Walking in Old Montreal

One perk of going to concerts is they take place in different parts of the city. Last night's concert was in Old Montreal. We strolled through the streets (in this weird winter of ours, I was wearing shoes not boots - unheard of in February). As we walked up from the metro station we approached Notre-Dame church, one of the older churches in Montreal.



The cobblestone streets add atmosphere as does the way the buildings are lit. Despite warm for February temperatures, there are far fewer people on the streets than in the summer months. It is nice to walk without the constant jostling of tourists.



Place Jacques Cartier had fire pits set up. The logs crackled and the warmth was cheerful. Down in the old port there is an outdoor music festival (not my kind of music). I am sure the participants welcome the warmth of these stations after spending time outdoors.



After the concert, which was lovely, by Pallade Musica we walked past City Hall on our way back to the metro. It is lit up almost to excess. Tomorrow's concert takes me to another part of the city.

Who Thought of This Lighting

I love to walk through Old Montreal, with many buildings from the 19th century. Many are carefully lit at night to show off the architecture. This one feels like a horror house, with its red lighting. Instead of enhancing, it detracts.



I much prefer the the way this building is lit. One has a sense of its elegance.

Sun Drenched Building

Sun Drenched Building, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Sometimes it's nice to walk in one's own city with the eyes of a tourist. One notices things that normally are just passed by. I have often walked up the street near this building as it leads from the metro to the church where I often attend concerts. This time I decided to deviate slightly and was treated to the gold of the sun accentuating the architectural details on this building. It houses offices of our municipal government (hence the flag of Montreal flying on top).




Later, walking form the concert, we passed our city hall, lit not by the sun, but by strategically placed lighting. It too, accentuated architectural details. If only, the politics inside, were as enlightened as the outside!

Side View of Customs Building

Side View of Customs Building, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

Always nice to see a building lit at night to highlight its architectural features. This is the former Customs House in Montreal. It was built between 1912 and 1916.

Night Lighting

Night Lighting, a photo by susanvg on Flickr.

I love it when care is taken to light up the architectural details on a building. This used to be a fire station. It was converted into a library / community centre. The recorder orchestra I play in rehearses there.

Recently it was in the news as the borough was looking at cutting the adult division of the library to save money. It got a last minute reprieve, but citizens of the area are working to ensure it stays open.