7.11.2025

Inane observations aside (what's up with poutine? is it fries? is it gravy? what's the deal?) the most notable contrast is the relatively low collective stress level. Can't speak to their cholesterol; these people eat a lot of pork. Whole hog's heads on shelves even in random corner stores.

There's a real middle class here. Imagine! Workers work their union jobs and take vacations and have health care and some even own the property they live on.

Smaller differences are hard to see after six months. I've been absorbed. I don't really get lost anymore. Directional sensibilities realign I guess, even in a place where compasses don't work. Humans are crazy adaptable. The street cats don't give a shit which way North is.

On this cul-de-sac where I've been sleeping (indoors) there are maybe fifteen nationalities represented. Kids play soccer together in the street. A mirror universe not under constant threat of attack.

Montreal is proof that alternate realities exist, and not in some distant, goofy sci-fi setting but in North America just a few hops from our own clusterfucked metropolises. Sorry to leave, ready to return. Will all be more tangible in a few days I'm sure.

Home is home no matter how weird things get when we're away. But there's a lot of goddamn noise coming from America. A high pitched whine. Shrill, and dangerous. Omnidirectional sirens. I don't hear it here. The parks are full of people playing bocce and unconcerned about being shot. I intend to bring that peace with me and to hold onto it as long as I can. And to get to fuckin' work.

Merci toujours à Montréal.