Thoughts Of An (Almost) New Canadian

O! Canada...

Normally I use this column to write about something Canadian that the country loves (or something that the majority hates). This week I thought about twisting it around just a little bit. The reason is simple: I've been here for five and a half months and it has been quite a ride.

I guess the best thing that has happened to me so far is hockey. No, not ice hockey, but ball hockey; 'Ball So Hard,' to be precise. Imagine the joy on my face walking into Sportchek to buy my first ever hockey stick. I'm told by many people that they've "never seen anyone embrace Canadian culture so much." It is strange when I think of it, but as an international student, I guess I find it contagious to a large degree.

Should I decide to put sport aside (although that would be very hard), there are still many things I love about Canada. Take London, for instance. I never expected the city to be this good. The people and even the college is amazing. It's always hard for someone to pack his bags and move to a new country alone, but fitting in to Canadian culture has been smooth so far. What's interesting to note is the banter I enjoy with friends in London, England. The constant question, "How's your London? My London is fine," goes around quite often. That's when I realize that I'm not from the city, yet I've adopted it as my own in a little over five and a half months. It's been homelike so far, this city, and I can only expect the future to be equally pleasant. Canadian culture is something I really want to experience, and though things like poutine and Tim's coffee are already crossed off my 'To Do In Canada' list, there are other things that I would love to try – I just don't know what they are yet.

I already know one of the things I'm going to try real soon (although chances are it will be next winter before I finally attempt it): ice hockey. I told you earlier, it's going to be hard to put sport aside, but going to the John Labatt Centre to watch the Knights play has been great. How great? I won't tell you, you need to experience that yourself.

I've had so much fun in this city and I've yet to set foot into a bar. I hear that is uncanny and unheard of, especially since I'm a student in the Forest City.

I may not know what's in store for me another five months down the line, but I can look back at the past five and a half months with nostalgia, and always be glad I made the decision to leave Calcutta, India and move thousands of kilometres away to the city of London, Ontario.

Originally Written for the Interrobang: http://www.fsu.ca/interrobang_article.asp?storyID=8089&sectionID=2&issueID=196
Image Credit: http://www.eco.ca/Uploader/files/images/Newcomers-to-Canada.jpg
Video Credit: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BjLQ6uCw2g8