[Macd123]

I travel alone just because I feel the need to look forward to something. As I get older I find it a bit scarier and nerve racking. Sitting at home for the last five months because of surgery made me lurch into this journey. I’m going to Montréal tomorrow which should be safe and fun. Part of the problem is I can’t even get anybody to show interest in my trip - this is sad and takes away from any benefits. I don’t know I just don’t want to be a hermit but then again home is always such a safe, if not exciting, option. Guess I’m anxious and disappointed and I haven’t even gone yet. I usually have fun but I also feel like nobody cares..... onward!!!!!!!

[divine1966]

I care. I haven’t been to Montreal. Only to Toronto several times and Niagra falls. Actually going to Stratford Festival this summer too. I visit Canada quite often but always Ontario. Are you just going to Montreal or other places in Quebec? like Quebec city?

[Skeezyks]

Best wishes for great fun on your trip! I was in Montreal once many years ago. I never really was much of a traveler (no time... no money...) Nowadays I hardly leave home other than to run an errand now-&-again. Safety is a big concern for me. I'm afraid of everything! (I pretty-much always have been. But as I get older, it gets even worse.) The 11th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön's teacher is said to have advised: "Go to places that scare you." I think it's good advice. But it's well beyond my reach at this point in my life.

[Macd123]

Originally Posted by divine1966

I care. I haven’t been to Montreal. Only to Toronto several times and Niagra falls. Actually going to Stratford Festival this summer too. I visit Canada quite often but always Ontario. Are you just going to Montreal or other places in Quebec? like Quebec city?

Just Montréal - I’m a firm believer in getting someplace then staying put!!!! I’ve done whirlwind tours before and it was way too rushed for me 😳

[unaluna]

I looooove montreal! The last time i was there, i was waiting to cross the street, and some people came up to me and asked me directions. So i pulled a map (okay it was a loooong time ago) out of my jacket pocket, and they go, "why, we thought you were a local!" Anyway, have a wonderful time!!

[Macd123]

Originally Posted by unaluna

I looooove montreal! The last time i was there, i was waiting to cross the street, and some people came up to me and asked me directions. So i pulled a map (okay it was a loooong time ago) out of my jacket pocket, and they go, "why, we thought you were a local!" Anyway, have a wonderful time!!

I’m good at eating so this should be fun!!!!

[divine1966]

Give me some tips and pointers when you go. I’d like to know some details. I’d like to go one day too

[Macd123]

Originally Posted by divine1966

Give me some tips and pointers when you go. I’d like to know some details. I’d like to go one day too

Walking shoes are ready!

[Macd123]

Originally Posted by Skeezyks

Best wishes for great fun on your trip! I was in Montreal once many years ago. I never really was much of a traveler (no time... no money...) Nowadays I hardly leave home other than to run an errand now-&-again. Safety is a big concern for me. I'm afraid of everything! (I pretty-much always have been. But as I get older, it gets even worse.) The 11th century Tibetan yogini Machig Labdrön's teacher is said to have advised: "Go to places that scare you." I think it's good advice. But it's well beyond my reach at this point in my life.

I’ve always had social anxiety - I don’t know how old you are but I’m 63.... Also I don’t know where you live but maybe there is some local options. I’m thankful that I made myself get out there more - I’ve had a real deficit in the relationship area but at least I saw some things not waiting for the magic to happen. It made life bearable.... good luck 👍

[MrMoose]

I loved Montreal the one time I went there—It’s walkable and interesting and very funky. Other than that... bring a good guide book, have fun, and if you’re hanging out in a wifi cafe let us know how its going.

[graystreet]

Originally Posted by Macd123

I travel alone just because I feel the need to look forward to something. As I get older I find it a bit scarier and nerve racking. Sitting at home for the last five months because of surgery made me lurch into this journey. I’m going to Montréal tomorrow which should be safe and fun. Part of the problem is I can’t even get anybody to show interest in my trip - this is sad and takes away from any benefits. I don’t know I just don’t want to be a hermit but then again home is always such a safe, if not exciting, option. Guess I’m anxious and disappointed and I haven’t even gone yet. I usually have fun but I also feel like nobody cares..... onward!!!!!!!

That's super exciting! I travel alone too, because I can't find anyone to go with me. I was thinking of going to Prague for Christmas this year, and a coworker was like, "Why do you go to such weird places?" What? Weird? How is Prague weird? It has beautiful architecture, history, and seems so gothic and dark. Not to mention that it looks like it'd be so beautiful around Christmastime.

I think that a lot of people are used to more "traditional" vacation spots: Disney, Cancun, Florida...maybe they don't understand why you'd want to go to Montreal. I've also gotten the whole, "Aren't you scared to travel alone? I could never do that. I'd be so scared." Well, good thing you're not going anywhere alone then, hey?

I don't think it's a lack of interest so much as a lack of understanding. I just chalk it up to a difference in taste. Vive la difference!

[divine1966]

Originally Posted by graystreet

That's super exciting! I travel alone too, because I can't find anyone to go with me. I was thinking of going to Prague for Christmas this year, and a coworker was like, "Why do you go to such weird places?" What? Weird? How is Prague weird? It has beautiful architecture, history, and seems so gothic and dark. Not to mention that it looks like it'd be so beautiful around Christmastime.

I think that a lot of people are used to more "traditional" vacation spots: Disney, Cancun, Florida...maybe they don't understand why you'd want to go to Montreal. I've also gotten the whole, "Aren't you scared to travel alone? I could never do that. I'd be so scared." Well, good thing you're not going anywhere alone then, hey?

I don't think it's a lack of interest so much as a lack of understanding. I just chalk it up to a difference in taste. Vive la difference!

