weighing heavily on your soul. There are no more back and forths; no more what ifs; no more maybe this and maybe thats. No more tug of war games between your heart and your head. It's the moment when you realize that things are exactly as they are supposed to be -- and that you're completely okay with that.

Ah! And in that moment of clarity I did something for myself. I booked a trip to a country that's been at the top of my travel wish-list ever since I fell in love with Pride & Prejudice as a fourteen-year-old girl. I'm off to England at the end of the month to visit a dear friend, to have some of my own adventures, to dream, write, breathe, laugh, and to maybe... just maybe meet my Mr. Darcy. (Hey, a lady can dream, right?)

But before I do that, I need to reaffirm some things. It's kind of like my own take on therapy for 2013. To focus on the positive. My goal is to end each post this year with some of my favourite things. These are the ordinary, everyday things that bring a smile to my face without effort. They are the simple strokes that add to the the painting that is my life and I need to acknowledge them, because let's face it -- It's so easy to get lost in the negativity sometimes. So here we go. 

The simple things...

. Perfectly ripe avocados

. Wildflowers 

. The way the sky looks during sunrise/sunset

. A cool breeze on a warm day

. A warm spot of sunshine on a cold day

. Plain bread and butter sandwiches

. Cursive writing

. Snail mail (Flyers and bills not included)

. Big, oversized scarves -- no matter the season

. Sam -- the eyebrow cat (Those eyebrows are 100% real + he has a very sweet story!)

Image courtesy of SamHasEyebrows.com

What are the simple things in your life that you love? Can you list at least three?

xo
Simi

10 Unique Christmas Trees

One of my favourite holiday traditions as a child was setting up the Christmas tree with my family. We had a fake one that we reused every year, along with an assortment of antique ornaments (mostly angels and baubles in different colours and sizes). Every year I'd anticipate the beginning of December because it meant the tree would come out of storage, and we'd proceed to adorn it with the usual trimmings — complete with cotton balls to mimic snow. (The joys of growing up in a tropical country!)

There's something absolutely magical about tastefully decorated Christmas trees, isn't there? The lights, the tinsel, the ornaments — the entire package can add warmth and comfort to a room in an instant.

I have decided to dedicate this blog post to a few friends who share my love for Christmas trees. I've curated 10 lovely images featuring fun and creative trees that I'm sure you'll adore. Some are uniquely trimmed, and others are traditional to different parts of the world. Cheers!

Recycled for Christmas

For book lovers everywhere!

Treats of Sushi

Objects of My Affection

99 Bottles of Christmas...

All I want for Christmas is a bicycle... or two.

Taters and Tots for Christmas

Gumdrops and jellybeans, oh my!

Pac-Man for the win!

Ginseng Roots for all! (This one takes me back to my days in South Korea.)

For more fun and festive trees from around the world, check out this awesome slide show, over at NYDailyNews.com. What do you think of these trees? Do you have a personal favourite? If you have your own collection of unique Christmas tree images, you can always share them on our Facebook page.


xoxo

Images courtesy of Google Images

A Mini-Break

Well, folks, as of tonight, I'm off on a mini-break. I'll be seeing a dear friend exactly a year to the day we last saw each other, and I'll be taking in the sights and sounds of a city I've only heard wonderful things about. I can't tell you how excited I am. Here's hoping the tornado watch over Toronto lifts within the next 12 hours, so I can get on my flight, and head to my destination of choice.

Here are some hints as to where I'll be for the next few days. A follow-up post with photos is definitely in the cards, so stay tuned!

xo
Simi

Images courtesy of Pinterest.com

A travel destination where I love the people

30 Day Travel Challenge
Day 7 - A travel destination where I love the people

You're probably learning quickly through these posts that I haven't travelled to that many countries around the globe. As much as I'd love to say I've visited numerous exotic locations and written about the strangest customs in the furthest of places, the truth of the matter is, I've really only been to a handful of countries. But I'm OK with that. For now anyway. This exercise is forcing me to look back on where I've been, and really focus on what I took away from each of my travels.

