I know that many people wouldn’t consider Canada as being very different from America, but trust me it is! The fashion, language, food and history are a few of the things that set apart Canada from America. Every day I find myself facing new obstacles that I wouldn’t have expected and I am learning more and more about myself and how I react to new situations and my ability to cope. Apart from the language barrier, (which is becoming less of a problem thanks to my French classes), functioning in a city is one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do.
In Vermont, I am use to the slow paced lifestyle. For example, when selecting something to eat at a sandwich shop I am use to taking my time, reviewing the menu completely and then carefully making a decision. Here I have noticed that many of my choices are made on impulsion because I feel like I am constantly being rushed. This new change of pace, while at first was difficult to get use to is now becoming a way of life.
Next weekend is our spring break and I will be returning to Vermont. Though I am excited to go home and see my family, I am a little worried that I’m going to find myself bored. I’ll be spending time with my mom who lives outside of the city, and I’ll be stranded without a car. While I don’t have a car here, it is very easy to walk out my door any time of day and find somewhere to go and something to do. When I get back to Vermont, I will walk out my door and… yes I can’t finish that sentence either. Don’t get me wrong, I love Vermont, but I am quickly adapting to the city life and I love it!
Monday, February 18, 2008
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Mosaic or Melting Pot?
In our Canadian History class we are learning about the idea of Canada being referred to as a mosaic. This term implies that many different cultures are mixed in the same country while each keeps their own unique identity. In the United States we have been named the land of the melting pot, where all of these different cultures and backgrounds have merged together in one to create a universal culture. Based on what I’ve seen in Canada so far, I would be more apt to believe that the United States is very similar to Canada in which our country is more like a mosaic than a melting pot.
Like many large cities, if you were to walk around Montréal for a little while you could pass through China town, the Irish section, the Italian section, and others. While many of the people who live in these sections of town are native born Canadians, they keep their heritage roots alive by surrounding themselves with their native way of life. From the cuisine to the shopping, walking down the street you can get a taste of another culture.
There are many cities in the United States that are similar to Montréal in which they have the “mosaic” feel to them. If you were to go through New York City you would find the same sort of thing. Living in Vermont I would say that it’s inevitable that our population is more of a melting pot than a mosaic due to the lack of cultural diversity. Many Vermonters are from Vermont or surrounding states, few come from other countries. So it is refreshing to go somewhere that not only am I surrounded by an extremely diverse population, but I am also surrounded by their culture.
It’s exciting that every day I have the opportunity to have a taste of many countries such as China, Italy, Ireland, and of course Canada. I never expected to experience such a cultural difference less than 2 hours away from my home in Vermont!
Like many large cities, if you were to walk around Montréal for a little while you could pass through China town, the Irish section, the Italian section, and others. While many of the people who live in these sections of town are native born Canadians, they keep their heritage roots alive by surrounding themselves with their native way of life. From the cuisine to the shopping, walking down the street you can get a taste of another culture.
There are many cities in the United States that are similar to Montréal in which they have the “mosaic” feel to them. If you were to go through New York City you would find the same sort of thing. Living in Vermont I would say that it’s inevitable that our population is more of a melting pot than a mosaic due to the lack of cultural diversity. Many Vermonters are from Vermont or surrounding states, few come from other countries. So it is refreshing to go somewhere that not only am I surrounded by an extremely diverse population, but I am also surrounded by their culture.
It’s exciting that every day I have the opportunity to have a taste of many countries such as China, Italy, Ireland, and of course Canada. I never expected to experience such a cultural difference less than 2 hours away from my home in Vermont!
Goodbye Delivery Hello Home Cooking
There are certain everyday tasks that you would never expect to be difficult in another country until you’re there. Ordering a pizza was a challenge due to the language barrier. Even though most people speak French and English, my American accent and their Canadian accent made it difficult to understand each other. It took an hour and a half and 3 phone calls to the delivery place for the pizza to reach its destination. It really put it in perspective how lucky I am that they speak both French and English. Abroad students in America must speak English to live their everyday life. I have a newfound respect for these students.
I’ve realized that getting in with the locals is essential to seeing a side of Canada I wouldn’t otherwise know. One of my roommates has a bunch of friends who are locals and they have brought my to the weekend hot spots, told me the cheapest places to grocery shop, and give me general information on how to navigate the city. Without knowing them it would be more difficult for me to see everything I want to see.
We made a trip to Costco and bought so much food that our freezer can barely stay shut. Back in Vermont I was spoiled by constant take out or my favorite meal of salad bar at City Market. I had a realization that I need to start learning how to cook and I am on my way to becoming a great chef! Back at home I was so busy with 2 jobs and a full class schedule that I would be lucky to have time to make macaroni and cheese, but I now have time to research receipts and try them out. I am even getting some French and Chinese inspired cooking tips from my roommates, who by the way are wonderful cooks. It’s nice to try cuisine from around the world.
Mid terms are fast approaching, but I still plan on doing more exploring this upcoming week. So much to see, so little time!
