It had been my dream to see the world beyond Europe. This dream was fulfilled by my trip to Canada in end May 2018. This overseas trip was made, as far as my memory goes, in shortest time. Around 21st May, I was browsing some sites for package trip to overseas countries. I stumbled upon Thomas Cook site which was offering 5 Nights 6 days package to East Coast of Canada. I and my wife Meenu already had Canada visa available with us which was expiring on 15th June 2018. I thought of availing this opportunity. However, I was told that the group package departure date is 29th May and only 1 seat is left and thereafter the group departure date is in July. I was a little disappointed to know this and dropped the plan and got busy in my professional work. However, around 24th May, Thomas Cook people got in touch with me and told that now 2 seats are available for the 29th May group departure for said trip. Though time left was very short to complete formalities like making payment etc., we decided to take this trip. So, in a day I made the complete payment to Thomas Cook and they got down to making air / hotel bookings for me. Panic set in as the D day had arrived but the tour operator had still not forwarded the air tickets, hotel accommodation vouchers etc to me. On 27th May, I had to leave for Chandigarh for a case. After attending case there on 28th May, I returned to Delhi by about 7 pm on 28th May Monday. Fortunately, around 6 pm, the Thomas Cook people finally managed to email me the air tickets, hotel accommodation vouchers and other details of the trip to me, which gave me a huge relief .............
28.5.2018 Monday – 29.5.2018 Tuesday (Delhi to Frankfurt)
After packing our bags, me and Meenu started from our home in an Uber cab at 11 pm (who charged 310/-). The traffic today was quite smooth. At 11.30 pm, we reached Indira Gandhi International Airport Terminal T3. The Lufthansa counter was in the end. Our flight number was LH761 operated by Lufthansa Airline from New Delhi for Frankfurt and was to depart at 02.45 am of 29th May. From Frankfurt, we were to take connecting flight of Lufthansa to Toronto.
We got issued Boarding Passes of this flight as well as connecting flight (I was carrying photocopies of Boarding passes already printed at home by Rishab with seats already selected online by us). We cleared the immigration in 30 minutes ! The immigration counters did not have long lines, thanks to the noticeable fast speed of immigration officers.
By 12.10 am, we cleared the Security and entered duty free shops area. As it was a very long flight and Meenu has problem with the neck during sleeping while sitting aboard, we bought Neck support pillow (1500/-) from one of these shops.
We then rested for about 2 hrs on chairs near Gate 17, waiting for our flight. Eventually, the Boarding was announced. The entry to the aircraft was from 3 different aerobridges. It turned out that our aircraft was Airbus A380-800 with 3x4x3 arrangement of seats. It was a huge Double decker plane. The flying time from Delhi to Frankfurt was 8 hours 20 minutes.
The Flight finally took off at 0300 hrs of 29th May (Delhi time).
My next seat passenger was one Mr. Vikram Singh Rathore involved in Heritage conservation of environment. He has done Phd in Environment from US and is going to Houston USA to deliver lecture at invitation of some American organisation. He lives in Jodhpur and is Dy director of Mehramgarh fort. He has travelled several times to US and Canada.
One hour into flight, we were served snacks : tasty paneer wrap ( in Indian veg meal) and beverages. I took apple juice.
I tried to sleep but could not sleep properly. The neck pillow came very handy for Meenu and she had a sound sleep.
After about 5 hrs into flight and after some sleep, many logged into the aeroplane's infotainment system watching movies or other programmes.
Two hours before arrival at Frankfurt, we were served breakfast which in Hindu veg meal comprised 2 idli sambhar (quite tasty) and upma, bun with butter and jam, fruit cup, mango flavored yogurt and beverages. It was quite a treat !
29.05.2018 Tuesday (Day 1) (Frankfurt to Canada)
At 7.24 am local Frankfurt time (10.54 am Delhi time), our flight landed at Frankfurt airport. Frankfurt is 3 ½ hours behind India. Flying time from Delhi to Frankfurt was 8H 20 min.
We came out of the aircraft (via aerodrome) to be welcomed by a girl employee of airport carrying IPad and giving information to everyone who wanted to know their Gate no. for taking connecting flights. Our Boarding pass for our connecting flight (from Frankfurt to Toronto) showed Gate No.B22 but she informed me that there is a slight change and that now Lufthansa flight for Toronto would depart from Gate No. B23.
We followed the signboards dangling from the roof within the airport complex to go to Gate no.B23. The short journey to B23 comprised walking on traveletors and even taking a short metro train ride of about 3-4 min. Thereafter, we reached security area where everything from the pockets was removed and kept in tray (surprisingly the girl attendant there told that I need not take out my high ankle trekking shoes !). Then we were made to stand under an X-ray machine with our hands raised in a particular pose and then we were frisked. Noticeably, the Boarding pass or passport were not checked during Security clearance.
