We were fortunate to have energetic Frances as our tour guide. She knew all about the history, culture and popular places to eat in the Jewish section of Montreal, having lived there all her life. Good thing I brought sunscreen, a hat and wore comfy shoes because we walked pretty briskly under the noon day sun. Except for the first and last stop, we ate outdoors, on the go. Frances provided us with a tote bag and a souvenir water bottle which were helpful. She pointed out places as we zigzagged around the neighborhood and shared their back stories. We got to taste and compare bagels and smoked meats from competing shops—all had long lines out the doors. We sampled hummus while learning about schools, churches and parks. She explained the significance of a couple of huge murals on building walls along the way. And as it was shabbat, we got to see quite a number of observant families dressed accordingly. We got a shot of crown royal whisky along with bagels, cream cheese and a pickle. We ended in an ice cream shop where I got to taste flavors i never heard of before. We ended the tour an hour later than expected, no one complained. Everyone tired but happy.