Kayla under First Snowfall

Things with Kayla have picked up right where they left off. The last time we saw each other was at the end of summer school when I drove her to the Madison airport. Then, just under a week ago, we next saw each other here at the Montréal airport when she flew in to begin her current two-week visit.

Hailing from the Southwestern U.S., Kayla is inexperienced when dealing with snow. Her entire wardrobe was purchased solely for this trip all the way down to her cap, coat, gloves, sweaters, scarves, and boots. She's done all right so far going about town... though I do wonder whether her thin coat--down-lined or not--is really keeping her warm enough.

Kayla did need advance direction when choosing footwear. I told her she'd have to bring boots to wear in the snow. The first pair she bought were beautiful--but a fashionable version of cowboy boots crafted from thin leather with smooth undersoles lacking any tread. Thankfully, she shared a photo of them with me before she came out. There was just enough time to inform Kayla before she left that any boots that could survive a Montréal winter would have to be a different thing, entirely.

Miya and Moya

I've taken Kayla to all of my now standard destinations on the tour I give whenever I show a guest around Montréal. In addition to my set itinerary we've visited a couple places that are of particular interest to her. Up in the northern end of town along Rue Jean Talon we went for Punjabi food then found a shop to fill a box with sweet gulab jamun and barfi; I'd never visited Montréal's South Asian neighborhood, before. Then, just down the street on Sherbrooke from my apartment/catsit location is Persian supermarket Akhavan: an appropriate destination given how the two of us first met when taking Persian together over summer school. Kayla stocked up on saffron and more sweets including baklava and her favorite delicacy, gaz--a particular type of nougat associated with the city of Isfahan.

Kayla and David in Stationery Shop

It's been a good time to host a guest. I'm back catsitting once again at the very same place where I spent Christmas last year. The location is perfect as just a few months ago I began renting out the unit immediately downstairs. The professor for whom I previously played (and am once again currently playing) cat-sitter has become my landlord. Kitties Miya and Moya continue to rule the house. It's been cozy and fun to spend Christmas break with cats and a close friend.

Though it's been cold the entire time she's been in Montréal, it was only a few hours ago that Kayla got to experience being outside in falling snow for the first time in her life. We've spent the evening baking up snickerdoodles, running around outside in not enough clothing, and wondering if any of my classmates are going to come over for the casual New Year's Eve affair I invited them all to.

More adventures with Kayla in Montréal--and beyond--to come over the next week. A Happy 2015 to all!