Clearing Security area took us to Duty free shops area. Gate B23 was downstairs. We sat a little away from the Gate at a resting place from where we could see planes taxing. I freshen up in neat washroom. Gentleman/Herren is written outside men toilets.
We munched some snacks from our handbag. We slept for a while on the chairs, waiting for our next flight which was at 2.05 pm (Frankfurt time) (layover at Frankfurt airport was about 6 ½ hours !).
At 12.30 pm local time, we moved and sat near our Gate B23. Now passengers of this flight started gathering here. It became a bustling place from a very quiet place just a few hours ago !
Our flight number was LH0470 operated by Lufthansa Airline from Frankfurt to Toronto and was to depart at 14.05 pm of 29th May. At 13.30 pm, boarding started. We got our passport and boarding pass checked and entered the aircraft at 14.00 pm. The flight was a little delayed. It was Boeing 747-400 aeroplane with seats arranged as 2x4x2. The flying time from Frankfurt to Toronto was informed to be 8 Hours 25 min. Toronto is 9 ½ hours behind Delhi and 6 hours behind Frankfurt.
The Flight finally took off at 15.00 pm of 29th May (Frankfurt time).
We were served drinks by the cabin crew. Wine, vodka coke, sprite, apple juice, orange juice, tomoto juice !
After 2 hours, we were served lunch. Indian veg meal comprised rice+dry dal+paneer bhurzi+ raita. Also bun and butter. Kheer in desert. Thereafter, tea and coffee. About 1 ½ hours before arrival at Toronto, we were served sandwich and drinks.
At 4.35 pm local Toronto time (10.35 pm Frankfurt time) (Delhi 2.05 am of 30th May), our flight landed at Toronto airport. Toronto is 9 ½ hours behind Delhi and 6 hours behind Frankfurt.
We followed sign board of "Arrivals' and within a few minutes reached Immigration counters. We got stamped Passport and Declaration Form here which we were provided by airline crew onboard and which we filled in the flight ( the officer at Immigration counter asked purpose of our visit to Canada and as to how much currency I was carrying).
We reached baggage arrival hall. Our flight's luggage was at Belt 13. We picked luggage and came out of the airport ( while coming out of the airport, at the Gate the Officer collected the stamped Declaration Form).
As we exited out of the gate of Toronto airport, we met Mr. Praveen Arora (one of the Tour manager of Thomas Cook) carrying Thomas Cook placard. Other 6 persons of this package group (Mr. & Mrs APB Bharat Rajapalayam of Madurai, Dr. & Mrs. Anoj Kumar Baliarsinha from Cuttack Orissa, Mr. & Mrs. Rasesh Dani of Warangal, all travelling together), who came by same flight, also assembled there. Mr. Praveen Arora arranged 2 taxis for we 8 persons (other members of the Group already arrived and checked in the hotel at Niagra Falls and went for dinner).
At 6.00 pm (Toronto Time), we started from the airport in Taxi. From Toronto airport, it is 120 km to our Hotel in Niagra falls area. Taxi charged 205 Canadian Dollars (1 CAD = INR 53), (bill paid by Thomas Cook). The driver was one Tony, who migrated to Canada from Yamunanagar Haryana about 20 years back. During the journey, he informed us many things about Canada including how there are about 15-17 MLAs and MPs of Indian origin in Canada, difference between MP and MPP (equivalent of MLA in India), leader of opposition is a sardar who may become PM in next polls in 2019 (!), general position of Indians here, etc. He also told that some customer of his brother who runs an auto parts shop here told that he recently purchased 98 acre farm land here in South Canada (with house constructed in centre) for just 1 million CAD (i.e. about Rs.5.50 cr). He also told that Indians live here mainly in Mississaga, Brampton and nearby areas of Toronto in Canadian province of Ontario; the area around Airport is Toronto; Niagra Fall falls in different municipality (?).
At 7.35 pm (local Toronto time), we reached Hotel Hilton Niagra Falls View. On arrival, we met Mr. Swarnjeet Syan ( sardarji) and Mr. Rohit Trasi, other tour managers of Thomas Cook for this trip. He gave us our room key #929. We were given just 20 min to freshen up and come back to lobby, due to tight schedule !
At 8.10 pm, we alongwith other members of this group started from our Hotel in AC Coach (Driver name is Mr. Million and he is from Ethiopia). It was intriguing to find that it was still daytime here at this late hour ! The bus dropped us at Skylon Tower nearby. I noticed that this Tower was just 15 min walking distance from our hotel ! It was also interesting to find that our hotel perhaps was the highest building in the area (after Skylon Tower).
Rohit (Tour manager of Thomas Cook) purchased 46 tickets (we were total 46 members in this Group). We all went up by lift to observation deck at the top (it also has a revolving restaurant just below observation deck floor). From here, it was beautiful breathtaking view of Niagara Falls and the complex / area around. It was a little windy here, so it proved to be good decision to wear wind-sheeter, though the weather was generally normal with temperature, I guess, being around 20-22 degrees celsius.
