I’ve been in Montreal for four days. I’m in love. I’ve heard police sirens maybe three times total since I got here. I can be in Chicago for a day and lose count on the action that hits the streets. In Montreal, no one has the ‘mug’ look. Mostly you are left alone unless you have a question, they are usually openly willing to answer with a smile. These are the two things I noticed the most during my time in Montreal.

With my love of snapbacks, I found a Lids store in one of the metro stations in the city. With my love for the Habs, how can I not buy a new hat? I also had a decent conversation with the store manager that actually was working that day (Thursday to be precise). My mistake as a newbie in Montreal is commenting, “I am impressed with how well English is spoken here.”

Fortunately it awakened a knowledgeable conversation between the two of us about Montreal, Wisconsin, Chicago, & hockey. Another experience that has proved how fucked up the media portrays the world in general. The manager did compliment me in a sense, “If you didn’t open your mouth, I would have just thought you were a local.”

What I loved most about Montreal is being able to walk around where ever and when ever without anyone fucking with me mostly, exempting the homeless asking for money. It was an experience, I didn’t stay in the tourism area of hotels for one. I stayed off the path at a bed & breakfast in the francophone area of the city on Rue Saint Andre. Every event I witnessed and location I journeyed to was either subway or walking distance without many difficulties. It is construction season as well, but Wisconsinites and Chicagoans are use to that.

It was a short four days, but I have been lifted fully of new inspiration with the opportunities that came with this trip. I got to journey through the Old Port, Chinatown, & Rue Saint Catherine (huge tourist area). I got to eat my poutine, crepes, croissants, and drink my coffee like a local. I didn’t even touch fast food or franchise that promotes America or the rest of Canada except my Starbucks. Most importantly, I didn’t have a drop of Mountain Dew or any soda the whole time I been gone from home. There is so much more to do that I never got to experience and I will return. Eventually.

I learn from this trip as a newly global citizen that travel is good for my soul (for the most part). The crowds were intimidating at times and caused small panic attacks, but it’s part of me growing as a human being. This was truly a spiritual experience for me and it makes me ache for more. But until I can, it’s back to making more of my goals into realities. Those on my list are no longer dreams, but goals. Anything is possible.