Having just invested in indoor parking last week, I had little to be concerned about both yesterday, when the snow fell and fell and fell, or today, when it was pushed, sucked, and relocated into various piles throughout the city.
Early this evening, two tow trucks blared their horns down the street, followed by mini ploughs which flitted about like small chittering animals, clearing the sidewalks. Initially, I hoped they heralded the Olympic torch relay, but then figured we were too far east for that (darn, missed free hot dogs in Westmount tonight). Snow ploughs pushed the slush increasingly to the right. Several illegally parked SUVs were sniffed over by tow trucks, but were strangely left untowed. More horn blaring (a jarring five or six times in all). Then a bizarre, long train of flashing police cars cruised by…followed by vans with LED signs proclaiming that la flamme Olympique would be arriving in a few minutes! It was indeed the Olympic torch relay!
I forced my napping husband awake to gawk with me as the police train continued on (15-20 cars in all), cheered from the curb by small groups of well-bundled art gallery patrons and a santa claus wielding a santa-topped flashlight. After an endless parade of bicycle cops and Olympic minibuses and trucks, we at last spotted the low-key, jumpsuited torch bearers, confidently strolling with the iconic torch, secure in the knowledge that 15-20 of Montreal’s finest cruisers (and a half dozen bicycle cops) were between them and anyone trying to repeat the Olympic dousings from two years ago. The robust flame was easily visible from a distance and captivated me in primal pride at human’s ability to make fire; the bearers presented themselves and the torch with admirable dignity.
Once they had marched past us, everyone rushed back inside and the horn-tooting tow trucks, skittering mini ploughs, and snow ploughs again recommenced their noisy business. The snow was pushed to the right in long powdery tracks, then sucked up and transported to various dump sites throughout the city.
Shortly afterwards, we were treated to the second fireworks display of the winter festival, which perfectly coincided with our chevre, cheddar, crackers, and tea cakes repast. Tonight’s show seemed brighter, stronger, and perhaps even closer to us than the first one had been. Rather a good night, wot.