Montreal and August 1st celebration

On Saturday, I took a bus from Toronto to Montreal. Once there, I moved into my apartment, which was located on the 23rd floor of a high-rise building and had a great view of Montreal. Later in the evening, when it was dark, I got to see a fireworks display.

The days in Montreal were very cozy. There wasn't much to see, so I strolled around the old town and along the St. Lawrence River, or sat in a café and watched people. I passed by Notre-Dame Basilica, visited the botanical garden, and took a walk on Mount Royal.

Since Montreal didn't have much to offer, I spontaneously changed my car rental so that I could leave on Thursday. My next destination was Sepp Müller's farm. He used to live on the farm where my family now lives. After Sepp sold the farm, he emigrated about 20 years ago. Now he lives in Clarence Creek, near Ottawa. I arrived in the afternoon and Sepp showed me around the farm and the vast amount of land they cultivated. I met his son, Christian, who now runs the farm, and the intern from Emmental, Lisa. After that, I had dinner with Sepp and his wife, Claire, before we went to an August 1st celebration. On the way there, we ran into Mike, Sepp's second son, who worked as a farrier, and he stopped by to say hello. The August 1st celebration was organized by the Swiss club. I was surprised to see how many Swiss people lived here in one place, and Sepp told me that this wasn't the only celebration, there are many more Swiss events in Canada.

The celebration felt like home, many people were wearing Edelweiss shirts and 'Chüeli' belts, there was hand-organ music and alphorn players, a group of trychlers marched through the tent, and of course, there was another fireworks display. Since it was unfortunately too dry for a big August 1st bonfire, the children had a lantern parade instead.

I will now stay on the farm for a while, go on trips from here, and help out with work if they need me.