Chapter the sixth

The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.

– H Keller

The day could not have been more welcoming. It snowed overnight, but the sun was high in the sky. They found parking and headed for the toboggan run. It was definitely on the agenda for them to do. As it turned out, the price was still the 4$ Canadian money, as they had seen on an Instagram post, despite the fact, one did have to drag the toboggan up the hill—steps to the run. As much fun as the toboggan run had been, they declined another run. It was quite cold standing in line waiting to get to the top.

They found Heni’s booth and got their salts. An unexpected surprise right next to her booth was a man selling little houses reminiscent of Austrian and Vienna houses. One could either burn an incense in which the smoke rose up through from the tiny chimney or purchase a light. The guys got a few of those for family gifts.

On the other side of Heni’s booth was a lady selling yarn. And he was immediately brought back to the Lil Weasel. An incredible yarn store they found in Paris. Unlike that shopping spree, he had to put the brakes on of buying any yarn. The gals at stitch group had been giving him yarn every week for the last few months.

They said their good-buys and packed up their treasures to hit the Dollar store before heading back to Montreal. It was a six and half hour drive from Quebec City to Boston, and four hours from Montreal. They decided to break up the ride by driving to Montreal staying a night and then driving to Quebec City spending a night there to catch the Christmas markets. And then driving back to Montreal to stay at the same hotel that they had stayed when they first entered Montreal.

The Dollar Tree had been an unexpected surprise. “I am overwhelmed by all the Christmas stuff they still have right now”, said Remus. “The stores at home are bare of Christmas items by now.”

“God, you are so resplendent and radiant! Your majesty shines from your everlasting mountain. Nothing could be compared to you in glory!” Psalm 76:4 Haimige said, as he grabbed a carriage and began to race down the aisles. “So I guess that means every man for himself, uh”, giggled Remus.

The hotel had put them on the fifth floor instead of the second for this night stay. They didn’t think much about it until they opened the door to the room and oh what a shock they endured. As their eyes glazed over the room, they were immediately propelled back to the 70s. A 70s basement that never got a remodel. “Should we say something?”, inquired Remus. “I’m starving, let’s just get some dinner”, muttered Haimige.

The Hotel Faubourg Montreal is located in heart of the Chinese district of Montreal. After driving around the block a few times near the hotel, they spotted a Mexican restaurant, La Toxica , on St- Hubert. They had the best frozen margaritas and food.