Greetings from Across an International Border

So finally, the long-awaited adventure has begun. I'm sorry it took me so long to finally get here, but life seems to be going in fast forward. As I walked to school Wednesday morning, I saw the CN tower and it affirmed the reality...I'm in Toronto, Canada. I don't even know where to begin; I've forgotten where the beginning really is.

So far, starting over a second time has proved easier and far more frustrating--as much of an oxymoron as it is. I believe moving internationally has something to do with it. Yes, I've come here to prove Canada is a different country from the US. Since I've grown up with Canada as my closest neighbor--yes closer than any other US state-- I feel I came knowing more than some others. So for a quick recap of the few things I came knowing:

1. Canada is on the metric system (however, you still find most things in feet at stores, especially when it applies to housewares)
2. They have 1 dollar and 2 dollar coins -- a "Loonie" = 1 dollar and a "Two-nie" is 2 dollars
3. "Eh" is a common form of speech and they do pronounce "o" differently...Which explains why we say "aboot" when we talk "Canadian"

But there's plenty of things I had no idea about. Which, if you're from the US and think Canada is just a large 51st state: you're completely wrong. First of all, when applying for a bank account, I immediately got a bank card. Strange, in the US you wait for days to get it.

There is also a store in Toronto called "Canadian Tire," but it sells anything but tires. It's actually like a housewares store and a sporting goods store in one. And I have yet to see tires there other than ones on bikes. It sort of reminded me of the Christmas Tree Shops in New England.

Something else that I have yet to understand is why at some grocery stores they charge 5 cents for bags. My suggestion? Bring your own bags to the store. It was a little embarrassing to carry home toilet paper, granola bars and water without a bag.

I live in Old Cabbagetown. The basic history of my area is that it was one of the poorest areas of Toronto when most of the immigrants were Irish. They grew cabbages in their front yard because that's all they could afford. Now, it's known for it's old Victorian homes and high (in the words explained to me by Canadians) "brown" population. Though I hate putting it that way, it feels wrong. But, I'm merely restating what was earlier said to me--to be fair.

My roommates are extremely diverse. There are four of them. Three of them are Canadian and male, the other one is a girl from Tanzania. They are all really different people and living with guys is certainly a change from before, especially since I share a bathroom with them. And we all know that I have a tendency to be a clean freak. But with fascinating roommates, I should be in for some fun. Not to mention, I'm the only one from the States, how amazing is that? Yeah, only a rare few get excited to be in the minority. I just feel as though I will learn a lot from them.

And lastly, my program. Canadian schools don't baby their students, so I'm finding out a lot of stuff I have to do on my own. Like enrolling in health insurance (yay for socialism and universal healthcare) or financial aid (which apparently is available). All I can say is, I'm feeling my way blindly through a cave with nothing more than a small stick. And that's the frustrating part, trying to get aid before it's too late and even more importantly trying to get money for my rent.

Side note: the frustrating part is it takes 20 days for US checks to clear. And it's a pain in the ass to wire money. So, we've had to settle for wiring money. Though it's costly. There was also and issue with cellphones and I had to change providers to get a North American plan. Canadian cell plans suck for any long distance calling. US plans suck for roaming charges. It was hard to get what I want. And to think, I live THREE HOURS away. I could almost use smoke signals.

Back to school. I've only been to one class, Historical Processes and it promises to be a lot of work. But I'm excited to go in depth to photography in a way I've only barely touched on before. To better understand theory and social context, to understand deterioration and cataloging collections and even the chemistry behind the conservation of photographs. It all seems new and exciting right now.

But that's the thing about photography it's both a science and an art. So, in the end I never have to sacrifice what I love.

Like Toronto, it's near home, but it's another country away.