My flight home to Dulles leaves at 1:20 pm, so I don't have a lot of time to devote to sightseeing this morning, but I do have time to wander a bit. Madame de Chevigny has already alerted me yesterday that she is taking the day off (j'suis complètement débordée et je vais me reposer pour deux jours). I find this anthropologically fascinating - when in France I am always confronted with workmen and hoteliers and whomever who are "complètement débordé." It's like a national disease, to be totally overwhelmed. Obviously, this inability to deal with work overload has genetically passed to Montréalers of French descent. You'd think the North American work ethic would supersede the "débordé" instinct in the 21st century, but apparently not.
I am at the breakfast room at 9 a.m. and enjoy a crèpe with bananas and maple syrup in addition to all the usual things, including Montreal bagels, which are crispier than the ones we are used to.

I walk around and take pictures of Montreal architecture, which fascinates me, for about an hour, then head to the Parc La Fontaine and sit and watch the fountain for a half hour before returning to the B&B at noon. The taxi comes, it begins to rain, and I am off to the airport. It seems prophetic that it rained only on my way into Montréal and my way out of it.

I will be dreaming of those breakfasts you had each morning
I am so glad that you enjoyed your trip so much. You got sooo much out of it, the places you went, the things you saw! (sorry Dr S~)
Next time we go to Montreal, I am definitely bringing your reports with us to use as guides.
And Welcome Home~

I find your comments about inability to deal with workload of French-descended Montrealers misplaced. Rather there is an emphasis in this society on working to live, not living to work. (Some do work very long hours mind you, so one shouldn't generalize.) A question of one's priorities one might say. Indeed, I'm prone to say, good for Mme. de Chevigny taking the day off. It seems she works hard to make a nice auberge and deserves the time off. If she can afford to, why not? Personally, I find the "North American work ethic" as you call it has turned into a disease of workaholism for some, and I think families, individual mental and physical health and the cohesiveness of society suffer as a result. In my opinion, I find the Montreal work ethic far more balanced...but to each their own.

I'm glad you enjoyed the architecture; it seems you really got to see a lot.

Daniel: I agree with you. I only noted the use of the word "débordée" as an example. As a type-A American workaholic, I appreciate any person's attempt to take some time off. I was simply trying to show that the French work ethic, which is MUCH different from the US work ethic, was at work here.

Thanks again for an insightful, thoroughly enjoyable trip report. I look forward to these more than anything on this site and yours was one of the best reads; I try to do the same after one of my trips.