Trees

Montreal is a unique gem of a city, with surprises everywhere. This huge tree installation was spotted just a little while ago, it was even more beautiful in real life. We were just there, walking through the ancient stone streets of Old town, it's like being in France. The city often has the air of Vivaldi's 1725 Four Seasons piece "Spring" [it's "1. Allegro" from "La primavera" Concerto No. 1 in E major, Op. 8, RV 269]. In many places, in Montreal's special obscure churches this seems to hum behind you through the power lines.

But when you rush through the masses shopping gaily in the summer breezes, there's the low key emotion of the foxtrot 1920s style The Great Gatsby "Young and Beautiful", the version mixed from Lana del Rey's work.

You can hike up from Chinatown to several main shopping areas, all of which have great French delicacy shops and clothes boutiques in every niche category. And of course Oglivy's is fun, downstairs be sure to see the crazy big, extravagant Godiva counters and then go to Holt Renfrew to glide past the Prada and Chanel. They have an enormous Jo Malone counter for perfume buffs.

You also have to hike through the mountain, it's nature paradise. Truly beautiful. This summer many famous, jeweled Fabergé eggs will be at the museum, we're going.

But really, you need no excuse to go. It's that good.