After enjoying for about 1 hour there, we came down. The photos which were taken of us by Tower staff while entering the lift at start were available for purchase, after manipulating our picture with background of Niagra Falls. We purchased two photos as souvenir (for total CAD 28.25 = US $ 22.82). Now, it became dark.
At about 9.45 pm, we walked from the Tower for Indian Dinner at a nearby restaurant called ‘Cheetal’. I and Meenu then strolled in the area. We walked to Fallsview Casino Resort. Its a big casino. There were at least 200 slot machines (if not more) and must be about 50 Baccarat Tables (card game)(I could spot only one table of Roulette but no one was playing it). Unfortunately, I do not know how to play Baccarat or any card game played in Casino. After spending some time in the Casino, we walked down to our hotel from Casino (which was just across the road from our hotel). We reached our hotel at 11.20 pm, got hotel wifi activated on our mobile and came to our room. It had been a tiring day and soon we fell asleep.
30.05.2018 Wednesday (Day 2)
Niagra Falls à Toronto (CN Tower)
Me and Meenu got up early (surprisingly, with no signs of fatigue and sleepiness !) and got ready and at 6.30 am, we went roaming to explore the hotel and the area around. We first went to the top/33rd floor in South tower of our hotel (we were in North Tower which had only 15 floors). There was a restaurant here. It offered good view of the area around including magnificent Niagra Falls.
I found that there was connectivity of our hotel with Casino Resort across the road via covered glass overbridge at 3rd flr of South Tower of our hotel.
We then came down by lift and walked down to Niagra Falls area. I personally found it like Sukhna lake waterfront area in Chandigarh as one could walk on path along boundary of sea/lake, watching Niagra Falls at the same time at a distance. We clicked some pics here. It was about 7 am in the morning and the weather was very pleasant. We then walked up back to our hotel.
At 8 am, we took breakfast in Grand Cafe at Ground floor of our hotel which for vegetarians like us comprised Fruits, juice, flavoured yogurt, hash brown/potato wafers, toast with butter and jam, corn flakes with hot milk.
At 8.45 am, all group members brought their luggage down.
At 9 am, we all started from the hotel in the Coach. After 5 min drive, we reached Niagra Falls complex. Rohit purchased the tickets. We entered Niagra Falls premises and got down by lift. Premises had neat washrooms (Cruise also has washroom).
All got on board the Hornblower cruise. It can accommodate about 150 persons (others can accommodate even 700 persons). While entering Hornblower cruise, we were provided (free of cost) Red color Poncho (those doing Niagra falls from US side have Blue color poncho !). The Cruise started in the waters with view of Niagra Falls all around.
The area had steamers carrying people wearing blue ponchos and steamers carrying people wearing Blue ponchos.
Niagra Falls is the collective name for three waterfalls that straddle the international border between the Canadian province of Ontario and the American state of New York. These three waterfalls, from largest to smallest, the Horseshoe Falls, the American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls.
-Horseshoe Fall (Biggest)
-American Fall
-Bridal Veil Fall (smallest).
The waterfalls of Niagara Falls are located on the Niagara River which connects two of the five Great Lakes : Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. Collectively the waterfalls are named Niagara Falls. The American Falls and the Bridal Veil Falls in the USA and the Canadian “Horseshoe” Falls in Canada. The Niagara River serves as an international border between the USA & Canada. There are two distinctive cities : Niagara Falls Ontario, Canada and Niagara Falls New York, United States of America (this city is within the Buffalo–Niagara Falls Metropolitan Statistical Area and the Western New York region).
The hornblower cruise ride was a beautiful journey of 20 min. During this journey, we all got wet due to splash of water especially near Horseshoe fall which is the largest and fieriest.
At 11.05 am, we started in bus from Niagra falls after doing Hornblower.
We reached Journey Behind the Falls after 5 min drive. This is another spot for viewing and ‘experiencing’ Niagra Falls. Rohit purchased tickets. We entered premises through ‘Group troup entrance’. Premises had neat washrooms. We were given yellow color poncho. We went down by lift. Then we went in the small tunnel which led us to an open bounded area like a verandah /balcony (tunnel has been constructed under the mountain from over which the water of Niagra Falls is falling). Lo and behold ! we were right there by the side of Horseshoe fall with its water falling majestically. We were told that million of litres per min of water flow out from the Falls at this point. It was a very beautiful and nearest view of Niagra Falls. Occasionally, as wind blew, the mist and water vapours from the Falls were wetting the visitors standing at that place.
One gets peaceful and wonderful vibes here as people of two neighbouring countries (USA and Canada) throng the same place which is their border (people of both ride the hornblowers) alongwith other nationalities and they can freely enter each other's country by simply crossing the bridge. (On crossing the bridge, a person from Canada side reach Niagra area of US which is in the city of Niagara Falls (New York) or city of Buffalo, which is 2nd largest city of the State of New York). We were told that citizens of either country do not need visa to cross over to the other country.
