FAMILY MATTERS - Ken, Kari & Kids: 2010

Old Lachine Canal at Sunset 2010

We arrived in Montreal at midnight at the end of January 2010 to temperatures below 25 C, snow, ice and wind. We left Singapore on a sunny humid day with the temperature above 33 C.
The photos you see here are taken of the first little place we lived on arrival - a one bedroom furnished rental in the community of Lachine on the island of Montreal.

Bathtub in a Closet

The photos are in order from the bathroom to the front door and onto the street.

It looks like the tub was an afterthought in this old building (most buildings in Montreal area are from the late 1800's - early 1900's). It barely fits between the two walls - which by the look of the window between the tub and kitchen suggests this was either the original back door or a porch. To gain access to the tub one must climb over the taps.

Toilet in a Closet

Opposite the tub is the toilet and sink - also neatly shoe-horned into a space that was probably a closet. The best way in for a big man - back in carefully avoiding the sink.

Kari Searching for Permanent Home

This would be the 'orange' suite. We learned later that the one beside this on the ground floor was the 'lime green' suite. On the left is the only closet without a tub or toilet and perfect for hanging clothes. It is tucked under the main entrance stairway leading from the street to the upper owners suite.

Dangerous Couch

The innocent looking couch is really a silent killer...if one makes the mistake of sliding into a lounging position in order to be more comfortable this contraption drops forward, dumps the body on the floor as the back snaps down to devour the remains.

Kitchen with Pass-Through to Shower

Bathroom Window

The kitchen is fully equipped with fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher and clothes washer / dryer combination. The latter has a tendency to 'walk' crablike across the floor when engaged in cleaning clothes. Best to sit on it while in operation so that it stays in place.

Exit on the Left. Bedroom on the Right

The central living room is very comfortable (just watch the couch) and comes with wireless internet, stereo and flat screen TV. The table folds out to make a great workplace and is large enough to handle two laptop computers side-by-side.

Most Comfortable Bed in the World

The hall was long and narrow - heated so that coats and boots can dry out and stay warm.

Skinny Hall

A look at the building from across the street - two suites on the bottom (lime green on the left and orange on the right) - plus the owners suite upstairs.