A Night and Day in Montreal

I made it to Montreal in the evening and landed at a sweet little B&B. The B&B was in a charming brownstone and my studio had a fireplace, cozy wrought-iron bed, balcony and lots of nooks and crannies. I could seriously live here, it’s so comfortable and adorable.

After settling into my room, I headed out to the local shops and cafes. I used to find traveling solo to be lonely, but now I find exhilaration in the unknown. It’s a walking meditation of sorts. When you meditate, you strip away all distractions and “go” inward. When you travel alone, you put yourself in an unfamiliar place, away from your routine. It can be an unsettling place because without our daily agenda and “things to do” that keep us occupied and often define us, we are left suddenly alone with ourselves and our own company.

I used to travel extensively for business in the past and I remember the lonliness of going back to my hotel room after a day of meetings. But why was that? Why should being in a different location in new surroundings affect my happiness? It’s because it forced me to be with myself without familiar surroundings and preoccupations. I wasn’t connected with my “inner self” at that time and confronting it was a scary place that I wanted to avoid by running back home to sedate myself with tv, work, exercise, dieting, etc – my routine.

Phew, well that was huge digression! So back to my Montreal story.

After my evening stroll around downtown Montreal, the next morning I jogged to Ashtanga Yoga Montreal and took my first group class in months! It was so wonderful to be among other ashtangis and a part of the group energy.

I’m beginning to think I was in better shape doing Ashtanga than I am doing predominantly weightlifting now. During my yoga practice today, I could feel the tightness in my body and the energy blocks where I would subconsciously hold my breath. I really need to find a better balance between resistance training and yoga.

I couldn’t find a gym that offered a day pass, so I didn’t do my Warp Speed Fat Loss workout. Will I ever get in a clean 28-days straight? LOL. I guess I’ll just keep trying.

After yoga class, I went to Chinatown and Old Montreal. Chinatown was nothing to write home about but Old Montreal was lovely – like a quaint European town with cobblestone streets, small shops and tons of beautiful flowers. It it wasn’t for the Subway franchise right smack in the middle of it all, I swear I felt like I was back in Paris.

Overall Montreal was okay, but just another big city. I think I’ve just lost my desire to be in big cities. They all seem the same – lots of noise, buildings and concrete. I prefer small villages and seaside towns, so next stop is Lake George, New York. See you later, alligator!

Anonymous

woa!! You came to montreal!! I wish that I could meet you and have a chat with you about training and dieting. =D

Anyways, have fun with your little trip ^^
KaliLilla.com

Thanks Anonymous! I’m flattered. Wish I knew who you are!
angienicholas

lade your enjoying your self. I always enjoy reading your blog. you will have to let me know when you are coming back down this way and we can plan a better meet. Take care and safe traveles angie
juli gets happy

Hey Lilla, your travel and room in Montreal looks just adorable, I love the place as well.

I also know the feeling of travelling alone, and I know the feeling well of spending an evening alone in the hotel-room. One got so many impressions during the day and in meetings and wants to share it with the loved ones first hand, like chatting when you come home in the evenings.

Enjoy your time and travel safely home.

Juli
Marbella

So glad you can get away and enjoy yourself so much. What a lovely fun weekend!
Lynda
Andrew

Hi Lilla,

Looks a beautiful place. How is your ankle now?

Take care…
Debbie

Your room looks fab.

I enjoy traveling alone. I guess because it’s a break from my busy home.
KaliLilla.com

It’s been a fun little adventure! Can’t believe I never made it out to Canada before now.

Ankle is better, Andrew. I could feel a little twinge of discomfort during my recent jogs though. I’m going to get a new pair of running shoes. Mine are over a year old and not the best quality. Hopefully that will help.
Shari Kraft

I’ve never been to Canada. How fun. Enjoy yourself and take care!