It's 8am on a Sunday in Montreal. The streets are empty and everything is pretty much closed, awaiting the inevitable brunch rush. Evidence of the revelry of Saturday night litters Rue Ste. Catherine.
Just when I'm pretty sure nothing in this town is open this early, I come across one of the handful of Second Cups in Montreal. The barista seemed frankly surprised to see someone walking around. I came in and asked her what the best thing on the menu was, and she recommended the vanilla latte (good, but too sweet for my tastes).
I pestered her for quite some time about her life and what to do and see in Montreal. She was very helpful and entertained my many questions. I left with a local's view of what to do in Montreal for the remainder of my stay.
Thank God for morning people. And chains? Not always a bad thing.