Montreal is known for hosting some of the best festivals in North America namely the Festival Just for laughs, the Francofolies celebrating French culture and the world renown Jazz Festival. Each year thousands upon thousands flock to Montreal to attend these festivals which have become real cultural attractions over the years.
The Fashion and Design Festival is celebrating it's 10th year anniversary. With up to half a million visitors each year, the 4 day event is something to look forward to. We are in luck this year since the fashion event just happened to coincide with our last minute escapade. In fact the festival taking place on McGill College Avenue, one of Montreal's hippest blocs, will be going on from August 3 - 6. Seventy-five fashion labels are on the menu including Denis Gagnon, Helmer, Barila and Jean-Paul Gaultier.
Speaking of menu here's something for you to munch: Montreal culinary scene is to die for! More on that next week!
Spend the day with me by joining our Twitter @FashionWACNY
Bisous,
Kelie XoxO
P.S.: French Word of the day: Bisous = Kisses
We made it to Montreal safe and sound.
Now what?
One of the things I look forward to the most when visiting Montreal in the summer is the weather. After 2 months of scorching New York double H - heat and humidity, the cool dry Montreal air is a real treat for me and my hair! Like Eva Mendes I am addicted to my blow dryer and flat iron but I won't need to overuse them here. I can already hear my hair letting out a sigh of relief!
Before we hit the town, I wanted to touch base and share an important piece of information with you! "Parlez-vous francais?" which means "Do you speak french?" is a question you will hear a lot if you venture out in Montreal with an "english chip" on your shoulder. Don't get me wrong most Montrealers do speak english especially in touristic areas like Downtown and The Old Port of Montreal. Since Montreal has 2 official languages: french and english, with a clear incline towards french, most residents will be able to accommodate you by speaking english. But like anyone they will also appreciate it if you make an effort to address them in their native tongue, french.
French Canadians, which is what Quebec residents are called, are extremely nice and welcoming. Saying good morning and smiling is a normal and appreciated courtesy. If you make an effort to connect with the people, you won't regret it.
Off to do some connecting of my own. First stop: Fashion and Design Festival 2011. If you want to spend the day with me via Twitter follow @FashionWACNY.
Au revoir,
Kelie XoxO
P.S.: French word of the day: Bon Matin = Good Morning.
Decided to take an impromptu trip to Montreal today. Where's that?, you might be wondering. Montreal is a beautiful French influenced city north of the United States. It's the capital of Quebec, one of Canada's 10 provinces. Traveling to Montreal is a breeze. It takes less than 2 hours by plane and approximately 7 hours by car.
Due to the last minute nature of this trip, I didn't have much time to pack so I only brought what I could fit in my trusty carry-on luggage: 3 dresses, 3 skirts, my "God Save Haiti" t-shirt, 2 pairs of jeans (boyfriend and skinny), 2 pairs of shorts, a jean jacket, a red cropped blazer, a long black cardigan, 4 pairs of shoes, Converse sneakers, toiletries, and as much makeup and jewelry as I could fit in the front pocket. I know what you must be thinking: that's a lot of stuff! But bear in mind that I am an expert packer now from taking so many last minute trips with only my purse, laptop, carry-on and moi! Like Tim Gun would say: "Make it work!" Personal tip - When traveling I abide by a strict rule: DO NOT bring more than you can hand carry down the stairs yourself! Struggling to carry ones own luggage is not cute!
Flying to Montreal is great but driving is better. I love taking road trips and enjoy the journey as much as the destination. There is something about being out on the open road surrounded by trees that soothe me. So, we took off at 2p.m. with our compass facing north. With 7 hours of idle time ahead of me I think I'll use it to do some reading and reply to emails. Of course I'm not the one driving the car. Texting while driving is so 2003 anyway!
See you in Montreal! Au revoir!
Kelie XoxO
P.S.: French word of the day: Autoroute = Highway.
