Story: Summer 2021
Digital nomads are people who use telecommunications technologies to earn a living and conduct their life in a nomadic manner. Such workers often work remotely from foreign countries, coffee shops, public libraries, co-working spaces, or recreational vehicles. – Wikipedia
Make it clear that I am not a curious digital nomad. I don’t mind work-life balance or this kind of stuff. I want to contribute to a startup or small business providing my experience as much as possible. I only hope that my client’s success. There is not space to think about nomad life. I am serious about work.
In a few weeks, I have not been able to boost self-motivation. Body and thinking are not sharp. Getting tired easily. I need to change the environment.
In July, I got a second shot. So, I am thinking to go to Eastern Canada, Montreal, Ottawa and Toronto. Future planning is fun. It has hope.
Best Places to Live in Portugal for Expats and Digital Nomads
©Traveling with Kristin
Why Portugal suddenly? I wanted to remind you what the digital nomad looks like. I am working with a Portugal client and I needed to know about the country. Nomad topic is optional.
I can live only in Lisbon. I have no curious countryside and nature life. I like to meet locals in the city.
Vancouver to Montreal
I checked the fright ticket price in August. It’s over $500. In September, I can find it around $300. We are still under the pandemic, but summer is summer. I may need to slide my schedule.
I have to attend a trial at the provincial court on August 11, 2021. I will write a blog for it in the other blog. Anyway, I cannot make a booking until it’s over. Because the defendant can postpone the data. I still don’t know what will happen.
*Update: August 13, 2021
I booked the flight, Vancouver to Montreal. It costs $221.99. I will stay in Montreal for 2 weeks. I won’t take a lot of stuff, but I guess I need to pay for 1 suitcase. Acceptable. I considered the plan, Toronto to Vancouver for return, but I could not decide it. If I made a clear travel plan right now, I could find a one-way ticket for around $100(1 month before). I could not firm it.
Airbnb in Montreal
I don’t feel it’s affordable. I would like to find around $25 per night. I am going to stay at least 1-2 weeks. I saw a dormitory. Can we share the room for 4 people? I did not mind it in Kelowna, BC a while ago, but I am not sure I can do it now even I am vaccinated. Maybe I won’t choose it.
*Update: August 14, 2021
I sent a message to some hosts. The first few hosts did not respond in 24 hours. I did chat with a few hosts. The price range is $30-$40. At first, I sent messages to the hosts without check any details. Once a host responded, I check the details, images, and descriptions. When I saw mulch-hostings by 1 host, I worry about the experience. It looks like a real estate business. I prefer an authentic host. They are hosting because their child left the house. I had a good and bad experience in San Francisco. Basically, if hosts try automation, it does not work well for a tenant.
I will find it in a few days. A flight is nonrefundable.
*Update: August 20, 2021
I found a place to stay. It costs $33.00 x 15 nights = $495.00 + fee = $527.33. I can get downtown by walk. Not bad, I think. I searched a rent in Montreal. I can find a studio/1 bedroom between $700 to $900. An example is below. Currently, my rent is $615, 3F. I like a big window. I don’t have many complaints about the room right now. The neighbor is sometimes annoyed though. I don’t stay home long anyway. Everyone can live nice place if they increase the rent, but it’s temporary. I prefer to save on the rent somehow. I am going to visit some places during the 15 days.
*Update: September 17, 2021
There was co-living space for digital nomads. I cannot try it this time.
Nomad Coliving
Before the flight
*Update: August 21, 2021
I am searching Air Transat and how my travel looks like. Then, I realized 2 topics.
– What size of baggage I can carry on?
– Do I need to take a COVID test before the flight even I was furry vaccinated?
I wrote a blog about it.
Blog: The Best Carry On Baggage For Freelance Web/Graphic Designer
*Update: September 6, 2021
I am preparing for the travel. According to the internet, I don’t have to take a COVID test traveling within Canada(website). I checked some testing prices and it’s a rip-off.
Lists before travel
– Passport (& copy) ✓✓✓
– Tickets for an airline (& print out) ✓✓✓
– Drivers license
– Health insurance card
– Foreign currency ✓✓
*Check the passport and expiration date as well.
*In my experience, WiFi at the airport is unstable. Printout is at ease.
– Suitcases, backpack
– Maps and directions (print out if need)
– Travel pillow
– Sleeping mask
– Earplugs
– Travel locks
– Luggage tags
– Pens and paper
– Snacks, drinks ✓✓✓
– Small pocket knife (not in a carry-on!)
