Howdy!
I left Barrie a few days ago and began to make my way to Montreal. Instead of taking the highways, I acted as any good traveler would and I took the back-roads. With the music turned up high and the windows rolled down, my thoughts flowed as naturally as the landscape around me. If I haven't told you already I will tell you again: I live for those moments.
Inspiration, awe, and splendor exist all around us. A traveler with a fresh eye to old land can invoke such things with little ease.
As I was driving I came across a small city on the seven called Perch. I was immediately captivated by the place. So I parked my car and went for a stroll. It didn't take long before I hit the main park. This park was magnificent! It was one of those places where people automatically think "This is heaven on earth!" I walked about and took a few pictures, then walked around the town to see the historical buildings. The park was donated by a family who used to run the local distillery.
I walked into a fancy looking bar and sat down, ordered a glass of wine, and began sipping. They had some very gorgeous wine. The bartender took a liking to me enough to share a story about Chilean Carmenere wine.
Not long after I sat down two gentleman strode in. I had the feeling that they were going to ask me to hang out with them. This was ok because I actually wanted it to happen. Sure enough, they did. I took my wine glass out on the back patio and joined four people drinking pitchers of beer. They talked mostly politics. Everyone is amazed when they find out that I am from Flint and have never seen a Michael Moore film. One of the guys offered me his couch to sleep on for the night so I didn't have to think about where I was going to sleep for the night.
I woke up early in the morning, showered, said my good-byes, and headed for Montreal.
I arrived around 6 or 7 pm and found the apartment I am currently staying in. It is in the Southwest portion in a small district called St.-Henri and inhabited by two very friendly people that I met randomly in Ottawa. They are traveling all throughout the states right now. Last I read they were in Wyoming.
The first night of sleep had an interesting occurrence. As soon as I laid my head down to sleep a spirit came to the door. I had earlier noticed that the feeling quality of the apartment was out of sorts...so this just confirmed what I was feeling. I asked for permission to do some shamanic work in exchange for letting me stay. They agreed and, with curiosity, asked what a malevolent spirit can do. I listed off some of the things that I thought was relevant. I believe I could see their jaws drop through email! The things that I wrote down were indeed happening to them and had been since day one.
Whether you think spirits exist or not, they exist. This is important to understand because they can influence your life in very, very negative ways and you will have absolutely no idea why you are doing what you are doing nor is it likely that you will be able to stop. Keep in mind that we are only talking about one type of spirit: Malevolent ones. I will be excited to see the changes that come about in their lives as a result of this work.
These lovely folk were also kind enough to introduce me to a friend of theirs. She invited me over for a nice vegetarian cooked meal, conversation, and a walk through one of Montreal's most beautiful parks. I could tell right away that she was a humanitarian. She also told me that she works in the realms of politics. So I was able to ask her a few questions. Not being versed at all in the world of economy or politics...I couldn't ask much.
Within walking distance is the train station to get around the city, a nice canal to walk along, and one of the most beautiful markets I have come across in my days on this earth. Not so much with the aesthetics...but the food! I believe it is the closest thing I have come to that is French. I droolingly looked at all the delicious breads, meats, and deserts for awhile before deciding what I wanted. Finally, I settled on some delicious olive bread and a blueberry almond tart and spent some time watching people. I went there the following day and bought a couple fresh sausages to cook.
So I have talked a little bit here and there (mostly on facebook) about whether I will be moving on to Maine afterwards or if I will head North and visit New Brunswick, Prince Edward Islands, and Nova Scotia before I head to ME. I made my decision.
I am staying in Canada for a little while longer! Partly because I want to make my way to Nova Scotia. I wanted to travel out that way from the get go but decided not to. I should've listened a little better eh? One of the things I want to do is visit Gampo Abbey in Pleasant Bay. It is a Buddhist monastic community in the Shambhala tradition. Should they allow me to visit, I am going to try and get in on living the monastic life for a day or two in their tradition. The contrast between that and the Soto tradition will probably prove to be quite valuable.
I have been waiting for quite awhile to introduce one of the bigger changes on my trip...but here it goes:
I have a travel partner! For at least a few weeks. Her name is Amber. I won't write too much about Amber yet. She has an aptitude for this work and she hasn't had much of an opportunity to work with someone.
Yesterday I had my last Canadian ceremony. The ceremony took place at Equilibrium yoga. This is a very beautiful space with three separate rooms, a kitchen, a long hallway, private rooms for practice, among other things.
Today, amber and I ran across the Chihuly exhibit at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. We had a splendid time looking at all of the beautiful blown glass. If you have never heard of him, I recommend looking up his artwork online. If you get the chance to see his art, do it.
Tomorrow we will wake up early and make our way to Old Montreal for a few hours. I'm not sure what we will do, but we have to at least try and visit Notre Dame. This is a city where I will be taking pictures. : )
After that we will be heading through Quebec city and onto New Brunswick. There is a small city outside of Quebec city that I would like to visit if I am able to. This city is known for woodcarving. Generations upon generations of woodcarvers and their beautiful craftsmanship.
So I am going to rest for the night and get ready for our big adventure that awaits us.
Cheers,
Justin
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