Today I swam 1km.  I would say it’s been at least a year since I’ve done that.  The whole experience was very nostalgic.  I was reminded of summers past at the best swimming pool in the world.  I was also, though, reminded of over ten years of outdoor-pool swimming: the chlorine smell, the bugs, the wanting to only breath on the right but making myself breath on both.

Two days ago I biked.  Well, I BIXI-ed (BIke/taXI).  I literally cannot remember my last time on a bike.  BUT, as they say: you never forget.  Admittedly, flip-flops add a whole new dimension to the experience (as do crazy drivers, crazy jay-walkers, and a zillion other cyclists all around you).

Exercise is not the only soul food here, though.  [Which, on trip #10, is an idea I'm now well-aquainted with].   The food-food is soul-food, too.  Yesterday was one of my best meals ever.  I had mussels, and I never have mussels.  From wontons, to guacamole, to muffins, to Piknik food… I’ve been in very good hands.

Then with the addition of the most substantial soul food layer, the music and the company, I’m a whole new person.  Literally.  Already.  Completely renewed, especially when compared to my Lethbridge Self.  I’m not even really ‘that music person’ that obsesses, collects, and dives-right-in to musical experiences.  Here already though, there’s been Jazz, Piknik Electronik, getting to West African groove to actual tam-tams.

My only other quest is to steal some quiet moments for free-reading.  I think I should be able to take that on, too.

Then… when I leave… in just over a week =(… the goal is to bring some of this swimming/biking/eating/smiling/dancing/listening/reading routine back with me.

You know, spread some Montreal in YYC.