On one of the hottest days of the summer, it was still not too hot to take my bicycle to work and back today. The people who judge this as crazy behaviour have not taken the bus and metro in rush hour during a heat wave. You don't even want to go there.

As well as a healthy workout, my trip offers me the opportunity to check out my neighbourhood and see what's going on that day. I don't think it's just me but I do see a lot! I live in a tougher part of town in terms of poverty, crime and prostitution, but there has been an influx of families and artists who have revitalized the area, and a shift for the better - slowly but surely.

On my ride into work I am able to see first hand the young prostitutes already up and at work in time for the morning rush hour, barely able to stand on their lopsided sandals after their last drug fix. How men desire these lost, suffering women is something I will never be able to fathom. That and the way people judge these women for their suffering. It's an eye opener.

Still, there's plenty of everyday activity to keep one occupied. Who's planted the most exotic flower boxes? What's the latest graffiti? Have any new businesses opened, rather than closed? And I love seeing the smokers and cell phone users somehow making their way en bicyclette! How do they do it?

And on I ride, past a church that hands out coffee to homeless men and I realize that everyone's mornings are particular.

After work it's a different ride. I take my time to stop off and do a few errands: pick up some groceries, look endlessly for an illusive ripe avocado, pick out a gift, check out what's happening that night in the park and all of the sudden I realize that in spite of the heat I have a Cheshire grin on my face. This I only figure out as I notice people stopping to smile back at me. Montrealers are funny that way - they love a smile and happily return it. No questions asked.

A summer's day. A bike ride. A smile. I love having the time, especially in the summer, to indulge in the day-to-day part of life - like stopping to chat with the friendly woman who makes my favourite breakfast. I notice the people who have stress or despair written all over their face. I see the young children's faces as they celebrate the season, playing in wading pools and shrieking with delight. It makes me wonder why so many people hurry home to their televisions when there's a whole world of humanity right on their doorstep. Yes, it can all be overwhelming sometimes, but we northerners are a tough breed that knows the coldest nights and the hottest days, and how much easier it is to get through it all, together.