Quebec Winter, Sharing Warmth
History Encountered in Montreal
Seeking refuge from Montreal's biting cold, I impulsively entered an underground shopping center. There, I unexpectedly encountered a piece of the Berlin Wall. The concrete barrier, a symbol of the Cold War and division, stood casually, evoking a strange, unfamiliar feeling. A historical artifact, something I'd only seen in books, placed casually in an everyday space. Perhaps this is the Western way of remembering the past and living with it in the present.
Finally, Warmth Shared Together
The loneliness and emptiness that had seeped into my solo journey vanished like melting snow with the arrival of a welcome guest. The joy of meeting my sibling at the airport, after their long journey from Korea via Toronto to Montreal, was indescribable. I was worried the airport shop might be closed, but thankfully, I managed to buy a single rose. A small rose couldn't express all my gratitude, but seeing my sibling's bright smile, it felt like enough.
That evening, we headed straight to a Korean restaurant without hesitation. As we placed the samgyeopsal—which I hadn't dared to order alone—on the grill, the sizzling sound and a familiar aroma filled the air. Samgyeopsal tasted far from home was more than just food. As we laughed, talked, and clinked glasses, the emptiness of the long journey disappeared, replaced by a heart full of warmth.
The next day, we went for Chinese hot pot, famous for its steaming broth. The spicy, fragrant Asian aroma tickled our noses, awakening a dormant homesickness. Despite both of us being small in stature, we ate non-stop. It was a moment that reminded me of the preciousness of being able to share happiness over delicious food.
After filling our stomachs, we headed to Montreal's Notre-Dame Basilica. Beginning as a small chapel built by Catholic missionaries during the 17th-century French colonial period, this place was Montreal's history itself. The moment I stepped inside, I was captivated by the ornate and majestic interior, holding my breath. The ceiling and altar, decorated in blue and gold, shimmered mystically, as if mirroring the night sky.
On one side, I noticed people lighting LED candles by card payment. It was fascinating to see how even a sacred space adapted to the times. Yet, it also made me wonder if my love for the old was becoming outdated.
From Ottawa to Toronto, Scenery Along the Way
In Ottawa, our quest for 'homeland flavors' continued. Ordering a variety of dishes filled the table once more. Seeing my sibling, who eats so heartily despite their small size, brought a smile to my face. One of the owners, a man, spoke fluent Korean. The woman spoke a little haltingly, leading me to guess they might be a couple. Regardless, the taste was undoubtedly authentic.
On the road from Ottawa to Toronto, I deliberately chose the highway over the expressway. Instead of speed, I wanted to see the true face of small towns through the slowly unfolding scenery. I love that kind of travel. Driving on a quiet road, I chanced upon a charming souvenir shop and pulled over. After picking out a few gifts, I checked their origin: 'Made in Indonesia.' A wry smile touched my lips, but I accepted it as part of the journey.
