Towards Downtown

Towards Downtown, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I sometimes have meetings in a building on Fullum Street in Montreal. Inside it is typically bureaucratic, with little cubicles and many people. Those who are lucky enough to be by a window have magnificent view. This was taken through the windows in the cafeteria.

A little further to the right of this photograph is "the mountain" - actually not much more than a hill at 233 m (764 ft). The city has a bylaw restricting the height of buildings so that Mount Royal remains higher thus preserving the wonderful view from the summit. So while Montreal has buildings, some of which top 40 stories, it does not have the skyscrapers that tower over some cities.

Apr 19/10: The curtain is closing

Apr 19/10: The curtain is closing, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The leaves are filling in, hiding the long view to the river. I can still see through the dappled veil, but not for much longer. Spring is really here.

Day 308: Through the Window

Day 308: Through the Window, originally uploaded by susanvg.

The early morning sun washed out the view a bit. The leaves, once green, then orange have faded. Only the oak hangs on to its bronze leaves, determined to be the last to reveal its naked limbs.

It's wonderful to have an office with a view to watch the changing seasons, to see the squirrels cavorting in the trees, to see the light change as the day goes by.

Day 155: Up and Away

Day 155|: Up and Away, originally uploaded by susanvg.

Yet another trip to Toronto - this one planned. I flew on Porter Airlines, a small regional carrier that gives wonderful service. As I sat back in the leather seats, I was served a complimentary glass of wine in an actual glass. The planes are all turboprop, so they don't fly as high as the jets, which means, the view on a cloudless day is quite lovely. Shortly after takeoff, I took this picture looking down on the north-west part of Montreal Island.

As it happened my seatmate was also in education so the wine (and sandwich) was accompanied by good conversation. Flying in to Toronto I caught this shot.

Day 82: Another Perspective

Day 82: Another Perspective, originally uploaded by susanvg.

I flew from Toronto back to Montreal today on Porter airlines - in one of its turboprop planes. The sky was perfectly clear and the view to the ground was only obstructed by parts of the wing and propeller. The snow is receding quickly as the sun's rays get stronger. The ice on parts of the rivers and lakes is breaking up. This was taken close to Montreal. Looking down, you can see the patterns of city life - straight streets and houses lined up like soldiers. The river has a more organic shape, widening and narrowing along its path.

Views like this change your perspective and remind you to stand back and look at the bigger picture. So often we are involved in the little details of life, get bogged down in the daily trivialities and forget to focus on the big things that really count.