Last minute things gathered up at our place, then up and off to the airport to hurry up and wait. hopped aboard a pond skipper and headed for Cleveland. Arrived there and did some more waiting. Checked passports, and made the cramped trip to Montreal. My seat was near an exit row, and wouldn't recline. Ugh. In Montreal to grab a $35 taxi ride to our hotel. Econolodge check in no issues.

Right in downtown, and a block away from St (that's Saint, not Street) Laurent. We headed down St Laurent, which was a street that was closed with dozens of restaurants, shops, etc. all spilling out their goods onto the streets. Lots of people, all makes and models. Did some walking and found a pizza place. Paper thin crush pepperoni pizza, perhaps better on the very hungry mode than one would think. Walked some more then made way to the underground subway and purchased passes good for 3 days. Figured out the color system, which line to take, and headed to the race track.

Arrived right during the start of the Ferrari 430 Challenge. Great sounding cars, and made our way to our bleachers seats. Prime seats on the outside of the Casino Hairpin right at the apex. Watched the 430s then the 997 Cup cars. Sound great too, with one taking too much rear brake at the hairpin, and sliding in the grass, and hitting another Cup car. Swack, and broken parts, and oil and coolant. Finished the Cup car spectacle, and made way up to some of the tents, gazebos and party atmosphere around the circuit. We headed back to the subway, then two stops onboard, a change over, and walk two blocks back to the hotel. Laid down for about 45 minutes to get a pit stop, then went to a "burger" place. Eh, it was alright, burgers are an American thing. Did some more walking, found basically a 7-11, and got some weekend snacks to finally return home for relaxation.

We walked over 16,000 steps just one day one of this vacation. Montreal is very French, and lots of signs, and French speaking people. Should be a primer for the weekend coming up in Lemans.

Saturday brings lots of pictures, and enjoying qualifying, and maybe some more of what the city can offer.

Day one down, 30 to go.