carl D.
The house was a mix of finished wood, brick, shaded lights, antiques, and what seemed like family heirlooms, rather than the usual beige paneling and vinyl. Christian made sure we could park in his garage, guiding me in and out because the space was tight. I left the car there for a couple of days, which was all I needed in Montreal. I was there in 2014 for a couple of days of the jazz fest and booked late, when many places were already unavailable. Christian welcomed us, though he had sensible boundaries for hosting people in his home. He preferred to prepare and serve breakfast without guests in the kitchen, and some parts of the house were quietly off-limits. We ate in the dining room or on the shady back porch. Breakfast was generous and tasty, and the group, two couples, two singles, and Christian, was good company. The room was spacious, the bed comfortable, and the central air was welcome in July. I think there was a late-night curfew so Christian could sleep undisturbed, but otherwise I came and went as I pleased. This kind of personal B&B isn't for everyone. Since then I've preferred somewhere a little less personal, though I enjoyed the morning conversations with Christian and the other guests. I remember Christian as welcoming, with a dry sense of humor.
