Montreal, Quebec, Canada

While in Montreal, we stayed on the plateau with Dustin's co-worker Mathias, his roommate Bradley, and Mathias' girlfriend, Patricia.

On my first morning, while Dustin and Mathias worked, Bradley took me to breakfast at an adorable bistro where we had the best Florentine crepes and cafe lattes! We had a really nice conversation, after which I realized that what a unique experience I have had, and meeting people along the way that I otherwise would have never met. When I was talking about the loss we've suffered and how now I find myself rather deflated, Bradley conveyed a beautiful analogy. He said that scar tissue is stronger than regular tissue and that through suffering one will experience new growth and strength. That really struck a chord with me, and I'll never forget that.

One of my favorite things about Montreal (besides the food!) is that it's a bilingual city. You can go anywhere and just about everyone speaks fluent French and English. This has really inspired me to try to learn another language. Or possibly a little bit of a few languages.

Mathias and Patricia are professional swing dancers and we got to experience a typical night at a local bar where the swing scene gets together most nights to practice their skills.

It was an absolute blast! Travel can inspire a lot of things and now I'm hoping to take more lessons when we get back to Texas. Dustin and I can hold our own two-steppin', but this is a whole 'nother world!

Patricia was so wonderful, showing me around Montreal and take me to her favorite places. I really enjoyed getting to know her and hope to see her again soon. Maybe show her my favorite things in Austin!

She brought me to the wine country of Montreal and sampled some native ice wines. They are sweet dessert wines and amazingly delicious!

Along the way people have been asking me what places would I want to come back to again, and the Montreal wine district is definitely one of them!

Some of the vineyards had really interesting sculptures and art.

We spent an afternoon snacking on cheeses and wines in the most beautiful atmosphere. I was in heaven!!!

Meanwhile, Dustin was working from the Canonical office, which has a gorgeous view of downtown Montreal. We got a bit of rain almost every day. This rainbow reminded Dustin of home, and our reasons for taking the trip...

We also had an outstanding meal at an Ethiopian restaurant called Nile Bleu. Both the food and atmosphere were remarkable. You eat with your hands, mostly, tearing off small pieces of a cake-like crepe, and pinching a bite of food.

On another night, we had pizza, which included a chocolate and banana pizza for dessert!

Finally, one more big thanks to our hosts, Mathias and Patricia (as well as Bradley). We really enjoyed our short time with you in Montreal!

-Kim :)