First: a lame french lesson with keiley...
When we actually crossed the 'boarder' to Quebec, only then (reading the traffic signs) did we realize our neglect in preparing translations and learning common phrases like, 'Pleased to meet you', 'No, just looking thanks', and 'Can I turn right on a red?'. Having only taken french for our province's standard of 4yrs, I was at a loss in most cases. And I can honestly say, in those 4 yrs I barely absorbed anything. But as it turned out, the area of Montreal we stayed in was super anglicized and could switch between french and english without hesitation.
The only conversational french I'd picked up, prior to Quebec, came from movies and television - which is ultra sad. Nerd Alert! I picked up 'bonne nuit', good night, from an episode of Futurama. As it turns out this is actually a sort of endearment and not something you should just say to a random person. Bonne soiree, means about the same - good evening - but is more appropriate for acquaintances and requires little to no introduction.
For anyone reading this, you're probably laughing at my incredible ignorance. But I have to say, 99% of the time it was great not know what was going on. It was a little more adventurous that way. The other 1% of the time was only annoying because it can cause traffic jams. Things like menus, signs and non tourist areas were tricky and not predominantly bilingual, but it's fun when you don't know which part of the subway line you'll end up at, or exactly what you're eating. But enough about my incompetence...
Here for your viewing pleasure - the third installment of our Montreal minimalist photo album.
We biked all over the city and visit many of the regular touristy things and their lovely museums.
These are some pictures from our adventures.
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'soft light, no chin'
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Imagine, walking into the foyer of the 4th level of the Museum of Fine Arts and in front of you is a grand marble staircase with a royal blue runner leading your eyes up to the plateau. And at the top of those stairs in bright neon blue, a florescent sign floating above a chorus - line of spotlit mannequins, dolled up for the main event.
Simply amazing, the custom mannequins are cast from the very models that wore the garments on the runway. Not only that, but a video recording of each model was then projected on the mannequins face and accompanied audio recording of their engaging chatter, singing and dialog. Superb!
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Jean Paul Gaultier Exhibition - Montreal Museum of Fine Arts
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Crazy amazing detail, fantastic collection and innovative exhibition.
He is a master of simulation and manipulation of any material, not just fabric.
In the above collage are some of my favourite highlights from the exhibit - the Eiffel Tower slingback heel, simulated alligator stockings, the laced-up lace bodysuit and a hand-beaded leopard pelt gown that took 1060 hours to construct..
Off to the island...
A weird place to want to trek to in the offseason, but it was a sight I couldn't wait to see - the geodesic dome from the '57 World Expo in Montreal.
We were fully Buckminster'd. I can die happy now.
Actually much larger than I had thought it would be, and relatively easy to get to via public transit. The Biosphere museum actual gives a discount on admission to patrons with proof of their "green transportation" to the museum. Because it was the offseason, there was hardly anyone around and we were able to savoy a bike ride and observe the dome from around the island; checking out the surrounding parks and gardens.
We were honestly, not the best tourist - as you can see, we didn't actually take many photos.
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| The Rialto Theatre |
For those of you that follow on twitter, I mentioned this theatre, the Railto.
Well, we were invited to take pictures of the place. And this is where we took most of the photos from our trip. So tune in later this week for another post and photos of the remarkable Rialto.
But for now, good night.
