My Time in Toronto

Here's a summary of my trip home through pictures!

My two best friends, K (left) and M (right) scared surprised me at the airport with their lovely costumes.  It was such a great treat!  Hence why I am all teary-eyed in this picture.

Despite his claims that he didn't miss me, my brother was quick to pull out some beer cups ("Red cups" as Lu endearingly refers to them) and make a toast.  I know you missed me, A!

I've sadly come to the realization that my Beccamobile needs to go.  The weather provided some pathetic fallacy as I snapped a picture.  If you're interested, and live in the GTA (you probably don't if you don't know what that stands for...), then check out the link: buy me!

But things soon got better at New Years!  We decided to have a pot luck and K made some Moet shaped bread.  So creative!

It was great to be reunited with my girls!  You can't tell in the picture, but we all dressed in sequins.  Yes, on purpose.

Then we pulled out the real Moet.  Just for a sip.

Not on the same night, but a few days later, I finally got to see my cousin's new baby.  So adorable!  Sadly, the next time I see her, she'll be twice the size and running circles around me.

And finally, it was time to go home.  But not without a stop at my favourite restaurant, Lone Star, and an entourage escort to the airport.  Thanks guys!

It was a fantastic trip home, but went by way too fast.  So fast, I didn't have time to see everyone.  I'm sorry if I missed you, but I'll be back in July!  Start booking your time slot now!

People Actually Read This?!

Apparently my readership is not just my family and friends from home.  Thanks to all who have been checking in on my life abroad!  I know I've not always been consistent with my posting, but my New Year's Resolution is to put myself on a posting schedule.

I'd also like to thank Tina over at City Urbanista for featuring my blog on her site!  I'm feeling the Canadian love!  Make sure you all check out her site for a look at life as a Torontonian (kinda miss it sometimes).  And check out her feature on me here: check it out!

Someone Listened!

Remember my blog post a while back where I compared the TTC with the TPG? Well I'm assuming someone in Toronto read it and passed it along to the TTC because viola!  Toronto plans on updating the streetcars!  Check out the article on BlogTo.

And on a side note, thank you Linda for the card!  It came in the mail today and put a smile on my face!

What I Miss About Canada

It's wild to think that in less than two months I will be back on Canadian soil.  What's even wilder is that when I start to think about it, I begin to miss Switzerland.  Something must be wrong with me, right?

Well, despite my Swiss addiction, there are many aspects of my Canadian life that I miss here.  I've made do without them, but I do wish they were here.

1.  24 hour supermarkets: In Geneva, businesses don't believe in being open past 7pm and it's a sacrilege to work on a Sunday.  I really do miss the capitalist mindset of Canadians when my friends and I wake up on a Sunday to realize there is nothing to eat for breakfast.  Now there's always gas stations and tabacs, but the prices are inflated (even more than normal) and there's rarely a good selection.  So let's be honest.  What I really miss is:

2.  Shopper's Drug Mart: For all my Canadian readers, you understand my love for all things Shopper's.

3.  The Canadian Dollar: I do like Swiss Francs.  They're even more colourful than Canadian dollars, and even better, they're worth more.  So why do I miss the Canadian currency?  Canadian prices.  For example, I was reading this article on BlogTo.com about street meat prices.  Vendors in Toronto are taking advantage of the "gourmet" market and there is now a deluxe hot dog being sold in the club district for $9.  Before you start shouting, "Switzerland has affected your brain!  That's too expensive for a hot dog!", let me put this in context.  Normally, in Toronto, street meat would cost you between $2-3, plus another dollar for a drink.  In Swiss Francs, that would be roughly 1,80-2,60chf.  The gourmet version would run you roughly 8chf.  Now for those who know the city, where in Geneva could you find a place that's open in the middle of the night with prices like that?  McDo's couldn't even compete.

4.  Yoga Pants: Everyone here wears suits.  If it's not a suit, it's some other incredibly stylish, makes you look like a model, pulled off a manikin, expensive outfit.  Now I know that yoga pants are the easiest way out of choosing what to wear, but now I wouldn't be caught dead leaving the house in them.  Plus they instantly get covered in dog hair the second I finish washing them.  Not a good look.

