Montreal Day 85

Well we have made it over the Atlantic and are now cosily holed up in a fantastic apartment hotel (our rooms are huge and spacious) recovering from our jet lag. Zac, as usual, has not suffered in this department and easily stays awake until the appropriate bed time, sleeps blissfully all night and wakes ready to go the next day.

Maxi on the other hand is a stickler for his routine and so wakes up at 3.30 or 4am and cheerfully demands breakfast. He is later wheeled regally around in his buggy sleeping off the early start, while we take in the sights and try hard to be kind to each other as we are soooo tired! Not really complaining though because we are only here a few days as we leave on Saturday (and we only arrived on Monday).

Montreal would be lovely if it was open but much of it is closed apparently because summer is over. Mind you the weather is fairly good and it has yet to rain. We have done some fun things including a horse and carriage ride and a trip to Fairyland a costume shop opened in 1846 and three floors jam packed with dress up 'stuff'.

Zac was in heaven and looked at everything in minute detail. He is now saving his money and begging to do chores for us to earn more so he can buy himself an outfit ( a superhero one no doubt).

A Biodome trip found us amongst tropical rainforests with monkeys and butterflies, in the artic with penguins and under the sea with sharks and sting rays. Zac used an audio guide which gave Martin and I a much needed moment of peace and quiet and you never know he might even have learned something! Yesterday we visited the insectarium - which I am sure will give me creepy crawly nightmares for ages - scarab beetles, millions of moths, huge stick insects and flourescent scorpions had both boys entranced. Afterwards we went to the Montreal botanical gardens - not usually something to write about but they were truely exceptional. Vast, well stocked and fabulously looked after. Truely lovely. We walked for miles and miles in the sun - a perfect day.

It is our last day today and we are in our hotel doing our morning routine of homework with Zac, colouring and zoo animal play for Max, Martin on the computer and me presiding and keeping the peace. Off to Old Montreal to an Archeology Museum. Love to everyone. xxx