100 Strangers Project Part 25

 Meet: Ammany Muthulingam

Ammany is 64 years old and from Sri Lanka. He has lived in Montreal for the past 27 years. He told me his wife was killed in Sri Lanka by a bomb in April 1987. She was only 35 years old and he left soon after that. He was now a widower with 5 children to raise. When he moved here, he opened a restaurant that served Canadian and Italian food. Two years ago he had very bad cholestrol and had to have open heart surgery, and he still has problems to this day. One of his children now lives in Switerland, one in Toronto and the other three live near him in Montreal. He has 11 grandchildren, who he spoils rotten with sweets. Ammany treated me like one of his grandchildren and offered me the contents of his pockets when I finished the interview. He gave me a packet of chewing gum and two packets of sweets. Thank you Ammany for sharing your life with me on a very hot day in Jean Talon.

©Alison Slattery. All Rights Reserved.

And the celebrations continue!!!

Portugal V Netherlands Euro 2012 (2-1)

I watched the game at Bar Frappe today. The Portuguese congregated outside and downstairs to watch Portugal V Netherlands, while all the German fans watched their game V Denmark on the terrace upstairs. Portugal needed a win today to go through to the next round, however Netherlands shook them up with a lot of early possession and then an early goal. Portugal responded before the half with a goal to level the game. The crowd went wild. The man in the photo above picked me up and threw me around the place with excitement, while the woman in the photo below is trying to get him to stop because I was trying to take photos. It was actually great craic and I still managed to snap these while being tossed around. Second half and Portugal score, only to be offside, what a shame. Portugal fans can't watch and everyone's hands seem to be on their faces with shock. Minutes later a second goal goes in. What a game for the Portuguese and they even hit the woodwork twice today. Ronaldo finally managed to find the net in this tournament and at such a critical game. The celebrations continued on St Laurent and Rachel where a huge crowd gathered and sang ole ole ole. Flags were flying, whistles blowing, traffic stopped and enjoyed the festivities. Police came and gave up trying to get the traffic sorted and were basically hoarded off the streets by the crowds singing to them. Below is a big collection of what I witnessed today and immensely enjoyed, I hope the Portuguese go far because the celebrations are worth it to watch.

Above: Stopped at St Laurent and Rachel

Above: Young and old come out to play

Above: Such a joyous moment

Above: Ole ole ole

Above: The police just give up and almost join in.

Above: Traffic stopped and boys get out and join in with the celebrations.

Above: Everyone is having fun

Above: All passing cars get covered in flags.

Above: This guy is loving the flags all over his car.

Above: What happens when an STM bus comes along?

Above: A view from inside the bus.

Above: Singing to the bus driver.

©Alison Slattery. All Rights Reserved.

100 Strangers Project Part 24

Meet: Daniel Locatelli

Daniel, a Canadian resident who lives here during the summer months and spends his winters in Puerto Escondido, in the state of Oaxaca,  Mexico. I found Daniel eating blueberries in a hidden shaded corner of Jean Talon market. He is 63 years old and a retired machinist. He speaks French and Spanish. Daniel, thank you for taking the time to listen to my broken French and for being so patient with me. Best of luck with your travels.

©Alison Slattery. All Rights Reserved.

The Portuguese Celebrate

 Portugal V Denmark, Euro 2012.

Portugal played Denmark today in what was one of the best games of the Euro 2012 so far. Portugal  dominated the game with an early 2-0 lead with goals from Pepe and Postiga. Denmark crept a cracker of a goal in right before half time, which was well needed for them to stay in the game. Denmark lost two of their midfielders early in the game due to injuries, which was a huge loss to the Danes, however fantastic substitutes provided chances for Denmark. Second half,  Ronaldo misses some easy chances for Portugal and the Danes punish Portugal two minutes later with a fantastic goal by Bendtner. A Portuguese substitution two minutes later and they bring on Varela, who within three minutes, misses the volley but on the second occassion shoots it on half-volley with his right foot as he turns, in to the back of the net. Portugal win and the crowd goes wild.

Above: Christiano Ronaldo misses an easy goal with only the goal keeper to beat.

Above: Varela, the substitute puts in the back of the net.

Above: The celebrations begin.

Above: Even the fire engines were not safe from the crowds.

Above: Fire crackers go off.

©Alison Slattery. All Rights Reserved.