Tom: I think Montreal is a really special place. I think were lucky to be here. I think one of the things that makes it so special is the fact that there are so many different kinds of people, so many different cultures, all kind of mixed together and stuck beside each other. Depending on where you go, you can find people from different countries who speak different languages, who eat different kinds of food, who listen to different kinds of music, all together on this one island.
Maura: Yeah, I agree that that is something really cool about Montreal. And its also interesting that its an island. For the longest time, when I was living in Ontario, I didnt even know that Montreal was an island.
Tom: Its true, a lot of people dont realize it. But I think it kind of gives people who live here a sense of being part of one complete whole, rather than just a bunch of different little towns stuck together.
Maura: Yeah. I think one reason, as well, why people might not realize its an island is because the water that separates the island of Montreal from the mainland is not very large. You dont have to cross an ocean to get here.
Tom: No, thats true. Were just an island in the middle of a river. Were not out in the middle of the ocean or anything like that. That being said, some of the bridges that lead to Montreal make for some of the best views in town.
Maura: That is true. I do actually really enjoy the view from the Jacques Cartier Bridge. So, you grew up here, you know a lot about the city, obviously. What are some of your favourite things to do around Montreal?
Tom: Well, it depends what time of year it is, of course. Talking about the Jacques Cartier Bridge, in the summertime, you can go and watch the fireworks competitions that happen usually twice a week. And we have contestants from all different countries who come and put on these beautiful fireworks displays, and you can go and either stand up on the bridge, high above the water, or down on the shore below the bridge, and watch the fireworks and listen to the music. Its a beautiful thing to do on a summer evening.