So...  from my experiences so far, I'd have to say I loved the people I met in Seoul, Korea. The people I'm talking about are a handful of expats -- not originally from Korea. In fact, they're kind of from all over the place (The U.K., South Africa, USA). But I'll always associate my happiest experiences in Korea with them. They're kindred spirits, and fellow wandering souls. They get me and I get them. And it took me leaving the comforts and familiarity of my life in Toronto to finally experience people with a shared wavelength and understanding of life.

I say I love the people in Seoul, because some of them are still there. They went back to their native countries for a while, and then chose to go back to Korea for another round of work.

These are some of my soul mates. I know that they'll always be a phone call, e-mail or Skype chat away. And I also know that I'll be seeing them again, someday soon. I really do love them! And I'll always be grateful to Seoul for bringing me a group of kindred spirits from around the planet, without having to go in search of them.

Check out:

10 things I miss about Seoul, Korea

The world in my shoebox

FIFA, Football and Family

Image courtesy of Google Images

A travel destination where I love the food

30 Day Travel Challenge
Day 6 - A travel destination where I love the food

It's really hard to choose just one. I've honestly enjoyed the cuisine in every city I've ever visited. I even started to enjoy kimchi towards the end of my Korean adventure.

I love eating food in Asia, though. For the most part, menus are designed with portion sizes meant to be shared among people. I like that about Asian culture. Eating food is a chance for people to share a meal and share stories together. I remember ordering these awesome lunch sets with my friends B and C after shopping trips in Seoul. We would go to Insadong, to this quaint little traditional Korean restaurant and order this great seafood spread for about $30, split three ways. Such an awesome memory.

Check out Sorry, Donald! for a snippet of my food adventure in the ROK.

Image courtesy of Google Images

A travel destination that reminds me of someone

30 Day Travel Challenge
Day 5 - A travel destination that reminds me of someone

Yikes! How can a place remind you of just one person? Well, unless you associate that place with an experience you shared together. Hmm... Nope. I'm not going to go there. Not now. Not ever. Instead, I'll tell you about a destination that reminds me of a number of people.

My mother comes from a beautiful village in Goa called Loutolim. I spent the first year of my life in this village, until we moved to the big city. However, almost every weekend we would go back to visit and spend quality time catching up with relatives. I have such fond memories from those times.

This village has become a tourist destination in Goa in recent years, but back when I was growing up, it was quaint, and oh so quiet! It was my oasis. My haven and security blanket from all the problems in the world outside it.

Thinking about this destination will always remind me of my family. Loved ones have come and gone through it over the years, but when I think about this space, I'm always comforted.

The big, old house with the heavy wooden doors and 16 steps leading up to the porch will always be etched in my memory. The image of this village (as it was), with its lush, green fields and acres of coconut trees will always bring a smile to my face.

To read a detailed account from my memory of this space, check out A speck in silence.

Saviour of the World church, built in the 16th century. Loutolim village -- Goa, India

Image courtesy of Google Images

A travel destination that makes me sad

30 Day Travel Challenge
Day 4 - A travel destination that makes me sad

One of my first trips outside Canada was to Cuba in 2007. I did an all inclusive vacation with a few friends after graduating from university, and was quite looking forward to seven days of sun, sand and cerveza.

However, the novelty of a resort-style vacation wore off on me after a day or so, and I got antsy to travel outside Varadero. I told a couple of friends about a day-trip to Havana, and together we agreed to visit the city. So off we went with our tour guide to visit the post-colonial heart of Cuba. And boy, was I in for a big surprise.

I should start off by saying Cuba is one of the most culturally rich and warm countries I've ever had the fortune of visiting. I felt as though a samba/reggaeton soundtrack followed me wherever I went. It can't be helped -- that's just how it goes down in Cuba!

My trip to Havana was an eyeopener, however. What got to me was the every day reality of people who lived and worked in this country. One of my first stops in Havana was at this old church. I remember walking in and falling in love with the beautiful architecture and ambiance right away. But when I stepped on the porch to get a view of the outside, I came face to face with a group of young women -- each about 5-8 months pregnant, and each holding an ultrasound of their unborn child against their bellies, while begging for money. I was shocked. It was the first time I had come close to such blatant poverty (outside of India), and I wasn't sure how to react.

As I talked to some of the workers back on the resort, I quickly found out that ideal and fulfilling jobs didn't include that of doctors, engineers and lawyers (as it seems to in most developed/developing countries). Instead, people yearn for jobs in tourism -- working on resorts as servers, cleaners and receptionists. Everyone else just kind of... is.

