28th Dec

Today we tramped around the Old Port for hours - we were making the most of the 0 degree weather!

We started by trying to get into the Bank of Montreal, which had instead called a bank holiday!
Many places also had this stance, and had prohibited from entering them, due to the nature of the day (a Monday) and its proximity to Christmas. We enjoyed the moat and snowy surrounds of the Champs de Mars and adjoining metro station art (which was un-adjoiningly appreciated by Sophie). I smelt the rich mahogany of the Chateau Ramezay and shook my fist at the Chapelle Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours as I was turned away at the door (what sort of Church gives itself a day off!). Instead we took in the Bonsecours marche and did a round walking tour of Old Montreal. Starting with Place d'Arms and ending 2.5km later with Place d'Arms.


In the afternoon we went to the Biosphere! This is a water wonderland, teaching all about the joys of proper water and environment management and the majestic fleuve St. Lawerence. Sophie and I splashed about in the kiddy play section (as we did lie and pretend to be child age so we could get in for free). When asking for two children tickets, Mum was asked: "Do you have proof their underage?" mum's response: "no". This was good enough for them, and in strutted Sophie and I! We got to walk on water like a certain Jesus. We had races but I think because I shrieked WWJD about 20 times, I lost. There was the most amazing viewing tower in the biosphere. We could see out over all of Montreal, as the sun was picturesquely setting. What a sight! We also rode the glass elevator (with equally nice sights) about 5 or 6 times to take in the view in style.
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We then aged rapidly and went to the CASINO! Woo - Sophie's first gamble! We had cocktails on the top level. We had a great view of the mini horsey track, and of the bright lights of the casino. We even managed a gamble - on the fun machines where you get to pull the lever. No wins to report. It was a little bit sad, as the casino was PACKED, and it was only a Monday night!!!