« My Life | OK, back to home | Language Lessons »

Saturday, June 28, 2008

Hello from Montreal!

On Thursday Adam and I flew into Toronto, where Adrian and Justin were waiting in their Dodge Caravan to pick us up after their long drive from Minneapolis. We headed from there to Jose’s apartment, and the next day (after a fun time at Madonnarama — all Madonna all night!), the five of us hit the road for Montreal.

It’s been two years since my last visit to Canada. The last time I was dating Greg, Jose was single, and we were here for a quick weekend softball tournament. Now I’m single and Jose has a boyfriend, Matan. Unfortunately, Matan is smart, sweet and good to Jose — so I can only be happy for them, rather than burn with righteous jealousy, which would have been fun.

We’re quickly learning that it takes a long, long time for five gay men to get ready to leave for the day. There are showers and shaves and outfit selections — and two hours later we’re finally ready to go.

This afternoon we walked a few miles to Saint Joseph’s Oratory, high on a hill overlooking Montreal. From the base of the hill, some people crawl on their knees all the way up the steps to the church, praying all the way. Today several people were taking that long, painful route, making me wonder what they thought of on that long journey.

As a lapsed Protestant, I had never seen something like Saint Joseph’s votive chapel, with hundreds of candles kept burning by pilgrims who come to pray. It was surprisingly moving, each candle representing the wishes of one person, an intercession for someone living or dead, a thought for someone they missed or wished well.

Tonight, we dine. Monday, we head six hours northeast of here for two days of camping among the mountains and fjords.

Posted by Aaron on June 28, 2008 5:45 PM