Apparently the reason for this is because people who work in tourism make more money than those who work locally, doing the everyday jobs. The hospitality and tourism industry in Cuba allows the workers exposure to life outside the island. Tourists bring in dollars, which are handed out as tips, and other luxury items that most people aren't privy to... (you know, because of the 'everything is equal' (not really!) communist climate).

Anyway, needless to say this broke my heart and made me quite sad. Yes, healthcare and education is cheap (if not free) throughout the country, but it's so sad that people can only rise to a certain level, regardless of how hard they work.

A friend who spoke to a cab driver in Varadero provided some insight. He told her that if he thinks about it, it makes him upset. But the reality is that most people on the island don't know of life and the luxuries outside their borders. So they're content, and that's that.

I suppose I understand it, but it still makes me sad when I think about it. I'll never forget those women outside the church, and I can only hope that they and their children are doing alright.

Inside the old church in the heart of Havana, Cuba -- May, 2007

A travel destination that makes me happy

30 Day Travel Challenge
Day 3 - A travel destination that makes me happy

Without a doubt, the one place where I've been happiest so far is in Goa, India. I grew up there as a child, and visited it again in 2008. Goa agrees with me and I feel in harmony with it -- the pulse, the culture, the lifestyle and the pace. I know it's changed a lot since I was a child in terms of politics and the economy. However, everything from the vast coastlines to the acres of palm trees and tropical breezes just soothes my soul.

I remember I had this moment during my last visit, where I was standing on the shores of Benaulim beach. My feet were sinking into the wet sand while I watched a jet ski take off into a sunset so vibrant, it looked like the skyline had been splattered in hues of gold, yellow and orange. And I remember this awesome smile creep up through my face so easily. In fact, just the memory of it brings an instant smile to my face.

So yes, Goa is definitely a travel destination that makes me happy.

Here are some posts from my trip in 2008:

Divided

One of those afternoons...

A monsoon dream

Watching the sunset on Benaulim Beach in Goa, India -- May, 2008

A travel destination where I love the culture

30 Day Travel Challenge
Day 2 - A travel destination where I love the culture

I'd have to say I really enjoy the culture in Montréal, Canada. Does it count if the city is in the same country I currently live in? There's something about Montréal that offers such a wonderful feast for the senses. I've visited this city a handful of times -- both, in the dead of winter, and in the beautiful summer months -- and have enjoyed it in equal parts.

It's amazing because this city is literally a few hours away from Toronto and Ottawa, and yet it boasts a unique culture, and seems so much more vibrant. I find the people friendlier and there's a lot more to do there as well.

Montréal is a wonderful blend of old and new, along with traces of colonial ambiances that are still present throughout the city. The culture asks you to enjoy life in all its wonder, and celebrates with food, soothing jazz music, and an abundance of wine. Can't really go wrong here, huh?

Here's a post from my most recent Montréal adventure: A bite of Montréal Love

Walking through Old Montréal, Canada - February 2011

My favourite travel destination

30 Day Travel Challenge
Day 1 - My favourite travel destination

Out of the handful of places I've visited so far, I'd have to say Thailand is one of my favourite travel destinations. I was lucky enough to backpack through this beautiful country last year, and the memories I made there still remain fresh in my mind to this day.

Everything from the lights and pulse of Bangkok to the beautiful coastal ambiance of Krabi holds a special place in my heart. I felt most alive in Thailand, and I hope to go back there again someday.

One of the most special aspects of this country is the rich culture that lends itself to adventure travel and modern tourism. Whether you're someone who enjoys trekking through jungles, walking through historical landmarks, or simply lounging on the beach, Thailand offers all that and so much more. It definitely stole a piece of my heart.

Here are three entries from my memorable Thai adventure:

Vacating Thoughts

Alive in Ayutthaya

Finding my Smile in the Land of Smiles

Photo taken on Phi Phi Island, Thailand - February 2010

A Royal Pain

You knew it was coming.

We're merely a few days away from what has been tagged as 'The wedding of the century' and I think I'm about to lose my mind. First of all, how can we call something the 'anything' of the century, when we're just over a decade into it? Anyway...

