Day 189 - Friday, July 8th, 2011

Lunch was enjoyed with work colleagues Paola Marvin and Toni - when asked what type of restaurant I'd like to go to, I predictably requested ultra-spicy, so a Szechuanese joint was selected. Although it naturally did not test my spice limits, the food was very tasty, with everyone ordering a dish to share communally. Star choice were the potato noodles - yes, noodles made from potato.

The afternoon brought a slight and possibly welcome logistical fly in the ointment when it was revealed that my Cayman work permit paperwork had not yet come through, necessitating delaying my flight there from Sunday until Tuesday - two more days in Montreal - how bad!

After work I headed with Mark (who brought this role to my attention) for celebratory beers on another rooftop terrace - this time the 50th floor rooftop bar of Hotel De La Montagne affording even more spectacular views of the city. Pitchers of beer flowed - semi-reasonably priced, given the location, at $19.50 (€15) for 3 pints or so. Well after sunset, we moved onto Hurley's Irish bar, for some ridiculously overpriced Guinnesses ($9 a pop), and then the heavens opened to a tumultuous downpour. The night was finished off at a Montrealian diner, to enjoy the city's famous dish of Poutine - a bowl of chips with melted cheese on top and gravy at the bottom - ok, but I was never one of the many fans of the chips and gravy combo.

Atop the Hotel De La Montagne

Contentment : 17.5 / 25

Excitement :    3.5 / 10

Memorability :  5.5 / 15

Overall Score : 53% (14th out of 189)