Today begins the St. Jean Baptiste holiday and Montreal is bustling with all kinds of street performers. This holiday is comparable to America's July 4.  

This afternoon our friends, Merrick and Marina, came for us and drove us through Montreal's China Town then across the Victoria Bridge to the site of Expo 67 -- 
the American and French pavilions remain.  Merrick showed us the St. Lambert and St. Catherine commercial locks that we'll be going through tomorrow.  We then went to  their beautiful home and business on the Kahnawake Reservation.  Marina designed the house which is spectacular, as are her collections.  

They also showed us around their daughter's shop, Calico Cottage Quilt & Gift Shop.  Carla Goodleaf Hemlock and her husband, Babe Hemlock, are very talented.  Carla's award winning quilts and Babe's beautiful Indian cradle boards and paintings are part of the Smithsonian and MOMA collections. Their work is impeccable. 

The Kahnawake history of the Mohawk tribe in Quebec dates back seven generations as recorded by the Jesuits.  We drove through the original streets and saw the old houses along the St. Lawrence Seaway.  It was a fascinating afternoon.  We had a wonderful time and hope to catch up with them again in St. Anne de Bellevue in a day or so.  Attached are a few photos:

Entering China Town, Montreal

The American Pavilion, Expo '67

The French Pavilion, Expo '67

Merrick's Convenience Store & Gas Station

Merrick & Ralph

A few of Carla's quilting awards

Babe's beautiful cradle boards

Carla's very first quilt

Calico Cottage Quilt &  Gift Shop

Merrick & Marina's beautiful home