I’ve realized that getting in with the locals is essential to seeing a side of Canada I wouldn’t otherwise know. One of my roommates has a bunch of friends who are locals and they have brought my to the weekend hot spots, told me the cheapest places to grocery shop, and give me general information on how to navigate the city. Without knowing them it would be more difficult for me to see everything I want to see.
We made a trip to Costco and bought so much food that our freezer can barely stay shut. Back in Vermont I was spoiled by constant take out or my favorite meal of salad bar at City Market. I had a realization that I need to start learning how to cook and I am on my way to becoming a great chef! Back at home I was so busy with 2 jobs and a full class schedule that I would be lucky to have time to make macaroni and cheese, but I now have time to research receipts and try them out. I am even getting some French and Chinese inspired cooking tips from my roommates, who by the way are wonderful cooks. It’s nice to try cuisine from around the world.
Mid terms are fast approaching, but I still plan on doing more exploring this upcoming week. So much to see, so little time!
Igloo Fest 2008
As much as I love Vermont, growing up in such a small state was sometimes dull. I would look forward to an event weeks ahead of time, and then once that event came and passed it would be weeks before another. In Montréal, these exciting events are a part of ones daily routine.
Brooke and I went to the “Igloo Fest” on Friday the 25th. This event takes place for two consecutive weekends in January. There are DJ’s that show off their skills, igloos to hang out in, and fires to stand around to stay warm. The Tom Green Show happened to be filming while we were there so we got a chance to hang out in an igloo with the filming crew and get a behind the scenes peak of the process of production. You never know who you will bump into when you try something new!
Now that I’ve been here for a few weeks, I’ve gotten to know my roommates a little better and moved past basic conversation. One of my roommates is from France, and the other is from China so I’ve had the chance to learn about different cultures. We had a basic conversation about politics and it was very interesting to see the viewpoints of those who do not live in the United States. Through conversation we really have gotten a good understanding of one another’s country and political beliefs, and have been very open minded to what the other has to say. I always believed the misconception that people from other countries didn’t like Americans, when this is clearly not the case at all. If nothing else we can learn from each other, and help build each others nations stronger.
Next Friday marks my one month anniversary of living in Canada and I plan to go to a boulangerie and get a tasty pastry to celebrate!
Brooke and I went to the “Igloo Fest” on Friday the 25th. This event takes place for two consecutive weekends in January. There are DJ’s that show off their skills, igloos to hang out in, and fires to stand around to stay warm. The Tom Green Show happened to be filming while we were there so we got a chance to hang out in an igloo with the filming crew and get a behind the scenes peak of the process of production. You never know who you will bump into when you try something new!
Now that I’ve been here for a few weeks, I’ve gotten to know my roommates a little better and moved past basic conversation. One of my roommates is from France, and the other is from China so I’ve had the chance to learn about different cultures. We had a basic conversation about politics and it was very interesting to see the viewpoints of those who do not live in the United States. Through conversation we really have gotten a good understanding of one another’s country and political beliefs, and have been very open minded to what the other has to say. I always believed the misconception that people from other countries didn’t like Americans, when this is clearly not the case at all. If nothing else we can learn from each other, and help build each others nations stronger.
Next Friday marks my one month anniversary of living in Canada and I plan to go to a boulangerie and get a tasty pastry to celebrate!
Taking Time to Learn the Culture
Prior to arriving in Montréal I had a preconceived notion that the city was overall an older, more outdated one. The more I go out the more I realize how false that assumption was. Before living here, I believed that Saint Catherine and the streets directly off it were the main place to hang out. It turns out that is also very false. Saint Laurent is a street that is located about 2 blocks away from the residence. I feel comfortable going there during the day to go shopping, stop at a bakery, or just take a nice walk on a nearby street. Going out at night I feel safe on this street, surrounded by fellow students from the local colleges. All of the people I have met so far have been very friendly and are willing to give directions, suggest places to go, and engage in general conversation. Montréal truly has proven itself to be an up and coming city for the business savvy college student.
Shopping is naturally a huge passion of mine, and I must say that I am extremely impressed with the shopping here. I explored many of the shops on Saint Laurent and I was pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of prices as well as styles the city has to offer. I didn’t realize that the stores offered such a unique and wide variety of fashion, a fashion that is very reflective of the city. The clothing at the lower priced stores is very impressive as it offers quality and affordable fashion without sacrificing style. The higher end stores are nice to look at but I could never bring myself to spend $830 on a cute pea coat. It’s nice to browse through the stores and see the kind of clothes I can only aspire to buy one day when I’m a successful business person. A little shopping hint that someone once told me, a smart city girl never pays full price. Every single store seems to be having a sale right now of at least 50% off. Hurry girls before the new lines come in!
I will be the first to say that another one of my fears of living in a different country was not having a job. I’ve heard other students say that this is the biggest obstacle when considering a semester abroad. Please believe me when I say don’t let that be the thing that stops you. Even if I legally could have a job here, I wouldn’t want one. This semester is probably the last time in my life that I will not have a job. I have had a job since I was 15 years old so I think I deserve a break. I have had time to explore the city, focus on school, and lounge around the apartment. I know there are many students back in Burlington who are in a similar situation. Please do yourself a favor and take a break, you deserve it!