The Rainbow bridge near the Niagra Falls divides Canada and US. It is an arch bridge across the Niagara Rivergorge, and is a world-famous tourist site. It connects the cities of Niagara Falls, New York, United States (to the east), and Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada (west).
12.30 pm. We all boarded Bus again and it started. In 5 min, we reached same restaurant for lunch where we had dinner yesterday i.e. Cheetal. It was Indian lunch. The restaurant is run by a lady from Punjab. Her son is eye doctor here. Her family persons were managing the restaurant. Lunch was delicious, with butter naan in the menu.
1.30 pm Bus started from the restaurant. We are going to Toronto which is abt 60-90 min drive.
2.45 pm We passed by the downtown area of Toronto and Lake Ontario. We got glimpse of CN Tower. Toronto is financial capital of Canada. Downtown Toronto is signified by skyscrapers. We now could see many skyscrapers. We were now in the province of Ontario.
3.05 pm. We got down at CN Tower,Toronto. It is a 553.3 m-high (1,815.3 ft) concrete communications and observation tower located in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It was completed in 1976. Its name "CN" originally referred to Canadian National, the railway company that built the tower. The CN Tower held the record for the world's tallest free-standing structure for 32 years until 2007 and was the world's tallest tower until 2009 being overtaken by Burj Khalifa and Canton Tower, respectively. It is now the ninth tallest free-standing structure in the world and remains the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere. In 1995, the CN Tower was declared one of the modern Seven Wonders of the World by the American Society of Civil Engineers. It is a signature icon of Toronto's skyline.
Rohit purchased the tickets for entry to CN Tower. We all went up by lift to Observation deck. We took pics of mesmerising view of city from the top. After spending about an hour, clicking pics, we then got down.
Ms. Natasha (old lady), our tour guide, joined us at 4.30 pm near CN Tower. We were taken on guided tour of Toronto downtown area. We got down at 3 places. There were skyscrapers all around. Trams were plying on the streets. It was such a beautiful view and treat to the eyes.
7 pm. We dropped Natasha and reached Molson Canadian restaurant on a street and took dinner.
8 pm. We started from there and at 8.45, we reached Hotel Delta Toronto East by Marriott. (We are given Room 417). It had 14 floors.
We went to the room. The vehicles moving at high speed on the highway were visible from big glass window of our room. We were feeling tired, so immediately went to sleep mode.
31.05.2018 Thursday (Day 3)
Toronto à Kingston (1000 Islands) à Ottawa
We woke up at 5 am and got ready.
At 6.45 am, we went for discovering hotel and the surroundings. We clicked pics.
At 7 am, we took breakfast in Hotel’s restaurant at Ground floor.
At 8.20 am, our bus started from the Hotel (in Toronto) for Gananoque (Kingston). As it was a long journey of about 3 hours, Swarnjeet took initiative and took up the mike and asked all Group members, to get more closer and know each other, to come on the mike one by one and give their introduction. It turned out to be an interesting exercise and engaged all members and we all got to know about our fellow travellers. Later, the front seats versus the back seats of the bus played antakshri !
At 9.30 am, we halted at a departmental store THE BIG APPLE on the highway. We did same purchasing like icecream, fruits. At 10.10 am, the bus started again.
At 11.40 am, we passed by St. Lawrence river. From here, the water flows into the Atlantic Ocean. We then reached the port / jetty of a place called Thousand Islands in the Town of Gananoque, which falls in the area of Kingston city.
Gananoque is a town in the Leeds and Grenville area of Ontario, Canada. The town had a population of 5,194 year-round residents in the Canada 2011 Census, as well as summer residents sometimes referred to as "Islanders" because of the Thousand Islands in the Saint Lawrence River, Gananoque's most important tourist attraction. The Gananoque River flows through the town and the St. Lawrence River serves as the southern boundary of the town.
The Thousand Islands constitute an archipelago of 1,864 islands that straddles the Canada–US border in the Saint Lawrence River as it emerges from the northeast corner of Lake Ontario. They stretch for about 50 miles (80 km) downstream from Kingston, Ontario. The Canadian islands are in the province of Ontario and the U.S. islands in the state of New York.
Kingston is a city in eastern Ontario, Canada. It is on the eastern end of Lake Ontario, at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River and at the mouth of the Cataraqui River (south end of the Rideau Canal). The city is midway between Toronto, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec. The Thousand Islands tourist region is nearby to the east. Kingston is nicknamed the "Limestone City" because of the many heritage buildings constructed using local limestone.
At 12 pm, our cruise steamer started from Ivy Lee for visit to 1000 islands archipelogo. The entire area is called ‘1000 Islands’.
