A nostalgic feeling washed over me upon first viewing of it's barred windows and separate entry and exit doors. A memory of a time lived in London, where corner stores were stocked with cheap alcohol and even cheaper produce. "What magical contents will I find!" I proclaimed as I walked towards the entry doorway. Confident of my decision to explore the unknown wonders that were contained inside. I noticed, upon pulling the entry door open, to my surprise there was a second door that required opening before entering. I figured it either was a simple psychological test to deter any person of low will, or because of Montreal's intense winters, a buffer barrier against the cold that lurked outside. Probably the latter.
Finally inside, the sickly fluorescent lights broke my train of thought and a suspicious glance from the man behind the counter forced me to focus on the task at hand. With it's uncomfortably thin aisles, slippery tiled floor, cellophane wrapped fruit, and oddly featured vegetable corner, I found myself in front of the wall of wine bottles looking at nondescript labels with 'red wine' as their particular description. I reached for a Spanish labeled bottle boldly stating "Companion". Yes bottle of alcoholic red liquid! You shall indeed be my companion on this magical mystery tour.
I made my way to the front counter through a Kubrick inspired hedge maze configuration of chip packets and cheap jerky, nodded to the man who was suspiciously eyeing me previously, engaged in the usual 'state the obvious' chit chat about the weather. "Wow it's cold" I stated, "Yep" grunted the man in return. Paid for my wine and journeyed to the double exit doors. Prepared from previous experience with the entry doors. I was quickly outside and on my way home.
As I realised I was only holding wine and not what I had intended to originally buy, I conceded that The Dep across the Road fulfilled my curiosity and provided me with what i was really looking for.
Dan
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