Petite tidbits: The Canadian Experience

This is a post that has been loooong overdue, but it's here at last, and I finally have the inspiration to put pen to paper - or finger to keyboard in this virtual case. I have spent two months here, and I am proud to say that I have survived thus far without too many predicaments. I have experienced snow (a very moderate amount though) and the joys of lugging heavy groceries, along with the tricky situation of sorting laundry into lights and darks. These have all helped me grow (well, not literally - I am still my original height of under 5 feet since 5th grade), and taught me how to be independent.
On August 26th, 2013, I bawled my eyes out at the Dubai International Airport - to which photographs will testify - and boarded a 14 hour flight to Toronto. I would say we (Mum and I) were off to a good start when a kind soul agreed to switch seats with me so that I could sit next to my mother. From that moment onward, everything was a learning experience and as difficult and emotionally draining as it is to be separated from my family, friends and home, I am thankful that I got this opportunity to try something new. I really do believe that God is strengthening me and giving me courage while building my character.
One thing that I had to program into my brain (which it was very unwilling to accept) is the 13% tax that you have to pay on everything, but I do love how you can return and exchange your purchases at any store! Also, Tim Horton's: enough said!! Another thing that amazed me was the beauty of the fall colors, and I am blessed to have a beautiful view from my apartment window. As the leaves fall and we turn the clock back, it's time to bring out all the fun winter clothes - colorful scarves, cute hats and warm booties (who says you can't be fashionable and functional at the same time?). This is definitely one of the plus sides to the cold.
Making new friends is also a wonderful experience - meeting people from different parts of the world with interesting cultures and backgrounds to share is opening up my world. It's interesting to find out how much we have in common despite living thousands of miles apart. For instance, I found out that my Jamaican friend also loves jack fruit, just like me! Of course, there are times when I terribly miss home, and in fact, the other day I even threatened to get on the next flight home, but thank goodness for Skype and smartphones! While I am most certainly looking forward to going back to Dubai for the Christmas break, I feel quite at ease in my quaint little apartment room I call home. I put my creative streak to good use in decorating my room so that it feels cosy and welcoming. I have to admit, having a Michaels store just fifteen minutes away is an added bonus (while simultaneously being a strain on the wallet :P).
Those are all my random ramblings from my scrambled brain for the moment. Hopefully, there'll be more (organized thoughts) following soon.
Here are some snapshots of "The Canadian Experience".