VIVRE À PARIS OU À MONTRÉAL? | Lenadorable

Summary

Lena Mahfouf takes viewers on her last days in Montreal before traveling to New York City. She reminisces about living in Quebec as a child and compares life there to Paris, highlighting pros like better work-life balance and access to nature and cons like long winters and healthcare issues. Though unsure whether she'll move back someday, Lena feels a strong connection to Montreal and ends by inviting viewers to share what city they dream of living in.

Takeaways

• 😭 The video begins with the creator feeling emotional about their last day in Montreal, reflecting a deep connection with the city despite looking forward to an amazing but undisclosed destination.
• 🌎 The creator shares a personal history of living in Quebec from ages 5 to 10, hinting at a deep-rooted attachment to Canada influenced by their parents' decision to move there for a new experience.
• 🚨 Highlights the significant difference in healthcare systems between Canada and France, emphasizing the challenges and delays in receiving medical care in Canada, which was a major factor for their family's return to France.
• 🌧 Discusses the weather in Montreal, mentioning the intense cold but also how proper clothing makes it bearable, contrasting it with the humid cold in France that feels more penetrating.
• 📈 Addresses the rising cost of living in Montreal, especially the spike in housing and public transportation costs, making it a challenge for many to afford living in the city.
• 🍴 Shares a culinary exploration of Montreal, including tasting local fast food options like sweet potato fries and onion rings, while noting the difficulty of finding healthy food options compared to Paris.
• 💸 Talks about the job market in Montreal, noting that while there may be more job opportunities, the lack of job security and benefits such as vacation time compared to France is a drawback.
• 🚶 Explores the concept of work-life balance in Montreal, suggesting that personal well-being is prioritized over professional life, which contributes to a less stressful living environment.
• 🏃 Highlights the accessibility of nature and outdoor activities in Montreal, emphasizing the quality of life and the proximity to various natural wonders and recreational activities.
• 🖥 Concludes with a contemplation on potentially moving to Montreal, reflecting on the emotional and practical considerations of such a decision, including the impact on their partner's career and the logistical challenges involved.

Q & A

What does Mena say is the biggest downside to living in Montreal?

Mena says the biggest downside is the healthcare system. She gives examples of very long emergency room wait times and difficulty accessing care compared to France.

How does Mena compare the cost of living between Montreal and Paris?

Mena says the cost of living, especially housing, has increased a lot more in Montreal than Paris. However, she notes that salaries tend to be higher in Montreal to match the higher costs.

What does Mena particularly enjoy about the changing seasons in Montreal?

Mena loves how distinct each season is, especially fall with the changing maple leaf colors and winter with the snow. She also loves the joie de vivre and festivals during Montreal summers.

Why does Mena say she had to move back to France from Montreal as a child?

Mena's family had to move back to France for health reasons - to access care that was not reliably available in Quebec at the time.

What does Mena like about the blend of French and English in Montreal?

Mena loves how easily Montrealers switch between French and English, calling it an incredible richness. It also makes practicing English easier.

How does Mena compare work culture in Montreal versus Paris?

Mena observes Montrealers tend to prioritize their personal lives over work earlier in the evenings than Parisians.

What makes Mena feel more secure in Montreal than Paris?

Mena feels much safer walking around Montreal than Paris. She also shares an example of a time her camera was returned to her when she dropped it.

Why does winter weather feel less cold to Mena in Montreal?

The winter cold is a drier cold in Montreal, so with proper clothing Mena does not feel as chilled as with the damp cold in Paris.

Is Mena considering moving to Montreal?

Yes, Mena is seriously considering moving to Montreal with her boyfriend someday, but recognizes it is more complicated than she would like.

Where is Mena traveling to from Montreal at the end of the video?

At the end, Mena shares she is taking a trip to New York City to meet up with some friends there.