Marcela in Transit

At Adam's hanging out for 4th of July weekend after great week in Montreal. So much to catch up on. Basically getting acclimated here--had forgotten about basic stuff like first Sunday at Old St Pat's so feel more tourist/guest-y than visiting home. Yesterday at Taste was mobbed. Managed to catch part of Santana concert but couldn't get close and took quite a while with all the mob of people. At one point, very drunk woman grabbed on to me quite hard and then told me to chill when I tried to get her to let go. Also saw a bit of salsa, but overcrowded so didn't stay long. Ended up not being able to contact everyone, so relief when got to see Adam.

Montreal jazz festival similarly crowded,but much more manageable. Karaoke booth, got up with local woman to sing "Ma Vie en Rose" and two girls to sing "New York, New York" (tried to start dancing). Most locals went for ballad of jean bautellaire or something. Also took picture with weight. Singers ok, but gave me pang for Chicago more than anything. Rain with rush for people to enter gift stores. Beautifully designed shirts, but way too expensive. Got magnet with the cute blue cat mascot. Week rushed by so quickly, so weird to say goodbye to people. Mariah was great roommate, Aaron and Susan both very encouraging.