Just a Gwai Lo fun within prescribed limits [?]

David Carr on the music scene in Montreal: “Montreal's vaguely socialist and communitarian politics, along with the city's reputation for hedonism, has produced off-the-grid parties in lofts and musician-run clubs, and plenty of opportunities for new and challenging music to find an audience. On an absolutely frigid recent Tuesday - a quiet night in the quietest time of year - three no-name bands were creating a racket at the recently opened Le Divan Orange, en Anglais, merci. Hundreds of fans jammed their puffy coats in various corners. Even though Canadian liquor stores were on strike and the cigarette packs featured vivid portraits of diseased lungs, people were consuming both like recently escaped convicts. The bands shouted into the din, and the audience - mostly - listened.”

Karl: “Le nombre de personnes venant de l'ouest canadien et décidant de rester à Montréal m'impressionnne toujours autant. Montréal est une ville accueillante et nombre de personnes font des efforts surhumains pour y rester. Le plus étonnant dans tout cela, c'est que l'on ne vient pratiquement jamais à Montréal pour la ville, mais on décide de s'installer à cause de la ville.”

Karl on Montreal in the snow: “Je me réfugie au café, alors que je repense aux services d'immigration fermés, à la banque fermée, au photographe fermé.” Later: “Montréal est ainsi, c'est une ville qui vous séduit, c'est une ville qui sait parler aux gens.” If you've never been to Montreal, you haven't lived.