Getting to Freddie: Montréal Layover + Final Flight

Bonjour tout le monde,

Here's the down low on the 2nd half of our journey to Fredericton. Enjoy!

After a sleepy Executive Class flight, we finally landed (in Canada! :D),  and shuffled our way to customs. Though Paris didn't get sent through immigration, I did. Luckily, it earned me a passport stamp and entry into Montreal!

When we made it through, we stashed our baggage in the cloak room and hit the ATM to withdraw some CLEAR MONEY! I could look at Canadian currency all day long, it's so pretty.

Also, it was so much cheaper to use the ATM then than the exchange counter, and since the exchange rate favors the U.S. dollar, In this case, we actually made CAD using the ATM.

Next, we bought our 747 24 hour passes and headed into the city, which was a great deal: $9 each, compared to $38 flat rate for a cab.

My new camera took such good shots, even while the bus was moving!

First Stop: China Town!

Because of Saint-Jean Babtiste, Quebec's Fête Nationale, there was a big celebration going on downtown.

Being as ravenous as we were, we headed right to 'OhDumpings' instead of watching, though.

Service was really fast, and the waiter was very polite.

We started off with delicious and creamy watermelon and mango bubble teas.

Best. I've. Ever. Had.

For the main meal, we had amazing Pork, Vegetable and Shrimp Dumplings.

We were literally able to watch the women hand-crimp the dumplings and make our teas.

They were just so tender and juicy. I could live off of them...To read my Urban Spoon review of Oh Dumplings,  click here!

After our delectable lunch, we headed to Old Montreal to take pictures of the architecture.

 

Everything was really beautiful, but we were too tired to thoroughly enjoy it. After just a few hours we headed back to the airport to sleep off the jet lag.

Flattering, I know... After a few hours rest we had dinner at the unremarkable Moe's Deli and Bar. 

I had French Onion Soup.

 

Paris had the Montreal Burger with fries and slaw. To read my Urban Spoon review of Moe's, click here!

Once we were done, we sat. and sat. and sat... Due to weather our little bitty plane was delayed. Plus, our gate got moved twice!

Once we were airborne, though, we were able to see the city lights, and even a few Fête Nationale fireworks from above.

After over 30 hours of travel, we landed safely in Fredericton at around midnight. Gillian, our host, picked us up at the little airport and had everything set up for us when we arrived.

We went right to sleep.

Final thoughts: I am so glad to be here in Freddy! Also, I'd love to come back to Montreal with Matt and give it our full attention for a few days. 

Thanks for reading everyone!

Getting to Freddy: A Night at O'Hare + Flight 1

Bonjour mes amis, 

As promised, here's more details on our lovely journey to Fredericton.

After a long and tedious train ride, and some late night Hookah with some friends of Paris, we arrived at ORD at about midnight on monday the 24th. We were so exhausted!

Our plan was to check in to our flight, head through security, and camp out at our gate until morning. Unfortunately, security (and the nearest restrooms) close down for the night and don't reopen until 4am! Therefore, we found a spot close to the check point to spread out and try to sleep.

With the über-bright fluorescents, the periodic announcements, the whistling janitorial staff, and the occasional obnoxious yeller, It didn't really work out. So, we pretty much just sat until security opened up at 4am.

With my shoes off, belt off, coat off, boarding pass & passport ready and liquids out, I forgot to take my laptop out of my backpack, so my bag got pulled and screened. Plus, our host gift (a wrapped bottle of Steak n' Shake Steakburger Seasoning) seemed very threatening to TSA, so they swabbed it too.

Once we were finally to the gate, we crashed. It's amazing how comfy those seats are when you're dead tired!

At about 6am or so, we got a second wind and grabbed breakfast at McDonald's.

Also, because we saved so much money catching a ride with friends and skipping the hotel, I went to Argo Tea to get my bubble tea fix. Unfortunately, they don't actually have tapioca pearls, so I ended up getting a bitter-tasting Matcha Vanilla Latté over ice, and then having it switched out for a cold Chai. Click here for my UrbanSpoon review of Argo Tea.

For the next little while, we just waited to board my first international flight ever!

To my surprise and delight, Air Canada upgraded us to Executive Class at random. They have been the best airline ever! We even got priority boarding. Once onboard, we used our extra leg room to stretch out and sleep.

Luckily, we woke up in time for complimentary chocolate and Pringles!

Flying with Air Canada was an absolute delight, and I wouldn't hesitate to upgrade to Executive Class for a long fight if only I weren't a tightwad... 

I hope you enjoyed our adventures as much as we did! 

Until next time,