New Haven, CT

I'm back in Montreal and happy to announce we found an apartment in New Haven, Connecticut. Maryn and I actually ended up choosing the second apartment we viewed however we saw a good seven or eight of them before making our final decision. The first ones we saw were in an apartment/condo complex that was just converted from what I believe was an old garment factory. They were quite expensive with acid stained floors, exposed brick walls - pretty but very cold and dark. Some other duds we saw during that day had sagging ceilings, scary "secret rooms", and one place had a washer and a dryer in the basement but charged $50 a month(!) to do laundry.

Luckily we weren't just visiting apartments because in between appointments we were able to get acquainted with the city. We walked around the neighbourhoods, through many of New Haven's green spaces, and even passed a bustling farmer's market. I can just imagine us going there on Saturday mornings to get fresh bread, fruits, and veggies.

When we finally found the apartment, which I will now dub, "The One", we weren't wowed by the exterior but we were instantly charmed by the inside: newly recovered hardwood floors, a claw footed bathtub, unique moldings over the big windows, archways, it's simple and uncluttered, and the centerpiece of the place is definitely the old wooden ironing board that comes out of the wall between the two bedrooms. It's a really nice turn of the century house with lots of character. It also helps that we liked the landlord right away.

The location is great too because it's super close to the train station so that it'll be easy for me to commute into New York and we're in Little Italy so I don't think we'll be starving anytime soon. Dave McGimpsey had mentioned to me that New Haven was a Mecca for pizza and he wasn't kidding. We stopped for lunch at New Haven's infamous "pie place", Frank Pepe's Pizzeria Napoletana, and had ourselves a feast. I didn't get to try their "clam pie" which is supposedly to die for but I guess I'll have plenty of time for that.

I'm tired from all the travelling but glad that it was a successful weekend. Now it's time to get reacquainted with Montreal because I want to take advantage of this city in the summer; a lot is happening right now. The Grand Prix wrapped up a few weeks ago, the Just For Laughs Fest is in full swing right now, and so is the The Jazz Festival. Speaking of which, are you going to see the Paul Simon tribute concert tonight? The lineup includes Bedouin Soundclash, Daniel Lanois, Elvis Costello, Sam Roberts, and a whole slew of all-star performers. The best part: it's free! It'll be taking place at the corner of Sainte-Catherine West and Jeanne-Meance at the Scene General Motors stage at 9:30pm. Maybe I'll see you there.