Montréal was my dream city where I always wanted to go. It’s a city with the promising light of missing opportunities. If you ask me what does it mean, I must go deep into my subconscious and uncover my childhood dream to be a cirque artist: a clowness, nerveless and Montreal being the birth place of famous Cirque Du Soleil, so you do the math, connect those dots , figure it out how Montreal influenced my dream.
Recently my life reached the point when I couldn’t take it anymore. I just simply can’t. Everything in my life was falling apart. I’m not a whiny person and don’t like to discuss publicly my life struggles. I could overcome people betrayals, although it’s heartbreaking to endure it from someone very close to me, but to see my beloved dog crossed the rainbow was unbearable. I was crushed and suffered invisible excruciating pain. I felt completely broken. The only reason was holding me on this planet was my youngest dog Theo. He needed me now more than ever.
Don’t feel sorry for me, eventually I’ll be alright. I will get up and brush off my shoulders, I just needed to be left alone with my own thoughts.
I needed time to myself, just myself.
Since I was alone, it was my own decision what I’m going to do for upcoming weekend. I dreaded to stay home. Suddenly instead of sadness I had uplifting thoughts that I don’t have to ask anyone, explain anything, prepare or convince anyone – it was just my decision alone. I smiled the first time for the past four month or so.
I tweeted: Will I go by myself to Montreal? And instantly replayed to myself: Why not? I encouraged other to do it, so why I wouldn’t do the same. The only concern i had was that I’ve never driven that far by myself. Can I even drive 6-7 hours non-stop? If I'm even capable to do it? If I really decided to go, what should I do? Money (unfortunately) is an object for my current situation, so everything must be on budget which is not a problem for me.
Yes, I decided I’m going and that’s it: When I feel tired to drive, I’ll stop and sleep for 30 minutes and this is not going to stress me out that I couldn’t fit in the schedule. I created To-Do list and first thing I had to find what documents should I present to cross the border and the documents for Theo.
I went to the vet clinic to vaccinate Theo and also took Certificate of Health and Vaccination for the Custom. I couldn’t understand which one required so I took both just in case. ( see * link for information)
I booked a pet friendly hotel that would be close to the center and preferably inexpensive (next time I should do it at least 10 days prior, so it would be more possibilities to choose from).
I also booked a walking tour ($23) ( see ** link for information)
And when I found out that Cirque Du Soleil produced and revamped “Alegria” into new show and Big Top is erected in the Old Port, I couldn’t hold excitement about my dream coming true. I screamed and scared little Theo. Yes, I always dreamt about coming to Montreal for new show and see the place where it all started, the place where Cirque became of ….national Pride. And now I’m going to see the oldest show of Cirque Du Soleil Alegria in the new light under the Big Top!
I decided to hit the road right after work on Friday.
I filled out big thermos with my favorite rose tea, got some pastries for the road, yogurt and candy of course. I also prepared dry food for Theo and water as well as various holders and leashes since I still can’t understand what would be comfortable and safe for him.
I left my work at 2 pm under heavy rain. I drove through Verrazzano Bridge and couldn’t see the bridge itself. I didn’t want to stop because it would’ve affected my traveling time and I didn’t want to come to Montreal at night. I shouldn’t have listened the GPS and should’ve checked Google maps. But since I was alone in the car I decided to trust the car GPS foolishly though, it would’ve saved me 2 hours if I didn’t.
Next couple hours I didn’t listen the GPS suggestion to make all available exist since it was straight up north drive and those changes were unnecessary in my opinion. On the first stop I got me a cup of hot tea and made the floor bed comfortable for Theo since he decided to sleep on the floor - rain wipers scared him. It was pouring rain all the way to Montreal.
From Albany to Montreal I drove almost alone. Road was picturesque especially when I drove through Lake George area, which was trying to seduce me for a quick scenic view stop. I said to myself – nope I’m here for different reason and drove further away.
Traveling through the border control for the first time I was nervous that I was going to miss it… there was no indication anywhere that I’m near the Canada’s border. Not one sign. I looked at the GPS and driving time to Montreal left about 1 hour. Still no sign?
Suddenly I arrived to the Boarder Control. Like I said nothing prepared me for that, from a distance I thought it’s another toll on the road. I panicked a little, since I realized that all documents are in my bag on the back seats. (btw almost broke my arm because I ungracefully fast took my heavy bag).
I stopped next to the window trying to come up as close as possible but my obviously 🙄 short hands still didn’t let me do it in ladylike manners. Before my half body hang out of window to present my papers, I got up fast from my seat and with the same force bounced back – Yes! My belt was still fasten! Jeez…it was embarrassingly silly of me! Cue the Rolling eyes! Officer smiled and when I answered the question about my visiting purpose – I’m coming to see Cirque Du Soleil show, he probably thought – yeah, with clown-like act like that she will fit right in.
We chatted about Cirque Du Soleil experience in Vegas and other cities, he said that nothing could compare with experience to be under Big Top in Montreal. He warned me: Be prepare to be amazed! He also helped me out by warning about quite dark (not many lights) traveling time but when I will get closer to Montreal in about 45 minutes, it’s going to be lighter.
As soon as I crossed the border my phone stopped working, I was unexpectedly surprised, well I didn’t fully realized that I’m going to be in another country (go figure!) and car GPS looked like it has a headache. Good for me I learned all my possible walk through Montreal on Google map (very helpful btw), and didn’t panic even when I was needed to take detour since all bridges of Montreal was under construction. And also let me remind you that all signs were written in French! I drove a little around thinking that I’m going in right direction, again without panic and eventually arrived in front of Hôtels Gouverneur Montréal, and said to myself suddenly in French: Arrive! Yeah, I know, I was surprised just as you are, how could I remember anything from my short French learning experience? Checked in, then get all my bags and Theo from the car, opened room on 23th Floor, then go back and parked my car in underground garage, a little lost until I return back to my room and to happy Theo. Does anyone know why dogs love hotels so much?
I jumped on the bed – looked around and couldn’t believe myself that I’m here in Montreal! I did it!
Should I explain my invigorating sense of accomplishment aka Amour Pro-Pre (I’m in French Canada, ok?!) and why my self-esteem grew tremendously that night? Well, I’ll explain only if you beg. Just kidding! No need to beg…First, I drove 7 hours straight alone, without stop for the first time, second – I crossed the Canada border by lonesome! and came to Montreal! without GPS found Hotel! then I parked in underground garage for first time in my life too!
I played with Theo in bed and then face timed my Mama. She was worried but also excited for my adventure.
Helpful Information:
* Regulaton for crossing border with dog
** Tour agency
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