It rained and drizzled off and on, while on the steamer. It was a double decker steamer with the upper deck being open. There was washroom on board and even a small café / confectionary shop where one could buy popcorn, coffee etc. (debit/credit card/Forex card worked here). We enjoyed popcorn. Our steamer passed by hundreds of houses built on tiny islands which are about 1800 in numbers, with some islands having only single house ! There was Bolt castle built in 1900 by George Bolt on Heart island for his wife Louise. The entire area was a cluster of islands : some in close proximity and some spaced out, on river St. Lawrence. It was a marvellous experience, something very unique.
At 1.10 pm, our cruise boat returned and docked.
At 1.25, our bus started again.
At 1.45 pm, our Bus halted at ON ROUTE store on highway for lunch (self basis, not provided by Thomas Cook). This is chain of highway Stores in Canada. It drizzled on and off.
At 2.50 pm, our Bus started for Ottawa.
At 4.40 pm, Mr. Ross Wilson joined us, who took us through Guided tour of Ottawa. We passed through Biwood market (it has 60 restaurants), many govt bldgs. Embassies including American embassy, monument of peace keepers, Notre dam cathedeal, Kuwait embassy, war musesum, etc.
He told that population of Ottawa is less than 1 million and the major employer here is federal government.
We reached Governor General house. The current Governor General (who is representative of Queen of England) is Ms. Julie Payette. We got down for about 20 min at Governor General House. Those feeling the urge relieved themselves in the washroom here.
At 5.25 pm, we started again. Passed through spider, notre dame, Lake Rideau (160 miles long), Little Italy, war museum, National Holocaust Monument. We then got down at 6.30 pm and saw Parliament from distance from a spot (in Quebec) where Beer Festival was going on. We sat and took pics here. It was a good view.
We reached Governor General house. The current Governor General (who is representative of Queen of England) is Ms. Julie Payette. We got down for about 20 min at Governor General House. Those feeling the urge relieved themselves in the washroom here.
At 5.25 pm, we started again. Passed through spider, notre dame, Lake Rideau (160 miles long), Little Italy, war museum, National Holocaust Monument. We then got down at 6.30 pm and saw Parliament from distance from a spot (in Quebec) where Beer Festival was going on. We sat and took pics here. It was a good view.
At 6.53 pm, our bus started again, passed through Notre Dame cathedral. We were told that the largest number of immigrants in Ottawa are Labanese. Ottawa falls in province of Ontario. It is said Canada has two seasons : Winter and Construction. At any given point of time, construction is going on in Canada and Govt is the biggest employer. We could see construction going on at several places.
Weather was pleasant and a little cold due to cool breeze today (unlike yesterday when it was hot and sunny).
At 6.50 pm, we bid farewell to Mr. Ross and got down at the Ottawa Parliament (which looks like a huge castle, with clock tower in the centre, characterised by its Green colored canopies) and took pictures here. It was a very beautiful view, as the photographs clicked there later revealed.
At 7.10 pm, we started again. At 7.25 pm, we got down at AAHAR restaurant and had our Indian dinner.
At 8.25 pm, we started for the Hotel.
At 8.45 pm, we reached Hotel CrownePlaza, Gatineau, Ottawa. (We were given room no. 311). We moved to the room, put the phone on charging and uploaded photos on Facebook.
At 10.30 pm, me and Meenu walked for 20 min on the road outside the hotel. We then sat in the lobby in hotel and called our relatives back in India on Whatsapp video chat. I also conversed with Rohit, our tour guide. At 12 pm, we went to room and fell asleep.
01.06.2018 Friday (Day 4) :
Ottawa à Montreal
6.45 am. I went to the Gym at Ground floor in Hotel Crowne plaza. Meenu also joined later. We then came out of hotel for some fresh air where we met our driver Mr. G.Million. He had reported early today. We took pics with him. He is international marathoner and qualified on behalf of Ethiopia for participating in Atlanta Olympics in 1998 (!?) but could not eventually participate due to an accident he met before the Games. He also has his own business of taxis, he told.
At 7.30 am, we went to our room and got ready.
At 8 am, we took breakfast in restaurant on Ground floor. (spoke to Meenakshi, Papaji, Ritu Preeti on whatsapp video call). All brought their packed luggages and handed over to Million who placed the same in the boot of the bus.
At 9.30 am, our bus started from Crown Plaza hotel.
At 12.15, our Bus dropped us at a spot in Montreal. From here, we walked for 5 min to reach Restaurant Tabla for Lunch. It is at St. Catherine street (which we were told by guide to be 20 km long), which is dominated by LGBT community symbolised by Rainbow colored flags. The entire area is called The Village.
At 1.10 pm, after finishing with lunch, we walked from the restaurant with our tour guide Ms. Suzan (French lady in black pants and white Tshirt, 60 yrs but look like 30 yrs !) who joined us from there and sat in the bus.
At 1.20 pm, our Bus started for guided Tour of Montreal city. We saw castle like structure housing hotel and train station.
