It’s hard to believe, but three years ago my friends and I packed up my car and rolled off to Montréal for Spring Break.
This year, like so many things, Spring Break, our coveted pause in the semester, looks rather different. At American University, we had Wellness Week instead, which essentially amounted to a week no different from any other. I’m penning this for the next generation of students, those who will hopefully get to experience a somewhat normal university experience, particularly one that involves getting drunk with your friends in a new location!
To be honest, I am not quite sure what the draw was for Montréal, especially as a springtime destination. I suppose we had all come to the agreement that a beach and hordes of other college students wasn’t necessarily a requirement for an exciting adventure, and we certainly were not disappointed!
I won’t spin you a false narrative: Montréal in March is… cold.
Nonetheless, I think the cultural and economical offerings of Montréal make for a worthwhile trip. We were constantly wondering how on earth could this magical place exist on this side of the Atlantic? As a group of four of us, we were able to split costs, but even in my second, later trip to the city I was still pleased with how much bang you get for your buck in such a worldly place. With French flowing in the air, and the cobblestone streets of Old Montréal, we were constantly pinching ourselves. Whether it was architecture or museums, like the city’s Museum of Fine Arts (which is free for university students if I remember correctly), we were completely surrounded by awe-inspiring views (full disclosure, I think the edibles might have played a hand in that but it’s legal there!! lol).
We stayed in an Airbnb located in an area called Sainte-Marie. Something you’ll notice early on about Montreal, is that it is incredibly easy to get around with buses and trains taking you anywhere across the city. Though we did drive up, a lengthy two day journey from DC, I had no intentions of carting anyone around during our trip. I only drove once to the grocery store, and I’m thankful I did because it meant my car evaded the inevitable towing that would have taken place for snow removal.
As someone who didn’t grow up around snow, it was definitely a shock to the senses to suddenly see inches and inches of it! Needless to say, I had no idea that I would need to stay abreast of the kind of maintenance required for snow living (stairs can be a problem!). Still, there was something refreshing about a true wintertime, though I’m sure those living in colder places than I are probably cursing me for my blissful ignorance.
Pre-COVID of course, Montréal was bustling with delicious restaurants and exciting bars. One of my fondest memories was riding a mechanical bull at Fabuleux Chez Serge. Another funny moment was accidentally sneaking into the Notre-Dame Basilica, which was absolutely stunning (check out the pic in the gallery below)!
Of course a trip to Montréal would be incomplete without poutine! Sadly, it was only after visiting that I came across Gibeau Orange Julep, which seems like the coolest place ever. My advice, regardless of wherever you decide to try poutine, is to definitely go with an empty stomach, as I don’t think I’ve ever felt so stuffed. Needless to say, the cheesy, gravy goodness that is poutine is a must-try.
We wound up being in town for St. Patrick’s Day, which I had never really celebrated before. From a fun brunch to a fun, themed club party, the city really stepped up to plate in regards to festivities. It was honestly so fun to deck ourselves out in green everything, and get into the party spirit! Coincidentally, our partying led us to Putin Poutine, arguably the most important image I have ever captured.
Reflecting on how time flies in college, and looking back on memories that seem both near and far, I wouldn’t trade any of it. In the coming years, after experiencing this pandemic, saying yes will take on a whole new life. I am proud of myself and my friends for having already cultivated an appreciation for leaning into adventure. There was never a plan, but little guiding ideas along the way, and it truly took us so far!
As college students we only have so many Spring Breaks, which I know is such an odd measurement of time and experience. Still, having lost a couple of them to this pandemic, in the future I hope students appreciate the time they have with their friends away from campus, where true connections can often be forged. Furthermore, try to think outside of the box when it comes to your destination, as you might be surprised in the ways life rewards you!