– Rope(expandable clothesline) ✓
*Snacks and empty water bottles save money at the airport.
– Cellphone, charger
– Laptop, iPad or Tablet, E-reader
– Chargers ✓✓✓
– Travel adapter and converter
*I always think that I need an iPad only during travel.
– Underwear
– Socks
– Sleepwear
– Shirts, polos
– Jeans, trousers, shorts
– Dresses, skirts
– Shoes, sneakers
– Flipflops, slippers ✓✓
– Jackets, coats, raincoats
– Belts, ties
– Scarves, hats, gloves
*I don’t think no one forgets clothes. Less is better.
– Toothbrush, paste
– Deodorant
– Tweezers (not in a carry-on!)
– Soap, shampoo, conditioner
– Towels
– Nailcare
– Tissues
– Skin products
– Glasses, contact lenses
– Vinyl bags ✓
*These products above are always in the small pouch. No need to care.
– Swimsuit
– Walking shoes
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Umbrella ✓
– Daypack
– Books, e-books, magazines ✓
*Update: September 13, 2021
The website for check-in exactly opened 24 hours prior. I could choose the window sheet, but half of the seats were already filled. Honestly, I don’t get used to the flight.
*Update: September 13, 2021
I bought a carry-on suitcase at Away on September 1, 2021. It arrived at UPS Richmond on September 9, 2021. UPS did not deliver it. I saw terrible reviews, 1.6/5, on Google. UPS did not leave a delivery notice and no call on Friday. I don’t think they even came here. I called them in the morning on Monday, but no delivery during the whole day. Disappointed, but this is Canada. Away’s support was great. Their mistake is using UPS. The suitcase will be returned without open it.
*Update: September 14, 2021
I did check-in online, but I used kiosks at the YVR. I don’t know how online check-in(and printout) actually works. After all, I need to checked-in the luggage at the counter. It costs $39.XX. So, it will be $80 for the round trip. I will ask refund from Away Suitcase. $330-$80=$250, I could save this amount, I think this way.
After gate-in(backpack check), I could find Starbucks and the table at the domestic waiting area. I did not see the plug near the table, but it’s okay. I have 2 hours until takeoff and less than 1 hour before boarding. MacBook Pro works in 5 hours without charge. WiFi at YVR is quite stable.
*Update: September 14, 2021
When the airplane closed to Toronto, it was shaken. A pilot changed the course. It was scared.
When I was in Air Transat, I already felt that it’s away, French announcement first. There was no direct train from the Montreal airport to downtown, only a bus or taxi. Montreal is the second-largest city in Canada though. It costs $10(+$6 if you buy the card). The bus driver also spoke French and I had no idea. I had a print to a destination. Somehow, I could get accommodation.
3 hours forward from west to east. When I was a teen, I felt the world is huge. Now, not so much. We can transfer across the north US in only 5 hours. It will be shorter and shorter by future mobility.
City of Montreal
©Expedia
I found 3 WeWork locations downtown(Google Maps). I also searched for the library. Business hour is very flexible to each location. I need to be cautious. I mainly stay in Montreal on the trip. I don’t decide which airport I will use for return, Montreal or Toronto.
*On Google Maps, the results shows 3 locations, but on the WeWork website, there are 4 locations.
*Update: September 16, 2021
It’s been 3 days. I am walking in the city every day. I felt it was a good atmosphere near McGill University. It reminds me of the Kitayama area in Kyoto, Japan.
Tripadvisor: Things to Do in Montreal
*Update: September 17, 2021
I finally found some solutions, working place, cafe, etc on Google. I am not a nomad. So, I did not search it last 4 days. Once you search nomad + work + your city, no need to be afraid anymore.
*Update: September 21, 2021
I spend time at a local cafe in the morning until 10 am. All places ask me for vaccination passports when I tell them for here. Very strict, no exception.
*Update: September 27, 2021
My travel is almost over. I spend 2 weeks in only Montreal and local. I could not go to Ottawa this time. My first priority is always to work/client and I am still glad to have an appropriate amount of clients during the travel. I realized the benefits of living in Canada. We can go on many types of travel, significantly nature in New Brunswick or Metropolitan in Toronto, European atmosphere in Montreal, QC or NYC/LA in the United States. I don’t know much about the world, but this diverse, location is quite lucky enough. In Canada, I don’t have to worry about cell phones and currency. It was also good for work.
