Crossing The Pond

Sande Mayıs 18, 2022

So we are on the move again. This time much further afield. Across the pond as we Brits like to say. Since the initial planning back in January, the idea of returning to Canada has appealed greatly. It will be our third trip and each time I always fall in love with the place and particularly the people. Why is it that Canadians are such a lovely bunch?

I always gulp when I head off on one of my longer jaunts. This time even more so as it’s only a short time since our return from England. At least my feline friend has been left feeling much happier, hopefully no more emergency visits to the vet while we are away.

Travelling is somewhat of an undertaking for us islanders, but all went smoothly. One flight to Gatwick, one coach to Heathrow and then the long flight to Montreal to start our Quebec holiday. Why Montreal? Well it seems my Great Grandfather was born there and so it has been on my wish list for some time to visit.

Lawrence

Sometime after 1865 my Great, Great, Grandfather William travelled to Montreal. He was a coach builder/maker from London by profession, but what brought him to Canada I’m not sure. Maybe a better lifestyle lured him. He seems to have had some family misfortunes just before, as his second child, a daughter, died after only a few months. Diseases were rife in London in those days and sanitation very poor.

His wife Isabella and eldest son Mark followed via ship to New York and then train in 1867 and in July 1868 my Great Grandfather Lawrence was born in Montreal.I can only imagine how tough it was for Isabella giving birth in a foreign place. Plus the heat in July must have been exhausting compared to London. They only stayed for a short while. Three years later in 1871 Isabella and the two children had returned to London. William clearly follows after and I can only imagine the harsh winters plus poor living conditions were to blame.

My time in Montreal has been spent trying to imagine how William and family lived. Immersing myself in the buildings that would have been around in his time. Wandering around the old districts and visiting churches. You will have to wait for my return to sample these delights with me as well as the ultra, shiny high rise that is new Montreal. Views from our hotel bedroom give you just a little taste of modern Montreal.

Having left Montreal behind we are now heading to the Eastern Townships between Montreal and Quebec. Home of Louise Penny's Inspector Gamache stories. It’s no wonder that my latest book is another of hers. Here we hope to enjoy a more relaxed few days, catering for ourselves and enjoying the countryside. The last couple of days will be in Quebec City.