Prague is absolutely gorgeous city. I really really loved it. And since it’s relatively small you can really walk all over it in few days. Great choice. I am not sure about going at Christmas time though as weather varies there greatly. But i am sure it’s fun in any season. Also great food and beer (and I don’t even drink), excellent locally made crafts (not made in China)- buy glass and wood crafts there. And everyone speaks excellent English. Hope you do go

[graystreet]

Originally Posted by divine1966

Prague is absolutely gorgeous city. I really really loved it. And since it’s relatively small you can really walk all over it in few days. Great choice. I am not sure about going at Christmas time though as weather varies there greatly. But i am sure it’s fun in any season. Also great food and beer (and I don’t even drink), excellent locally made crafts (not made in China)- buy glass and wood crafts there. And everyone speaks excellent English. Hope you do go

I just have Christmastime off this year.

It's just a fleeting thought. I really shouldn't go overseas this year since being off work the first three months of the year ate up so much money. I also want to go see my sister in Vegas in the fall. I think I want to make that a priority.

[Macd123]

Originally Posted by graystreet

That's super exciting! I travel alone too, because I can't find anyone to go with me. I was thinking of going to Prague for Christmas this year, and a coworker was like, "Why do you go to such weird places?" What? Weird? How is Prague weird? It has beautiful architecture, history, and seems so gothic and dark. Not to mention that it looks like it'd be so beautiful around Christmastime.

I think that a lot of people are used to more "traditional" vacation spots: Disney, Cancun, Florida...maybe they don't understand why you'd want to go to Montreal. I've also gotten the whole, "Aren't you scared to travel alone? I could never do that. I'd be so scared." Well, good thing you're not going anywhere alone then, hey?

I don't think it's a lack of interest so much as a lack of understanding. I just chalk it up to a difference in taste. Vive la difference!

I got the same response when I told somebody I was going to Montreal - I think you’re right some people don’t have a clue (((( I’ve heard nothing but great things about Prague and Vienna.... beats the heck out of Disneyland 🙄

[Macd123]

That lonely, nervous feeling is setting in - always does when I go out there alone. It would be nice if I could just enjoy this but the anxiety is strong. Something else - I have a friend who usually asks me to send her a postcard...she has a new boyfriend so she didn’t ask me this time.... I’ve been sending her postcards for a couple of years and she always enjoyed them - it hit me hard....okay then 😁

[Macd123]

I made it - barely. All nigh5 flight and I tried to do some sight seeing before I took a nap. Can’t believe how tired I am - getting old. I’m feeling a bit dazed and confused - scaring myself. I’m hoping to get some rest and get a new set of legs (wow are they tired) .... where’s the inspiration going to come from - good question.... let’s go 👍

[Purple,Violet,Blue]

This is exciting. Keep us posted!

[Macd123]

Well I walked like a hundred miles today. Managed to make it to the top of Mount Royal - nice views, then I dropped down into the plateau neighborhood of Montreal. Cool place because it has tons of shops and restaurants. I ate a sandwich at Swartz’s which is famous for its roast beef sandwiches - it was yummy!!!!!! I gotta tell ya I’m only 63 but my legs were aching when I got back to the hotel - I sat down for a long time and boy it was hard to get back up. Wow I can’t imagine what it’s going to be like ten years from now... yikes!!!!! Anyway Montréal appears to be a very cool place to go if you want to go to a safe place with a lot to do. This is only my second day so more to come - if my legs make it..... wheelchair please ((((((

[Purple,Violet,Blue]

You climbed a mountain???

No wonder your legs are tired

[Macd123]

Originally Posted by Purple,Violet,Blue

You climbed a mountain???

No wonder your legs are tired

It’s more of a large hill - they just call it that.

[Macd123]

Well I sort of faded a bit today. I managed to get out for breakfast and lunch but I didn’t really do any sightseeing. I did buy a hat - I usually buy a hat or a tee shirt when I travel (I have a lot of hats). The lunch I had was interesting - Portuguese soup with sausage and beans .... really good 👍 I’m trying to talk myself into a bike ride tomorrow along the Saint Lawrence river... I’m having energy issues and I spent a lot of time in the hotel today. Fortunately it’s a nice hotel. Also, I keep thinking about the return trip and keeping track of the agenda.... Another good thing is that I’m starting to adjust and the tired feeling is less. If you come to Montreal bring your appetite - if nothing else enjoy the food because they have quite a variety here! Still have a few more days 👍

[MrMoose]

Walking is great, but sonetimes it’s good to hang out and be in the ebb and flow of so many people in the big city. Of course part of the reason I say that is because I did a 10-mile bike trip last weekend and I’m still feeling it this weekend so I really couldnt do more than spend part of today on a park bench with a large cup of tea. Oof. Anyway, you can practice your Francais. They all speak English of course but I found they’re happy to hear an attempt.

[Purple,Violet,Blue]

Ah, eating Portuguese soup in a nice hotel. I love hotels. It's like being private and public at the same time. How's the weather?

[Macd123]

Weather is good. I went for a bike ride along the Saint Lawrence river. I would like to say it as fun but I got lost - twice. The bike trail isn’t well marked in places. Something else that has me concerned is a big bruise on my leg and I’m not sure how I got it.... this is why traveling alone is scary - I just keep thinking that my leg will be okay until I get home - Tuesday. I’m putting ice on it and resting more - I’d be less concerned if I was younger. Anyway if I go it will be in a nice hotel room...... I don’t know I may have to take it real easy the rest of the way..... oh yeah I had Chinese food tonight and it was real yummy - peace

[divine1966]

You are quite adventurous! How is the weather there? Toronto is always 10 degrees colder than us, I wonder how is Montréal?

Enjoy it!