*Updated: September 18, 2021
First 5 days, I did not use public transportation, only walk, in Montreal. I found a weekly pass, Monday to Sunday for $28. I am going to use it.
Where to work in City of Montreal
Co-Working space(& local school):
Library of the École de Technologie Supérieure (ETS)
There are many round desks on 1 floor of a building. I found free WiFi, but Google shows security and privacy issues. If you can use a hotspot by phone, ETS works. There are so many desks and quiet, like a library.
BAnQ Grande Bibliothèque
There is BAnQ_Public WiFi, but it requires ID/PW. It may not be suitable for nomads. I used MLTWiFi and it’s no password, no security issue, but I don’t mean it’s security. Many desks on 3F, but it’s super quiet. I visited around 11 am. I saw many spots I can work. No one chats or calls. I don’t feel this is the same country as Vancouver, BC.
*No coffee cup. I was stopped at the entrance.
Marc-Favreau Library
I visited Mile End on Saturday morning and visited Marc-Favreau Library. Modern and cozy size of Library. In front of the library, there is a park and local people enjoy family time, birthday party, on weekends. I like to see these precious moments of locals people. That’s the travel. I could find MLT WiFi again. Open every day. Good for work.
WeWork
There are 3 locations on Google Maps, but actually 4 locations on the WeWork website. An on-demand APP(day-use) does not available in Montreal, QC. I visited the one of locations. A receptionist is nice to talk with.
Crew Collective & Cafe
Looks great. To be updated.
Anticafe
To be updated.
Cafe:
Dispatch Coffee
I visited Dispatch Coffee at 4021 St Laurent Blvd at 8 am. I was the first customer. I stayed for 1 hour and a half. I heard many people ordered by
English surprisingly. A few customers were stayed and used laptops. Good for work.
Cafe Leo
I just passed by Cafe Leo. Looks simple and clean. Good distance each table. Open at 7 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends. I visited Cafe Leo on Sunday around 8:30 am. 2 staff, but no customer there. Price is appropriate. Enough table, good distance and clean washroom. WiFi password on the table. Nice to spend time in the morning.
Tommy Café
Open at 8 am is okay in Montreal. I arrived at Tommy Cafe at 200 Notre-Dame St., around 8:15 am. Nice building and tiny interior. People were already line up. I saw many tourists until I left there. WiFi requires a password. I was okay to try some food, but it was over $10. I did not eat. Some people were using laptops.
49th Parallel Cafe
Thanks to familiarity. I found 49th Parallel Cafe on the second day in Old Montreal by chance. I did not visit there, but it looks enough space and people were using laptops.
Café Barista
I passed by in front of Cafe Barista. The location is not good for daily use. Need to purpose to visit this area.
Cafe Myriade
I visited Cafe Myriade at 1432 Mackay Street, Montreal, Quebec. The location is not on the main street. So, people have to know the location before the visit. I could not find WiFi. There are around 15 tables total(inside and terrace). After 8 am, I saw a long lineup. The staff was talking in English. The cup displays the 49th parallel. I am not sure the same group or just using their beans. After 8:30 am, local people sit in the seats. I could feel vibrant slightly.
Pikolo Espresso Bar
I visited Pikolo Espresso Bar on a rainy morning. Open at 7:30 am on weekdays. Pikolo also uses 49th mag for a small americano as well as Cafe Myriade. There is 3 tables on the 2nd floor. There is WiFi with a password(according to the iPhone). The old building, the high ceiling is nice. It was a productive morning. This atmosphere reminds me Revolver Coffee, the top cafe in the City of Vancouver(According to the survey of the local newspaper). I cannot compare authenticity and quality though. Vancouver is top-notch for cafe mania in Canada.
Cafe Felice
I found Cafe Felice on Google Maps. Because they have a good review. Looks like an Italian cafe, with a red sign and a red sofa(4-5 tables). I saw 1 customer used a laptop. Middle tables may not be comfortable for work. Customer lines up. Open at 5 am every day. That’s amazing. $2.5 for a small Americano. The owner is so energetic when I was in the store on Sunday morning. He was singing, greeting and welcoming customers. Very localized. I am glad to visit Mile End during my Montreal trip. Some Mile End neighbors do not accept a credit card, CASH ONLY. Be cautious.
Café DAX
Walk through Mile End, I visited Cafe DAX. I saw a modern interior on the website, but it looks different under the COVID. I arrived at 8:30 am. Mexican lady was welcoming and friendly. You can open a laptop only the window sheet, 3-4 chairs. There are terrace sheets, but not sure about work. There is WiFi with a password.
