I have lived the last 25 years of my life in Montreal and every year I have asked myself this question: “Is Montreal your home?” After my last trip to my home country, Colombia, the resounding answer is “YES!“

There are many reasons why I love Montreal:

1. The cultural diversity is AMAZING. Just jump into a metro and absorb the diversity of languages and cultures. Many of the parties or events that I attend are full of people with so many diverse backgrounds, there is no end to it.
2. Incredible economic opportunities. One day I decided to be a dance teacher and my partner and I had the fortune of running a successful dance school for many years. Another time I decided I wanted to invest in real estate and I made tons of money. Another time I decided I wanted to be a photographer, and now I am in my fifth year running a photography business My latest endeavor is to create a website design business and it’s taking some effort to get some traction, the business is actively seeking clients. There are few places in the world where an immigrant who speaks broken English and poor French can just hang a shingle and start operating his business.
3. Excellent public transportation and very walkable. I love not needing a car to get around. My most frequent means of transportation is my two legs. I get around most places just by walking. I live within 10 minutes walking distance from two metro stations, I own a bicycle and there are many bicycle paths in the city, and when I need a car, I have several car-sharing garages within 10 minutes walking distance. It’s a blessing to feel that much freedom without being shackled with car ownership responsibility.
4. Plenty of food for someone who follows a plant-based diet. Although occasionally I eat meat, my main diet is plant-based. There are so many restaurants and groceries stores that cater to my preferences. The food is colorful, diverse, and delicious.
5. Security. Montreal is one of the safest cities I have ever been to. People go out to party and have a good time without ever being afraid for their security. There are so many industrialized countries where that’s not possible.

On the other hand, there are three things about Montreal that I don’t like.

1. The Francophone government is constantly trying to shove the French language down the throat of people who prefer to speak other languages. I feel constantly harassed by a government that is trying to erase the culture of immigrants. I prefer to speak English but every day I feel pressured to speak French. I don’t dislike speaking French but hate being forced to speak French.
2. Beggars on the streets. Montreal is a rich city full of opportunities, yet some people prefer to go out on the street, beg for money, and harass passer-by. Begging on the streets in a rich country like Canada is result of a mental health crisis as opposed to lack of economic opportunities, still… it’s annoying.
3. The long winters in my poorly insulated apartment.

I am close to retirement age now. My life is comfortable. Maybe, the one thing I would change is to spend more time down South, in my natal country (Colombia) during the winter. Other than that, I am happy to say that Montreal is my home.

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