We got down for 20 min at Place D'Armes SQUARE. (Place d'Armes is a square in Old Montreal quarter of Montreal, in Quebec, Canada. In the centre, there is a monument in memory of Paul de Chomedey, founder of Montreal. Buildings that surround it include Notre-Dame Basilica, Saint-Sulpice Seminary, New York Life Building, Aldred Building, Bank of Montreal head office and 500 Place D'Armes.). It was a huge complex, inter-alia housing various buildings / structures like Bank of Montreal, Notre Dame Basilica, rubble stone wall. I spotted a local man sitting on a chair playing and singing Hindi movie songs (kyonki Tum hi ho....meri aashiqui ab tum hi ho) on electronic Guitar ! We took pictures here. This was downtown Montreal : all office buildings.
We started again at 2 pm in the bus. We passed through the Biggest and busiest convention centre in North America which can house 20000 persons. We also went past Peel Street, sherbook street (it houses the mansions of scottish people who financially control 70% of Canada’s wealth), Montreal museum of Fine Arts, St. Joseph Oratory (3rd highest dome in the world). We took pics here. The Guide told us the difference between Chapel and Cathedral : chapel is for regular masses while Cathedral is where Bishop is there.
We also got down at a spot and saw Olympic stadium, Montreal (from a distance). It is the largest inclined structure in the world. Montreal hosted summer Olympics in 1976.
The guide told us that the largest immigrant population here in Montreal is Italian. The City of Montreal falls in Province of Quebec. (city of Quebec also falls in Quebec province). Quebec is pronounced as K-Bec by French and local people. There are 5300 restaurants in Montreal. That is why, it is called the City of Foodies. The Fairmont hotel is the largest (it has 1000 rooms). The Blue flag which one can spot at many buildings is the flag of Quebec province. There are 4 universities in Montreal : 2 English and 2 Canadian.
At 3.10 pm, out City tour ended. We were all given time till 6.30 pm to return to the bus.
We walked with the Guide on St. Catherine street upto a store / mall called Eaton Centre, Montreal. We explored this huge mall which had several levels. Me and Meenu then walked to Le bais mall. It was also a good mall having many levels and branded goods. The uniqueness of this mall /store, according to me, was that at every level, the beautiful real-life like mannequins were placed adorned with latest fashion attire and fashion accessories. Meenu bought scarf here for 40 CAD.
At 6.40 pm, our bus started from near the Mall at St. Catherine Street.
At 7 pm, we got down near Kitchennete Restaurant and walked for 5 min to Restaurant Tabla restaurant where we took dinner.
At 8 pm, we started from Tabla restaurant.
At 8.50 pm, our bus reached HotelHampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, Montreal (15 min from Montreal Airport). We all were allotted rooms. We got room 413.
At 10.15 pm, me and Meenu walked on road outside hotel for about 20 min. It was quite windy but dry weather. There was a big BMW showroom nearby on the road. Our hotel was on the highway. Vehicles at high speed were zipping past us. We then explored the Gym. Then sat in lobby with DK Vasal and Aditya Jain.Listened to satsang by Vasal.
At 11.55 pm, we came to room and went to sleep.
02.06.2018 Saturday Day 5 : Quebec city
At 6 am, we got up.
At 7.15 am, I went to the gym in hotel and did some exercise, then walked for 10 min outside the hotel for fresh air. We then got ready.
At 8.45, we took breakfast in Hotel’s lobby cum cafe.
At 9.15 am, we all started from the Hotel. It will take about 3 hrs to reach Quebec.
At 11 am, our coach stopped at a Gas Station for using washroom facilities and taking refreshments at its store. At 11.15 am, started again.
At 1.05 pm., we reached Quebec city. The driver parked bus near ‘Plains of Abraham Museum’. For lunch, most walked to Subway outlet nearby (Cold drink for 2.5Cad). I spotted horse driven carriage on the road.
At 2.15 pm, our bus started for the guided tour of Quebec city. Our guide was Ms. Debra (in black pant and black cardigan).
Quebec city is characterised by 97% French speaking population !
It appeared to be a happening place. People enjoying ride in Horse carriages. I found it a blend of old and modern world in the form of horse carriage.
Got down for 20 min at a viewpoint (Governors Promenade), called Upper Town, at a small hill overlooking St. Lawrence river with city of Leeway on the other side of river.
In Canada, biggest employer is Govt, 2nd biggest business is tourism.
At 3.05 pm, we got down at a point, called Lower Town, in Qubec city. Our Guide introduced some points to us here and bid good bye at about 3.30.Then we all roamed around in the undulating area dotted with several shops and lively people. There was a big graffitti (painting) on one of the house walls with a musician playing piano nearby. I also tried my hand on piano and he requested to write down lyrics of hindi song which I gladly did : jindagi ek safar hai suhana. He knew a little Hindi : he uttered ‘namaste, dhanyavad’.
