The Village

Boyfriend and I stumbled upon Montreal's gay district today. We saw a bustling and attractive street while driving around town, stopped the car and stepped out. Before long, I began noticing that there was a rainbow flag in front of nearly every single store and restaurant. Remember what I had read the previous evening, I immediately said: "Oh, this is the gay district!"

Boyfriend, who is not as culturally savvy as me, took a bit more convincing. However, all doubts and skepticism evaporated when we passed by an entire Starbucks full of gay men. Really. Men in tight-fitting t-shirts in every single seat in the small starbucks, drinking green tea frappucinos or other drinks with a lot of whipped creams on top.

There were also quite a few maile underwear stores, people with blond, spiky hair and astonishingly good physique, and sushi bars.

But not everyone was fit and good-looking. Also quite a few frumpy older types around.

There was a bar named "Oscar Wilde Bar", whose front facade is decorated entirely in rainbow flags.

Even the subway stop has rainbow flag decorations.

I took photos of everything. Perhaps I'll share some tomorrow.

Felt a little awkward holding hands with Boyfriend in the gay district. I mean, would gay people take offense at it, as if we were flaunting our heterosexuality, the way some vegetarians would take offense when people eat meat in front of them? At least I got a feel of what it's like to be in the minority.

All the cafes looked great and the restaurants looked incredibly good.

Didn't know the name at the time. Came home and checked, and that neighborhood is called "the Village." Hee, how fitting.