So any of you who are even considering a semester in Montréal please start your planning, save your money, and brush up on your French. Au revoir!
Shopping is naturally a huge passion of mine, and I must say that I am extremely impressed with the shopping here. I explored many of the shops on Saint Laurent and I was pleasantly surprised by the wide variety of prices as well as styles the city has to offer. I didn’t realize that the stores offered such a unique and wide variety of fashion, a fashion that is very reflective of the city. The clothing at the lower priced stores is very impressive as it offers quality and affordable fashion without sacrificing style. The higher end stores are nice to look at but I could never bring myself to spend $830 on a cute pea coat. It’s nice to browse through the stores and see the kind of clothes I can only aspire to buy one day when I’m a successful business person. A little shopping hint that someone once told me, a smart city girl never pays full price. Every single store seems to be having a sale right now of at least 50% off. Hurry girls before the new lines come in!
I will be the first to say that another one of my fears of living in a different country was not having a job. I’ve heard other students say that this is the biggest obstacle when considering a semester abroad. Please believe me when I say don’t let that be the thing that stops you. Even if I legally could have a job here, I wouldn’t want one. This semester is probably the last time in my life that I will not have a job. I have had a job since I was 15 years old so I think I deserve a break. I have had time to explore the city, focus on school, and lounge around the apartment. I know there are many students back in Burlington who are in a similar situation. Please do yourself a favor and take a break, you deserve it!
So any of you who are even considering a semester in Montréal please start your planning, save your money, and brush up on your French. Au revoir!
Sorting Things Out/Getting Settled
Unfortunately the first 4-5 days here I was very sick. Luckily I now am feeling great, and have had the opportunity to go around the city and explore! The biggest difference between shopping in the US and Canada is that there are a lot of specialty stores. At home I can go to the grocery store and get all of my food, school supplies, beauty/bath supplies, and other various objects. While the grocery stores here provide a wide variety of food items, it is more difficult to find those specialty items. What’s nice about the specialty item stores is that they carry a wider variety of brands/ products than the grocery store would.
One of my biggest fears pre move-in was that I wouldn’t be able to find my way around the city. This week I feel that I have not only gotten a good sense of the lay out of the city but how the metro works as well. Being that I grew up in Vermont, public transportation is definitely not a part of my every day life. The key to figuring out the metro is to know where the main streets are in relation to each other. I do have to use the maps that are provided in the metro station to get from point A to point B, but I think eventually it will just become part of my everyday routine.
I did finish my first week of classes and I must say, I am quiet impressed! I believe the teachers/advisor's that were hired truly have great credentials. I was particularly impressed with my Canadian History teacher, Jim Manson. Let’s face it, history is not exactly the easiest class to sit through when you know it doesn’t directly apply to your major. Not to mention sitting through a three hour long history class that meets once a week! Those three hours went by quicker that I ever would have imagined. Not only does he have a great knowledge on the subject, he makes it interesting to learn about. All of my classes seem very interesting in different ways.
I do really miss my family, my friends and especially my cat Stuart. But I know that I have a very exciting future ahead. I can’t wait to see the adventures this upcoming week will bring!
One of my biggest fears pre move-in was that I wouldn’t be able to find my way around the city. This week I feel that I have not only gotten a good sense of the lay out of the city but how the metro works as well. Being that I grew up in Vermont, public transportation is definitely not a part of my every day life. The key to figuring out the metro is to know where the main streets are in relation to each other. I do have to use the maps that are provided in the metro station to get from point A to point B, but I think eventually it will just become part of my everyday routine.
I did finish my first week of classes and I must say, I am quiet impressed! I believe the teachers/advisor's that were hired truly have great credentials. I was particularly impressed with my Canadian History teacher, Jim Manson. Let’s face it, history is not exactly the easiest class to sit through when you know it doesn’t directly apply to your major. Not to mention sitting through a three hour long history class that meets once a week! Those three hours went by quicker that I ever would have imagined. Not only does he have a great knowledge on the subject, he makes it interesting to learn about. All of my classes seem very interesting in different ways.
I do really miss my family, my friends and especially my cat Stuart. But I know that I have a very exciting future ahead. I can’t wait to see the adventures this upcoming week will bring!
Don't Judge a Book By it's Cover
As I drove up all I could do was imagine the adventures I would encounter in the months to come. I’ve never moved more than a couple of miles away from home so coming to Montreal is a big change. The city isn’t completely foreigner to me, I’ve visit many times but for no longer than a weekend. Although Montreal might not seem very far I can already tell that this life is going to be worlds different than the one I knew before.I was a bit of an apartment snob last fall when I came to visit. I was feeling apprehensive about the Montreal dorms which had a seemingly cold and uninviting feeling at first glance. After a day of decorating, I felt more at home then I ever imagined. This just proves that with a creative mind and a positive attitude, you really can make any living space homey and cozy no matter where you are. (I've attached a picture of my room)I think that I'm really going to like it here.
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