Newark Liberty to Montreal Trudeau
As I mentioned earlier, this flight is onboard a CRJ-100 which is a smaller 50 seat regional jet. This is one of Air Canada's "Jazz" branded flight. I guess that is their term for short distance express flights.
Actually, the inside of the jet is pretty nice. It looks like there has been an upgrade since last year. The seats are leather and not too small and the jet is pretty clean. All the announcements are pre-recorded in French and English.
There are only about 15 people onboard and we depart the gate ontime. Unfortunately as we approach the runway the captain announcesd that we are number 22 for take off. Did every jet at Newark decide to depart at 8.30? Dispite our "on-time" departure we actually take off 1 hour later at 9.30am. I don't know how long the actual flying time is but perhaps these types of delays are built into the schedule.
Do these people know that it's a priority for me to have lunch in Montreal?
Speaking of lunch, today I think I will start my first meal at L'Express. After all, this is where I had my first lunch last time I was in Montreal. Tradition. L'Express is a traditional French style bistro serving yummy carbo and fat foods. Like frites, quiche and corque monsieur. I also remember having a good dessert there last year. After lunch I can wander the francophile streets of the "Plateau du Mont Royal" which is the district L'Express is located. It is likely that I may also be back tonight for dinner at Au Pied de Couchon famous for it's pork and hearty dishes.
OK, this Air Canada Jazz flight has turned into "Air Canada Ice". I am sitting by the window exit and it's cold! I am wearing shorts and a tee which is something I rarely do when traveling. Oddly enough I looked at the inflight menu and they offer a pillow and blanket for $2. I guess free amenities are a thing of the past!
Knowing how cheap I am I would rather freeze and have icicles hanging from my nose before I pay $2 for a blanket. Can I at least keep it?
The inflight snack is a beverage and a twin pack of Oreo cookies. I am having coffee to wake up. Oreo cookies? That's not very Canadian!
The flight attendants are very friendly. Lots of lipstick and smiles. I am surprised that there are 3 attendants servicing the plane. That seems like a lot for a small jet.
It's formality time. Canadians have paper work too! Time to fill out the customs form. I declare nothing. OK, do I need to declare my small package of Pepperidge Farm cookies?
Did I ever tell you about the time I was almost deported from Canada? I went there to Toronto to do some freelance work and when I arrive I told them why I was visiting. Big mistake. "Sir you cannot come and work in Canada. Are you suggesting that your trade is so unique that no Canadian can do this?" Oooops I was almost an illegal alien. I guess I never though this because I am white. We usually think of illegals being people who have snuck across the border from Mexico or the South American states.
We are just minutes from landing at Montreal. It looks like we will be only a half hour late. Now all I have to do is figure out how to get into the city from the airport. I know there is a shuttle for about CDN$22 round trip.
Welcome to "i heart montreal".
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