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Spending time in Kafein's small, downstairs lounge is like relaxing in a friend's awesome basement. The series of mismatched couches that overcrowd the room look like they were picked up curb side, giving the place the feel of a frumpish yet somehow charming den. Perfect for those who dislike haughty hangouts, this casual lounge is the place to go for an informal good time, especially if you've grown tired of the same old pub scene.

Kafein is a great place to spend hours engaging in a long, drawn out conversations. The DJ playing electronica from the corner of the room keeps it loud enough to enjoy, yet low enough to talk to someone without having to scream into their ear. Most couches are not too secluded so that you can even get to know your hot neighbours without having to make the dreaded trek across the room. With Concordia University nearby, the place is usually brimming with people in their 20's and 30's, although anyone is welcome, of course.

The drink menu is extensive enough, with alcoholic drinks costing $7 and virgin ones $4. You can also smoke shisha that comes in flavours such as apple, banana or strawberry. The servers are friendly and laid-back, just like the environment itself.

If you're too tired from the day's activities to go out but also don't want to be cooped up in your hotel room, make your way to Kafein and just hang out. Sink into comfort, enjoy the dim lighting, sip your favourite drink and pass the hookah hose around.

One of Montreal's many perks is being able to indulge in authentic foods from all around the world. Taking a stroll through the streets of Montreal, you'll be amazed by the vast selection of food types to choose from. One such option is Ethiopian food. With its rich flavours and communal dining experience, it manages to stand out in a city full of choices.

The newest Ethiopian addition is Mekdella, which overall has been receiving good reviews. This spacious restaurant has two floors filled with dark wood tables and although African art decorates the walls, nothing can mask the fact that this was once your average looking resto-pub. You can sit at a regular table but for the full experience, request to be seated in one of the stately, ornate wooden chairs that surround a messob, a traditional Ethiopian eating table resembling a large basket. The upbeat African music playing in the background will enhance this experience even more.

Your order will come served in a large platter so that everyone must dig in and share, making the meal an even more personal affair. Ethiopian food is not eaten with cutlery but instead with injera, a very thin flatbread that looks like a crepe. The food is served on a large piece of injera so that the juices and sauces of the meal can be soaked up and later enjoyed. The injera served on the side is rolled and you must unravel it like you might a delicate fabric, rip off a bite-sized piece, and use it to scoop the neat little piles of food before you. It makes eating more natural and freer, like the way you use to eat as a child before you could clutch utensils, although this with better manners than your spaghetti launching days.

One recommendation is the Ye Doro Wot, tender chicken drumsticks prepared with berber sauce, a spicy sauce with red peppers as its base, and served with a hard boiled egg. Even though they were delicious, $13.99 is steep for just two small drumsticks. The Ye Beg Tibs, a dish of small pieces of lamb prepared with butter, onion and garlic, was slightly chewy but still flavourful. In all, the food is appetizing, made with the right medley of spices to jump-start your palate. Instead of simply dining with someone, go to Mekdella to truly share the experience of a wonderful meal.

Sunday tends to be the most boring day of the week. People feel inclined to prep for the coming work week, catch up on long overdue chores or just lounge around recovering from a crazy weekend. Just because the weekend is coming to an end, it doesn't mean it is over! Instead of giving in to the approaching Monday blues, hundreds of Montrealers head to the Tam-Tams at Mont Royal Park to enjoy the last moments of weekend freedom.

The Tam-tams is a weekly Sunday gathering that has been happening in the same spot since the late 70's. People congregate at the Sir George-Étienne Cartier monument with hand drums (bongos) and play freestyle music as people from all walks of life dance freely to the hypnotic beats. You can bring your own drum (traveling hippie?) and join in on the playing, or simply show up as one of the many spectators. The environment is both upbeat and relaxing. The energetic play music or dance in the crowds while others lounge, read a book, or sunbathe, or take it up a notch and play Frisbee or hackisack. If you're traveling alone, you are guaranteed to meet some interesting people, if not other travelers.