I experienced very positive vibes here. Young people dressed in latest fashion attire roaming, relaxing in numerous eateries in the open and enjoying. The whole environment was so musical. In one street, there were colored umbrellas hanging over our heads. There was a church. I saw a newly wed couple with friends celebrating near church and taking pics. We all members of the Group took a group photograph here in front of a heritage building.
We just roamed around and soaked in the environment here. We went into some shops here and purchased few souvenirs.
At 4.45 pm, we started from the Qubec city.
At 7.30 pm, we reached the restaurant ‘La Mantra’, for dinner.
At 8.40 pm, we started from the restaurant.
At 9.45 pm, we reached our Hotel.
All members of our group bid good bye to us as tomorrow we would be leaving for Delhi (by 5.50 pm flight from Montreal to Frankfurt and then from there to Delhi) whereas all others will leave, for onward journey to West Coast of Canada (Calgary, Vancouver, Victoria), at about 5.15 am in morning tomorrow to catch their flight to Calgary (4.5 hr flight) where they would spend 2 days and thereafter to Vancouver where they would spend 3 days and then 22 out of them will go further on cruise to Alaska for 7 days. So, chances are we may not meet them after today.
I settled account with Rohit Tarasi, Tour manager. He gave me 30 USD as fare for taxi from hotel to airport.
After seeing off all near hotel reception, we went to our room.
At 11.50 pm, I went for 20 min walk on road outside hotel. Then took Chamomile green tea in the lobby and then came to the room.
At 12 pm, we went to sleep.
03.06.2018 Sunday Day 6 : Skydiving at Montreal; Hotel Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton, Montreal to Montreal Airport to Frankfurt to Delhi
We woke up at 5 am in the morning.
At 5.45 am, other members of the Group left by coach for the montreal airport (20 min from the hotel) to catch flight to Calgary.
At 7.15 am, I did treadmill and cycling in Hotel's Gym. Meenu came after getting ready. We walked for 10 min outside hotel. I got ready. It was leisurely day for us, with no fixed itinerary today. I was feeling a little sad due to sudden severance from other group members with whom we had developed closeness over last few days.
At 9 am, we took breakfast in the Hotel. We decided to make use of the time available with us (as our return flight was in evening today) and I browsed internet and found that there is an indoor skydiving facility nearby, called ‘SkyVenture’. I was something unique for us and we decided to give it a try.
At 9.30 am, we deposited our luggage at the Hotel’s reception who moved the same to their cloakroom.
At 9.40 am, I and Meenu hired a taxi from COOP TAXI DE L'QUEST called at my request by the Hotel’s reception. The taxi charged us $42 from the Hotel to Skyventure (it was quite steep fare !).
At 9.40 am, I and Meenu hired a taxi from COOP TAXI DE L'QUEST called at my request by the Hotel’s reception. The taxi charged us $42 from the Hotel to Skyventure (it was quite steep fare !).
I and Meenu did Skydiving in the glass wind tunnel there at the first floor. Before that, they gave a small lecture tutorial to us and other co-skydivers/tourists (locals). They charged each of us CAD 78 (Two flights of 60 sec duration each person). Additionally, they charged CAD 10 x 2 for flight instructor taking us in the air to a height (optional). It was a marvellelous experience.
The young girl named Katia was the representative at SkyVenture reception. She was very helpful. After we were over with the skydiving, we bought one best picture at Ground floor ($6 for getting photo by email, $8 for printed photo).
There was an event going on nearby in the open : some fund raising marathon for Fire Fighters and a musical concert. The atmosphere was very charged and happening with people enjoying all around, on a pleasant day. Though it was sunny day but wind diluted the intensity of the sun.
We roamed around in nearby Vineplex cinepolis. We walked and entered a supermarket (Marche Gourmand) in the complex. It was primarily an air-conditioned vegetable and fruit market. we marvelled at the quality, color and size of traditional vegetables. We then called taxi by dialling same taxi company (Uber did not help as it was asking online payment to be made using googlepay which could be done only if we had a bank account in Canada).
At 1.50 pm, we took taxi from near cosmodome skyventure. The taxi charged us $46 to the Hotel. Driven by a young brat.
At 1.50 pm, we took taxi from near cosmodome skyventure. The taxi charged us $46 to the Hotel. Driven by a young brat.
At 2.10 pm, we reached hotel. I charged the mobile. We ate the Thepla we had in our hand bag.
At 2.35 pm, our taxi came and we started from the hotel.
We checked in. The check-in Counter was empty. There was a negro lady at the counter. We got our boarding passes issued for both the flights.
We cleared security check area. One young boy Mr. Chirag ( from Surat, Gujarat) was one of the officer checking and monitoring hand baggage on the conveyer belt !
We walked to the Gate 63 through duty free shops area. We purchased perfumes and chocolates ($284), water bottle (for $2). We sat near Gate 63.
At 5.10 pm, the Boarding was announced. There was a long queue.