What's with all this media hype over Prince William and Kate Middleton's wedding? For the past five months, almost every entertainment channel, news network, and niche program has been focusing on the impending nuptials of England's future king.

I get it, I suppose -- He's Princess Diana's oldest son, and royal watchers (do such people actually exist?) have been waiting for this day since poor Wills was born. And I guess I always knew it would be kind of a big deal. But not like this! Plus, I love how they've pegged her as a 'commoner' when she's anything but. Are they forgetting that Miss Middleton is the heiress to a wonderful fortune? When I think of the word 'commoner', I expect a Cinderella-type, rags to riches story. Someone who paid her way through school with part-time jobs and student loans.

Still, they fell in love, and they're together, and that's awesome.

But...

It seems to me like every show in every time-slot from CNN (they're sending a staff of 400 people to cover this event) to the Food Network has somehow managed to incorporate the royal wedding into their programming.

"What will they serve?"

"Who will she wear?

"Will she produce an heir and a spare?"

Seriously? Is there nothing better to broadcast, write, tweet or blog about? I get that the media covers news as it's happening, and focuses on the big stories... but this would never have become a big story if we didn't let it.

Then there's the tabloids...

"Will Harry ruin William's big day?"

"What does the Queen really think of Kate?"

"The Diana curse... exposed!"

Are they ever having a field day with this or what? Looks like there won't be a 'slow news day' for a while.

Ugh! And then there's the Royal Wedding paraphernalia. There's everything from commemorative mugs (the mistake on this mug kills me), to commemorative barf bags. And just when I thought they'd covered everything, along came commemorative air. Yep. Now you can purchase a bottle of air from the area around Westminster Abbey, for the low, low price of... your dignity.

And let's talk about the blue sapphire engagement ring, shall we? It's beautiful, it's an heirloom... some people might argue that it's cursed and it's a questionable choice, all things considered *ahem! Elton John*, but the point is, it's romantic and a wonderful story.

What gets me are the ads running on TV, stating that you too can purchase a copy of this ring for the low, low price of $29.99, and that it comes with a certificate of authenticity... Hmm. Something about that doesn't sound quite right, does it?

Everyone is trying to make a buck off this wedding. I suppose one can argue that it's bringing the world together in a sense. But recent polls show that people in the U.K. itself can't wait for the hooplah to end. We, in North America are more excited about this wedding than the locals. What does that say about us?

I'm not anti-wedding, or anti-romance or any of that fun stuff. But for heaven's sake, put a cork in it already! I can't turn on the TV without being forced to think about this wedding. I've channel surfed and hit the mute button more in the past few months than ever before.

I really thought I was alone with my feelings, until I stumbled across this gem of support. I don't care about the Royal Wedding is a blog entry on Thought Catalog, about how one guy doesn't have any more room in his reality TV lineup for another piece of pop culture. It's pretty entertaining. The writer is mad, and he doesn't care who knows about it.

Seriously, Wills and Kate, I wish you two the best of luck, and a lifetime of love and happiness. But I can't wait for you to retreat into matrimonial bliss, so that the world can go on with its regular programming.

xo

Image courtesy of Google Images

Signs worthy of a sigh!

Although it has gotten better in recent weeks, I sometimes find myself wistfully in thought, reminiscing about experiences during my year spent in Korea. I miss a lot of things about my time there... the convenience, the friend the independence... But more than anything, I miss the randomness.

Yes, randomness. This was mostly reflected in the many signs found all around Korea. I've talked to some of my friends about the funny signs I came across in menus, on the street, on doors, and even on the subway. But I was recently told that my words would be better supported by pictures. And I wholeheartedly agree.

You have to understand that a lot of these signs have been translated according to sound. That is, they were originally written in Korean, until someone came along and told them how to pronounce the words in English... which later resulted in English signs surfacing, with the words spelled according to sound.

Well, either that, or we can thank Google Translate for these gems. Or... maybe they actually mean what they say. You be the judge.

Most of these photos come from other blogs, and I've gathered them as I've seen fit. I've also included a couple that I took. It's obvious others shared my sentiments, but were smart enough to take photos as evidence.

