Summer finally arrives in Montreal. I am not talking about Astronomic calculation, which I dont understand, I am talking about weather. Today is the first time in the year for Montrealers to feel what a 30 C is like.

Few days ago I was in a conversation with some friends wondering why the weather keeps coming below normal, although it was not as bad as winter. Usually, we dont need any jacket nor even a sweater when June has arrived. But not this year, until yesterday (June 7), we cannot go out from home without a thin jacket or a sweater, especially in the morning and evening.

This is life in Montreal, where people still can do their daily activities when the temperature is two digits below zero. Cold weather is not a strange case here, although many people told me they still never used to it...

I am happy to welcome the 30 temperature today, though many people feel it too hot. Frankly speaking, finding weather like this makes me believe that summer has arrived. And summer in Montreal does not only mean weather, but also festivals, BBQs, street sales, and other out door activities.

Yes... there are a lot of events that too good to be missed during summer time here in Montreal. Here are some of them:

F1 Grand Prix. I know I will never buy a ticket for car-race watching at the Villeneuve circuit in Park Jean-Drapaeu where the Canada F1 grand prix takes place. I dont even care who got the first place at the end of the game. I am glad that this event is coming back to town, because this event brings a lot of fun attractions. One of the most fascinating things is the racing car exhibition on the Crescent street, which is three blocks away from our apartment. We can see various types of sporty and luxurious as well as antique cars from various places on earth. We can also find various sport-related souvenirs are on sale. And who knows I could win a lucky drawing this time...(just a wishful thinking). Not to mention various stages for the Beatles-like band and some other attractions. So, if F1 Grand Prix means car-racing competition for many people, it means free entertaining event for me and my family. and it is coming this weekend.

Mejeng di depan mobil formula 1

Fireworks Festival. In the next four consecutive weekends between 10.30 - 11.00 pm, Montreal sky will be colourful with fireworks. There are three famous viewing places for this event: La Ronde [a wonderland-like amusement park where the actual fireworks competition takes place, but you will need to buy a ticket to enter this place], the Jacques Cartier Bridge, and Old Port of Montreal. Last year we saw it from the bridge, but we have to be there half an hour beforehand to find a nice viewing place.

Canada Day Parade. July 1 is a very special day for Canadians. This is the day when they celebrate the Dominion Day with various activities. The most entertaining activity is the Canada Day Parade, joined by people from various ethnic backgrounds. I heard that Indonesian community in Quebec will take part in this year s parade. This is gonna be exciting. It is even more for us because the parade will go along St. Catherine street, which is only 5 minutes away from where we live.

Jazz Festival. This year s festival will be joined by Diana Krall, but I dont think I will see her, you know why... . Fortunately, there are about five free out door stages where we can see some musicians show their talent without ticket. Some of them are not really jazzy, which I like though. This is worth to come and see. It is only 10 minutes walking from my campus.

International Film Festival. I knew this event since the first week I came in Montreal almost three years ago. But I never come and see any movie in this festival. May be because I am not a person who like to watch film vary much, or may be because I need a ticket to enjoy a film, even in the festival...

Family Picnic at Park. This is the most exciting event among all. Having lunch at the park with Izza? Who will dare to miss this event? Besides, Montreal has a lot of parks to enjoy: Mont Royal, La Fountaine, Angrignon, Jarry, and Jean Drapeu to name only some of the big parks. There are also small parks in every municipalities that every family can enjoy, like the one near Beranda.

So... why dont you join us to have fun this summer?

La fountaine lake n La fountaine ground

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