Jerry's Second Visit to Maine

The best part of our recent trip was going to Maine for a couple of days.  We didn't have a lot of time, but it was nice.  The first day was rainy so we went to Freeport for some outlet shopping.  Jerry doesn't understand what is so wonderful about L.L. Bean, but he still allowed me to take photos of him there.

Perhaps, he isn't impressed by L.L. Bean because the prices shock him.

On our second day, we went to the Portland Headlight.  It was a gorgeous day and the perfect temperature to visit the coast.

We also went to Spring Light to walk the breakwater.  I feel like I have done this dozens of times, but it doesn't get old.

Like Keukenhof, But Free

We managed to visit Ottawa at the perfect time of year. The tulips were in full bloom. Every year Ottawa has a tulip festival to commemorate their connection with the Netherlands. Canadian forces saved the Dutch people from the Hunger Winter (1944-1945).  The Canadians also protected Princess Juliana after the German occupation.  As a token of gratitude, the Dutch gave Canada 100,000 tulip bulbs, and every year they give them 10,000 more.  There is even a variety called the Canadian Liberator.

Thus, in early May, the flowers bloom and people flock to see them.  It really was gorgeous.  But then again I am partial to these spring flowers.

I like the specks on this one.

They had many varieties that you don't typically see.

This even had a different shape.

Did I mention that tulips are my favorite flower?

Montreal

Jerry and I took our second trip to Montreal since we have been married.  To describe the purpose of this visit would be rather boring, but suffice it to say that it in no way resembled any recent romantic comedies.  Our trip to the east was about a week long.  We spent the first day and last day and a half in the city.  Mostly, we ate and slept.  The food was good.

We both really like french onion soup and had it more than once.

In seventh grade French class, I learned the word croque-monsieur, and I finally ate one.  Yes, it is simply an open faced ham and cheese sandwich.

Jerry chose crepes with goat sausage.  Slightly more exotic and delicious.

On our last day we had some more time to do the touristy stuff.  First we went to Mount Royal, the highest point in Montreal.  It's not that high and was more of a stroll than even a walk, but gave us a nice view of the city.

Before heading to the airport, we went to the Oratorio, a huge church with hundreds of steps leading to the Basilica.

Devout members from any Christian denomination come here to pray, but what is truly impressive is that at each step they kneel and pray as they climb the stairs.  At this time of year, there are not too many, but we witnessed both young and old climbing the steps on their knees to show their devotion to God.