Enjoy!

xo

Images courtesy of Google Images and StraightFromTheCurls

Curious about castles

I have castles on the brain tonight. I've stepped into my fair share of Gothic buildings over time, but I've yet to set foot in castle. I guess it's one of the items on my bucket list, and I'd like to explore a few in my lifetime. I know of people who obsess over them and actually travel just to visit different ones all over the world.

Perhaps I've read too many Jane Austen novels, but I love the romance associated with castles. The idea that generations pass through one space, roaming the same grounds, sleeping on the same beds, under the same roof... it's all quite fascinating.

I'd love to start out in Europe -- specifically Scotland, and work my way through the rest of the United Kingdom. My friend B says her town of Pontefract has a castle in it as well, which would be nice to visit someday.


A few years ago, a friend travelled to Germany to visit his family. When he came back to Toronto, he brought me a souvenir -- a postcard picture of Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany (pictured above). The name literally translates to 'New Swan Stone' and it's located on this beautiful hillside in southwest Bavaria. The view of the castle (and I'm assuming from the castle as well) is simply stunning. I can't imagine how breathtaking it must be in real life.

Check out these 15 amazing castles from around the world for some lovely travel inspiration!

xo

A bite of Montréal love

I've always been fascinated with Montréal, QC. I am still trying to figure out if it's the special blend of postcolonial ambiance and character, or if it's the simple fact that it's so accessible that enhances my love for it. Regardless, I think it goes without saying that I could easily become quite comfortable here. Especially within the downtown core.

Downtown Montréal is nothing like downtown Toronto. The only way to describe the layout of this lovely core is to say it's stacked. Every street that runs parallel to Rue Sherbrooke going south, contains unique gems and are of equal importance. From the relaxing cafés along Boulevard de Maisonneuve to the bustling shopping hub that is Rue Sainte Catherine, there's just so much you can see and do -- and quite comfortably, without the fear of getting lost.

My past trips to Montréal weren't as filled with discovery as this one has been. On my first day here, I joined a friend in a long walk through the city. We started off at the Eaton Centre (yes, Toronto - Montréal has one too), and found ourselves walking all the way down to the Old Port. If you look at a map of the city, the thought of walking all that way might seem quite daunting, but it was actually rather lovely (and easy). The streets are well marked and navigating is a piece of cake as long as you know how to read.

I think I should mention here that my favourite hub is the historic district of Old Montréal. I've visited the Notre Dame Basilica each time I've been here, and can get lost in the beauties found along the cobblestone streets for hours. Really though, how can anyone hate cobblestone? I'll be writing more about Old Port and this historic district in another post, so please stay tuned.

But in the meanwhile, no trip to Montréal is complete without two essential meals -- nothing fancy, just the basic (and pretty legendary) Montréal smoked meat sandwich... and, of course, poutine.

My friend and I stopped by Montréal Poutine on Rue Saint-Paul for a delicious smoked meat sandwich, after our long walk through the city. This small yet delicious treat set the bar for future smoked meat sandwiches, that's for sure. It was quite filling and so tasty, that I craved it again for dinner that night. I wish I'd tried the poutine there, but since it never happened, another visit is definitely in the cards. I've heard nothing but good things about it.

The next day, my friend took me to La Belle Province -- a fast food chain within the city, where the ambiance resembles that of 50s diner. Now, I'm sure this wasn't the best poutine in the province (what, with it being a fast food chain and all), but it sure beat anything else outside the city.

They say that in order to get the best of the best, you must go to the source... and they (whoever 'they' were) weren't kidding. I've tried poutine in Toronto, and also at a couple of restaurants in South Korea -- (Hey, people are catching on to this delicious (and deadly) comfort food.) -- and nothing compares to the fantastic explosion of squeaky cheese curds, gravy and fries in your mouth, like that of the poutine in Montréal, regardless of whether you're eating in a fast food restaurant, or a gourmet café. That's all I have to say about that. You simply have to try it for yourself, if you haven't already.

As my short trip to this beautiful city wraps up,  I'm left feeling rather hopeful that my next visit will take place sooner than later. Perhaps I'll be back for the jazz festival this year. That's another thing... smooth and soothing jazz croons flow out of almost every café, restaurant and shop in this city. And I'm not complaining. There's nothing like sitting back with a glass of red wine and indulging in some fabulous wisdom courtesy of Ms. Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.

J'adore Montréal! See you soon.

xo