Project 4Fifteen

Oh dear. Got a mission to accomplish for the office. I got invited to a conference in Montreal, Canada. Yipee. This was my first visit to the city and I was ready to take it all in.

Day 1 was a very gloomy day. It was raining and quite cold. In an attempt to get some sleep I visited the pub first. After a few choice Canadian beer and Guinness, I was ready for bed.

Day 2. First things first. I decided the best way to see the city was to go on a bus tour. This was a really good idea since you are told where and why the things are there. It really came in handy when trying to find your bearings in a strange country.

Setting up the stand was hectic. Our US office was supposed to ship the stand, but somehow we had an issue locating it. After a lengthy search, we found it and started setting up. The stand was finally set up and I had an opportunity to start walking about to see what the other exhibitors had to offer.

Day 3. The show is opening. Well not really a show, but a conference. It opened will all the pomp and ceremony that one would expect and I managed to take quite a few photographs. After a while, was I asked by the Secret Service to have all my stuff checked. I duly did and was then permitted to take more pictures. I made friends with Tim Ford, President of Adventure Lights. He is a really fun guy. Night times in Montreal was a real eye-opener. The city really comes alive on the weekend.

Day 4. Another day at the conference. By this time things were a tad boring but the highlight of the day was that we were going to be special guests at a special performance by the Royal Mounted Police on their horses. The show started off with greetings and a dance by the local Indian tribe who gave us their blessing. The rest of the show was brilliant, with the horsemen showing off real talent and skill. I have taken some pictures which I will put up in a gallery.

Day 5. Another day. Nothing exciting happening except that I had my picture taken for some ‘official’ business. There was a formal dinner. As luck would have it, loads of beer, photographers and of course food. After some mingling we decided to go to a pub or so. We got really cheerful before returning to the hotel slightly worse for wear..

Day 6. The last day! Before midday we had packed everything and we were ready to depart for the airport. Of course, I had to pay for excess luggage. Only because Air Canada wanted to. Not because I had a Gold frequent flyer card, but just because. Oh well. Arrival in the UK was without much fanfare but I was just glad to be back home.

IF I was to visit Canada again, I would certainly take the time to see it all again. It is a fabulous country.