Saint Henri MIicro Roaster
I stayed close to Lionel-Groulx Station and I always looked for the cafe in the other area. I found a cozy neighbor cafe by chance. Open at 7:30 am on weekdays. The staff is friendly. WiFi is available. I felt the taste of coffee is similar to Matchstick Coffee Roasters. The cup is the same. Only the building is old. It’s a good meaning.
Café Origine
I spent the time at Cafe Origine until BAnQ opens. The decor, illustration, is good for IG. Enough space to work. The taste of Americano was not good this morning, too sour. The staff was not friendly, but it’s not only staff. I did not feel people is nicer compared to Vancouver during the travel.
Café Osmo
To be updated.
Café SAT
To be updated.
Structure Roasters
I found Structure Roasters by chance. Looks serious coffee shop and a good review.
Café Code Noir (No website)
4095 St Laurent Blvd, Montreal, Quebec H2W 1Y7
Starbucks
I thought many Starbucks would be available for work in the morning, but I could not find the store which I can stay at the table sheets. I checked the image on Google Maps, but it does not indicate the actual store photos. Mobile order is not available.
Starbucks at 1265 Av. des Canadiens-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC H3B 0G6
*The washroom at this location requires key number.
Airbnb in Ottawa
We can find Airbnb all over the city. I feel that Airbnb has changed people’s behavior. I have a great experience as well as a terrible. Overall, it’s a great business.
City of Ottawa
©Expedia
The capital city of Canada, but no WeWork location. I can find many co-working spaces. I am going to visit Parliament Hill, but not sure that I work in Ottawa or not.
Airbnb in Toronto
The biggest city in Canada. I heard the impression from a friend. He said, Toronto looks like a small New York.
I am looking forward to visiting there and how I feel. I can evaluate it at the first impression. Chicago, IL was great and I liked it. Shanghai, China, was a small Shinjuku for my impression.
City of Toronto
©Expedia
I came to Canada in late 2012. There were 3 reasons. 1 is far from Japan compared to Augusrarila. 2 is the neighbour of the United States. 3 is Niagara Falls. I won’t visit there at this time.
I don’t know what I want to do there. I don’t admire there right now. I have no knowledge about Toronto.
Anyway, there are so many WeWork locations. I can enjoy a work trip.
Alternative: Vancouver to Seattle
Seattle is easier to trip for Vancouver residents compared to Eastern Canada. The government announced that the border will be opened for Americans in mid-august, but no information from Canada to The United States. Delta Virus is spreading in the United States. I cannot visit there right now.
©Expedia
I visited Seattle a couple of times, a few years ago. 1 block of The United States is wider than Vancouver. I got tired to get local places by walk at that time. I did not know, but there are so many WeWork locations. Funded global company does not care about short-term profit. Capitalism.
Anyway, I can enjoy a work trip for a month.
Vancouver to Victoria
Nice place, but Victoria is a quite small city, downtown. In addition, 0 WeWork location. Not suitable for a work trip. If you enjoy the sea-related attractions, Victoria may suitable for you.
Conclusion: Future planning is fun
During the Montreal trip, I was pleased in my life. Almost no rain, mild temperature and looked at a lot of local people and their life. I could work every day. I appreciated living in Canada a couple of times during the travel. I am definitely living the best era in history.
I am Under the pandemic, I understand that many people struggle with mental illness, isolation. I am okay. I know that I am patient, resilient.
I am learning life/business philosophy from Dr. Inamori who is the founder of Kyocera Corporation. Whatever the situation is, we have to keep positive. We have to believe that the future is bright. I don’t know the next destination, Ottawa, Toronto, NYC, Seattle, Portland, LA or San Francisco even though US currency and mobile will be issues for me. Anyway, making the future plan helps me to work hard by then. Thank you, Montreal sincerely.
Comparison Vancouver and Montreal as freelance web/graphic designer
Vancouver
Pros
– English(Majority of Canada + United States + England + Australia, etc)
– Business hour of library and cafe
– Time zone(3 hours gap(EDT) is no issue for my lifestyle.)
– Good for business
Cons
– City size
– Living cost
– Diversity
Montreal
Pros
– City size
– Atmosphere/foreign country
– Less living cost compared to Vancouver
– Diversity
– Good for life
Cons
– French(Local SEO)
– Time zone
Reference:
Nomadlist.com
HBR: Your Company Needs a Digital Nomad Policy
Movie lists during the travel:
Joker
Just Mercy
