After one last dinner with my bestie and triple checking my bag (kidding, just barely managed to fit everything in!) and I am off! I hugged my dad at the train station and eventually climbed aboard one of VIA’s newest trains and cozied up for the ride. When the car lurched forward, that’s when I knew this was real. I put on one of my favourite songs, and smiled to myself with the excitement and relief that had been slowly brewing during my last few long and stressful weeks.
I started the Fellowship of the Ring, watched the scenery and texted friends before rolling into Montreal. I got a little lost and had a nice walk in the snowstorm before coming back inside to catch the new REM train across the St.Lawrence, and I got to catch up with Allan and Teo at their home.
Montreal didn’t pull any punches though, and the next morning was filled with snow removal from the driveway. We tag teamed the pile at the end of the driveway and even tackled a large tree branch that snapped and nearly fell onto one of the cars. And then, we hoisted the tarp onto a temporary garage that is really popular in the area, a “Tempo”. Fingers froze while grabbing the damp tarp and typing knots, but it was one last reminder that I am so excited to be leaving Canada for the winter!! My last day in this timezone ended with a lot of Letterkenny and Shoresy, a pack of Krispy Kreme donuts, and a homemade pasta dinner with my hosts.
