I wish I’d posted this link a while back because now I seem like a Johnny-come-lately. Whatever! Steely-eyed Anderson Cooper of CNN fame has this to say about Montreal (on the event of Obama’s visit to Canada last week).

It’s rather a glib and easy portrait, but hey — he’s fondly remembering the drinking days of his youth, so who can begrudge him? On this, another Montreal week that has been far from easy, it’s nice to have even this little reminder of what makes the place special. Joie de vivre, that’s what! And this weekend, Nuit Blanche is a chance to revel in the snowy bowels of winter and rekindle some festive spirits.

And what is Nuit Blanche? It’s a chance for Montrealers, and visitors, to take to the streets all day and night — well, especially night, that’s kinda the point — and run around like small children, taking delight in all the free open art galleries whilst drinking poorly concealed bottles of beer and wine. Last year, I didn’t make it down to the old port for skating and fireworks. This year, I plan to remedy that oversight.

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