Madames et monsieurs: je suis a Montreal! My train from QC to ici arrived safely and timely. Such nice country sights on the ride. I also felt like I was going to Hogwarts with Harry Potter and friends, though I was not on platform 9 and 3 quarters 
I arrived 75 mins before check-in time at the hostel so I used that time to plan my itinerary. I planned on hiking Mont Royal Parc on my own, but as it happened the hostel was going to take a group of those interested to the park to see Tam Tam, which is a Sunday jam ritual. People with drums (called the tam tam) just beat/dance/eat/drink/smoke/chill, etc. to the beat of the drum
Afterwards we viewed a sword fight. These fighters are apparently medieval nerds/dorks/geeks. Yeah, it was a sight. I wasn't really wowed by it though. It's basically guys fighting with swords. Meh 
We then hiked up the mountain. I am the least bit sore or tired; in fact, I am quite pumped. I thank the hilly streets I had to walk up and down in Quebec City, for they have trained me well.
The sun is shining brightly here. I am sun-baked. My shoulders are burning. The sunscreen was definitely not enough and it did not help that I wore a tank.
Tomorrow I will participate in a bike tour with the hostel. I will be sure to wear a t-shirt. I really don't want a skin burn as a souvenir from Montreal.
One thing I've noticed in comparison with this hostel and the one in QC is that here, there are definitely more group activities. Everyday, actually. I asked one of the staff members here on why that is and he said that Montreal is just a much bigger city than Quebec, so there's so much more to do here. Quite true.
I have to be honest in saying that upon my arrival here I felt like I was back at home. It wasn't like QC where I got transported into a European quartier. The ambiance here is more hip, happening, and vibrant while in the other it's more old world charm, French flaired, and historical. It is like my sister Karen is more Montreal and I am more Quebec City Vous comprenez?
Gotta do something to alleviate the sunburned shoulder, H.
P.S. Notice how I no longer put accents on the letters? The keyboards in Quebec province are quite different from the ones I am used to so I don't know what's what.
P.P.S. Yes, Kaye. You would've definitely inhaled that poutine. You are a food hound!
