Day 60: The Europe of Canada

Belle happily holds our 5pm ticket to Montreal!!!

Domo visit the CN Tower!

Delicious mushroom and arugula salad at Terroni's

My delicious papardelle with 3 kinds of mushrooms :)

Belle's lamb pasta

Domo rides ViaRail to Montreal

Smiles from Belle and me

Belle with far too many bags. There's a 4th one on her right arm.None of them are mine.

Belle and I woke up at 6:45am to call Air Canada. We were left on hold for a good 45 mins, before a representative could help us. She informed us that the next available flight to Paris wouldn't be until the 21st. Turned off by the idea of having to wait so long, we said no to that option and decided to go on the queue for any extra flights later arranged. After hanging up, we came up with more questions, which resulted in us waiting another half hour. 

Meanwhile, I texted my cousin and informed her of our predicament. She immediately texted me and called me to let me know both her and my uncle were working to see if they could find us another flight to Europe. She also offered to let us stay with her in Montreal. My family surely wasted no time in helping us stranded girls. 

I kept in touch with my uncle, who informed me that all flights to Europe were cancelled at least until next week. Things were looking grim for us. We were saddened to hear that we would probably have to go home. However, over breakfast, Belle and I considered the idea of going to Europe:

Pros:

-I'd get to see my cousin!

-Belle has never been to Montreal

-Giosy convincingly noted that Montreal would be the Europe of Canada

Cons:

-None

So, we decided to go to Montreal and take the flight to Paris on the 21st. We scarfed down the rest of our breakfast, checked out, and ran to the pay phones to call Air Canada yet again. After holding for another chunk of time, we were told that the next available flight to Paris were now either the 29th, from Toronto, or the 30th, from Montreal. WTFML?! How did this happen?! How did the flights fill up so quickly? It turns out that there was another scheduled flight tonight, which got cancelled. So, we were competing with even more people to go to Paris. We asked for the next earliest flights to anywhere else in Europe, and we opted for the flight to Frankfurt on the 21st. If all goes well, and if our luck turns around, we will be on our way to Europe then. Fingers crossed that it will happen, and we'll live. 

I informed my uncle of our plans, and he quickly made arrangements to get us on a train to Montreal. My cousin, meanwhile, made arrangements to have us stay at her bf's condo, for the duration of our stay in Montreal. I feel so lucky and well loved, by the immediate response by my family. They were so quick to jump on board to help and make our trip as comfortable as possible. They truly exemplify what it means to be family and I feel so grateful and lucky :)