21 Dec 10 Pointe-a-Calliere musee d'archaeologie

This museum sits on top of the initial colonisation location of Montreal. This is at the confluence of the St Lawrence and St Pierre rivers. People lived in the area at least 6000 years ago. Ville-Marie was established in 1642 with the first French people arriving. After some altercations with the locals a fort was established. The museum covers archaeological remains of pre-colonial and colonial inhabitation. Much of the excavated remains and artefacts are displayed in the basement of the museum. A 20 minute multi-media show provides historical background to Montreal and the archaeological excavations. This is well presented with a 180 degree visual display (audio in 8 selectable languages), incorporating some of the excavated remains in the demonstration. Afterwards you follow through more of the towns foundations with Native Indian artefacts also on display. The excavations show the substantial sewerage system developed (amongst other things of course). This is a source of many of the daily artefacts in use at the time, but also shows the impact of landscape change as the St Pierre river formed part of the sewerage disposal system. The river no longer exists.

Emerging from the crypt d'archaeologie into the museum shop you realise the scale of the excavations as in reality you are now in the original customs house across the road from the museum. Rather than re-tracing the steps underground we braved the cold weather to return to get our coats.

After the museum we strolled about the old port area for a while. Had lunch at Georgio's pizza place . Returned to the hotel early by taxi.

Had dinner in the restaurant downstairs. Escargot with garlic and cheese for entree, followed by a 10oz Angus steak with fromage blu sauce. Very nice.

Heading back down to sample local wines at the bar.
Dallas beat the Canadiens 5-2.