A Memorable Holiday

On a much awaited vacation recently , we were surprised by a gift from our son, a road trip to some of the major cities on the east coast of Canada . The dawn of the trip, graced by a sunrise so glorious that no hand could paint, no lens could capture, we set out with great excitement.

Enjoying every moment, every sight and beauty of creation and the created we were transported to a world of the unexpected . Tall pine trees like sentinels, guarding the wooded regions behind them holding secrets never to be known. The winding roads, undulating to a rhythm of their own ,picturesque countrysides, quaint houses holding stories never to be told , terrace cafés filled with beautiful people, talking and laughing without a care in the world.

Historic monuments, monoliths, we saw, swift flowing rivers, carrying tales of those who had been there before, emptying into lakes that stoically gathered them. The mighty Niagara took our breath away, not dwarfing in height but wide, the great volumes of water like sheets of glass falling and breaking below thunderously. No man nor mind can fathom or measure the depths or the volume of water that flowed riotously, every moment.

White sandy beaches, milky waterfalls, parks with lush green grass, sprinkled with lavender. Maple trees lining the tracks, their leaves nodding sagely in the breeze, emanating a caramel scent that enveloped us as we walked alongside the sparkling stream. Nature unsullied lying before us, like a touch of heaven on earth. To make a mention of the proprietary geese in the park, honking irritably at the humans, is only proper .

The cities with their towering buildings in shapes and sizes that defied gravity, were interspersed by areas known as the old part with their cobbled streets and charming quaint gabled roof buildings. Squares decorated with flowers and murals, cafés boasting local delicacies on their menus, impromptu artists and bands performing, to an enthralled audience .

A whole day could pass, just sitting there, with the sun on your head, enjoying a cup of coffee , chewing on a delectable cookie, and just watching people go by . Tourists in their leisurely manner, locals hurrying around on some business, people mostly friendly, except for some looking on with just a tad of annoyance, at the intrusion .

A visit to St. Joseph’s Oratory, the tallest church in the country, the largest shrine in the world, dedicated to St Joseph, with its impressive dome, located on Mount Royal in Montreal, was an exceptional experience . A remarkable work of architecture, the church was founded in 1904, and built by various architects . The sculpture of the Angels Unawares depicting refugees, huddled together on a boat, subtly covered by emerging angel wings symbolises the Divine presence . The view of the city from above is worth documenting.

More churches and spires, more statues and stained glass, each more magnificent than the other . Breathtaking scenery and awe inspiring monuments, overwhelming the senses . Gourmet foods, exotic fruits, scents and sights were altogether an assault to the senses ! Oh it was not all fun and frolic, there were times of anxiety and stress, yet there was an all pervasive sense of freedom, a feeling of unfettered abandon, of being at peace with creation. It was by far the best holiday we ever had !