At 5.45 pm, we entered the aircraft. It was 2x4x2 seating plane. We got seats (44 A and C) on left side of 2 seats row. It was Airbus A340-300 and the flight was LH 479 Lufthansa flight (ETD 5.50 pm).
At 6.15 pm (local Montreal time), the plane took off.
We were served drinks in the plane. Then dinner : hot lemon rice (not very tasty), leafy salad, bun, butter, mashed blueberries preparation (not tasty). Tea coffee.
Then 1.5 hour before landing at Frankfurt, we were served light breakfast : bun, butter, orange juice, flavored yogurt.
At 1.10 am (7 am Frankfurt time), our flight landed at Frankfurt airport.
We proceeded towards Gate C16. For this, we walked about ½ km and also caught a small train and got down after 2 stations. Then passed through Security check. There was tight security. We were x-rayed standing under a machine and everything from your pockets was removed and any liquid from handbag is removed. The lady at Security counter had some problem with our bag. It was found that we were carrying perfume bottles which we bought from duty free shop at Montreal airport. She told that we should always take out such items from handbag and keep in separate tray. She also told that 100ml and above liquids/perfume in one bottle are not allowed.
At 8.45 am, we sat near Gate C16 and rested there (used washroom nearby).
At 1 pm, the boarding started for the Lufthansa flight LH 760 from Frankfurt to New Delhi.
We entered the aircraft. It was Airbus A380-800. We got seats 77A and 77B. The estimated time of departure (ETD) was 1.40pm.
At 2.17 pm (Frankfurt time), the flight took off from Frankfurt airport. Flying time from Frankfurt to Delhi is 7 hr 10 min.
We were served drinks with little packet of salted almonds. After 1.5 hr, we were served lunch which comprised Hot Rajma chawal and dal, bun with butter, leafy salad with dry dal, yellow cold kheer. Two hours before landing, we were served snack (dinner, as per Delhi time) comprising stuffed Mcpuff. Took beer with it. Took orange juice and apple juice several times during flight (as one has to keep hydrated during flight).
At 12.45 am of 5th June 2018 Tuesday (Delhi time) (9.15 pm of 4th June Frankfurt time; 3.15 pm of 4th June Toronto time), our plane landed at Indira Gandhi Intl Airport, New Delhi.
There is now no requirement to fill customs immigration Form by Indians if you are not carrying any dutiable goods. I bought Chivas Regal 12 yr 2 bottles for 3990 (took 2 sets). Also, bought some perfumes and chocolates. Then, picked Luggage from Belt no.14.
I called the Uber cab.
I called the Uber cab.
At 3.05 am on 5th June 2018, we reached home.
And another memorable international trip came to a happy end.
During this trip, we made friends with various families like Agarwal Family from Baharaich, UP (Vinod Agarwal); Jain Family from Delhi (Sanjay Jain); Gupta Family from Kolkata (Pradeep Gupta); Khatri Family from Kanpur (Sanjay Khatri); etc.
Thomas Cook’s Tour managers :
1. Praveen Arora 73 yrs from Delhi. plays harmonica.
2. Swarnjeet Syan 39 yrs from Delhi (earlier did export business. lost everything in great Recession of US in 2008. Want to lead life on his own terms. Three little daughters. Now works 6 months and for 6 months he does to fulfill his hobbies and dreams. Writes blogs. learning martial art. when in Delhi everyday go to Gym. loves tasting different cousine of world. best wine is of Portugal. best coffee from spain).
3. Rohit 33 yrs from Mumbai
(both joined Thomas Cook in 2010-2011).
Important travel Tips :
**In Airport (like Montreal) and in Hotels in Canada when you log on to free wifi system, your phone might show it is connected to wifi but you may find that you are still not able to access the internet. If this happens, then open any website (preferably the one which you have never earlier opened on your device) through google browser. Doing so will immediately open the webpage of free wifi of concerned airport/hotel/ establishment and it will ask you to accept terms and conditions (in case of hotels, it might ask you to fill voucher code provided by the hotel). The moment you do it, you will be able to access internet.
** In Intl travel, always carry an empty water bottle (in case it is filled up, you have to empty it before entering security check area). After you clear security check area, you can fill it up with the free water provided at every airport. Then while inside aircraft, you can request the air hostess to fill it up rather than depending upon her to get you glass of water again and again. In long haul flights like US Canada, air hostess would be so busy in other chores that she would not be able to provide you glass of water again and again. Also when plane is flying with seat belt sign on, she can not move to provide services.
** While making purchase from the airport, Do Not buy any single liquid bottle (like perfume, liquor) above 100 ml in size. The same would not be allowed/ cleared by the Airport Security.
** The perfume bottles etc. which you buy from duty free shop at the airport, always take out such items, in sealed Duty Free bags, from handbag and keep in separate tray at Security check, particularly in Frankfurt.
** Check the current location of any flight by logging into