This laissez-faire get-together runs from about May to September and starts in the late morning and goes on until dark. It's free, it's entertaining, and it affirms that you don't need much to have a good time other than be in the presence others. No wonder this tradition has been going strong for so many years. To get there, take the metro (subway) to the Mont-Royal stop, walk up toward the mountain until Parc Avenue and you will soon spot the crowds.

When it gets so hot you can fry an egg on the pavement, escape to St-Sauveur,  a small town in the Laurentians about 75 km from Montreal, where you can spend the day cooling off at the water park. This activity is fun for the entire family since it caters to all ages. You can fill the day with thrilling rides, or laze away the day poolside.

The adventurous should try the "Colorado River", where you and your partner will be seated in a raft and sent down a chute so bumpy, you won't be able to hold back the screams as you grip onto the handles so as to not be sent flying off. Another fun-filled ride is the "Rivière Grandes Casacades". After reaching the top of the ride via a chair lift, you will be sent sliding down chutes (some at very steep angles!) in an inflatable tube. In between the various chutes are small pools with ropes attached at the edges, where you will have to pull your way out of the current to make it down to the next chute. Expect laughs, flips, splashes and bumping into complete strangers, which is all part of the fun.

In between rides, relax in a pool chair and tan in the sun, or shelter yourself from the heat at one of the picnic tables underneath the tarps. There are food stands on site for lunch in case you are unable to pack your own, consisting mostly of typical overpriced greasy fare, although there is a spot where you can order fresh corn on the cob and refreshing watermelon.

The Laurentians is a beautiful region worthy of spending a few days in if time permits, especially if you're a nature lover and an outdoorsy type. Other activities in the area include golfing, parachuting, horseback riding and much more.

For water park information, visit http://www.parcaquatique.com and for information on the Laurentians, visit www.laurentians.com.

Osheaga, Montreal's music and arts festival, is a mere three years old this year, although it is so hugely successful, it seems as though it has been part of Montreal's mainstay for much longer. The bill is eclectic, showcasing local talent alongside some of the big names in music, both established and emerging. Mirroring a European-style music festival without the camping, this fest packs in over thirty-five acts in just two days. Complementing the music is the Salon des Arts, where a selection of contemporary fine art will be exhibited.

Osheaga is organized on admirable principles. It limits needless corporate presence, it offers quality concession stand fare and most importantly, it is eco-conscious. You can take a water bottle along with you and fill it up at one of the several refill stations (goodbye $4 water bottles!).

Osheaga is on August 3rd and August 4th at Parc Jean-Drapeau. This year, The Killers will headline the first day and Jack Johnson the next. If you're only interested in attending one of the days, tickets can be purchased separately. For a list of bands, ticket information and more, visit www.osheaga.com.

Skip the local movie listings and watch something unconventional next month, like a documentary about stalkers, a horror movie starring a 3000-pound boar, or a short film about two men who are convinced of Bigfoot's existence. This is a small sample of what to expect at this year's Fantasia, North America's premier genre film festival. The festival celebrates all types of film that are not readily accessible to viewers. Its programming highlights Asian films, stemming from Japan, Korea and China, but also includes a promising selection of films from over 25 countries.

Fantasia runs from July 3rd to July 21st and there are close to 100 feature-length films to choose from. Tickets are $8 each or ten can be purchased at a reduced cost. For film descriptions, ticket information and more, visit www.fantasiafestival.com.

One of the most energetic festivals around, the Festival International Nuits d'Afrique fills Montreal with world music, with an emphasis on music with African roots. For its 22nd edition, artists from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin America, as well as local artists, will offer some of Montreal's best summer entertainment. The festival is a true celebration of music and culture, with performances so lively that spectators cannot help but move to the entrancing beats.

Take advantage of the opportunity to see amazing artists you probably won't be lucky enough to see elsewhere. Many of the shows are free, while the ones that are not are very reasonably priced. If you're unable to make the trip to Montreal, you can purchase the festival's official album, featuring a compilation of songs by some of the notable artists performing this year.

The Festival International Nuits d'Afrique runs from July 8th to July 20th. For ticket information, schedules and more, visit www.festivalnuitsdafrique.com.