5.  Shopping Trips into the States: Now I know I have my own "US" in France, and I do take advantage of it, but as all my Torontonians and fellow Southern Ontarians know, there's nothing like Buffalo, NY.

6.  Tim Hortons: I know you're surprised this wasn't my first item on the list.  Starbucks just isn't cutting it.  The cheapest option will run you about 8chf.  I could get a gourmet hot dog for that!  Plus like every other self-respecting Canadian, I use Tim's as a place to meet my friends and catch up over a coffee while nibbling on some Timbits.

7.  Winner's, Marshall's, etc: Or quite simply: cheap, fairly good quality clothing.  What's with the Swiss and charging 50chf for a simple cotton shirt that will either tear, shrink, or loose it's shape?

Now there were some things I thought I would be missing terribly while abroad, but I've surprised myself.  Here are some of those not so necessary necessities:

1. My Car: sometimes I wish I had an automatic car, like when I'm in stop-and-go traffic on a hill, but to be honest, the transit system here is great, and manual is not so bad.  I've been spoiled this week with an automatic car.  I made myself laugh when I went to depress the clutch to start the car.  Duh!  But other than driving E around or to get groceries, it's too much of a hassle to drive.  Good luck finding parking for a van that isn't parallel and is inexpensive.  I'll stick to the tram, thank you very much!

2.  English:  I was under the assumption that the second I got off the plane I was bidding adieu to my native language.  How wrong I was!  English might as well be one of the official languages.  Everywhere I go I hear conversations in English.  I'm attributing this to the fact that Geneva is a very multicultural city, and English is, safe to say, the universal language.  But E made a great point the other day: English is too prominent in French culture.  In particular, in advertising.  I still giggle every time I hear "La radio Plus! Hit music station", with a thick French accent and everything.  Why does that need to be in English in a French speaking country? E absolutely despises it and comments on it every time.  I couldn't agree with him more.

And now as I try to continue this list, I actually can't think of another thing I thought that I'd miss.  I know I had a list a mile long before I left, but that's all gone now.  Amazing how fast that happens, eh?

Now I did not include all the people in Canada that I miss.  I figure it's fairly obvious that I miss them terribly.  After a few days of no internet, I realized how much I rely on Skype, Blogger, and Facebook to keep in touch with everyone.  I couldn't imagine being here without it.  Thanks to everyone who sends me messages to check in, or Skype every once in a while.  I appreciate it, I miss you, and can't wait to see you all at Christmas!

Giving Thanks

I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving.  My year has just gotten better as time has progressed and I honestly cannot even believe I am where I am.

So this Thanksgiving, I'd like to let you all know who I am thankful for:

1. I am thankful for my family.  If anyone knows me, it's my family.  And if anyone has supported me through the thick and thin, once again, that would be my family.  It's not easy to just pick up and move across the globe, but my parents have done everything within their means to make it that much easier.  For example, this week, my favourite bronzer crumbled into little pieces.  After tirelessly searching Migros, Coop, etc. for it, I gave up.  But then my mum pulled through.  She bought two for me from Shopper's and is sending them to me with P when he is in Canada at the end of the month!  It's the little things.  Thanks fam!
2. I am thankful for my host family.  I've heard and read the horror stories when it comes to host families.  Luckily, I can't say anything bad about mine.  Instead, you get to hear me gush!  The second I arrived in Geneva, I was greeted with hugs and from then on it has been nothing but love. When I came down with a cold this week, Dr. P (seriously, he is a doctor) was quick to 'prescribe' me with a multitude of options to alleviate the symptoms.  As well, I have yet to feel unappreciated.  The family is quick to recognize extra effort and thank me for everything, from cleaning the sheets to making a minestrone that tastes good.  I appreciate their love and support so much, and it has made my time in Geneva feel like nothing less than home.  Thank you famille M!
3. I am thankful for my friends back home.  It isn't easy to keep in contact with someone who is on another continent and no longer sharing experiences with you.  But my friends have proved that it's possible.  As much as I feel that I am missing so much, at the same time I know that everyone is there waiting for me to come home and will greet me with open arms.  I do miss seeing them, but thanks to Skype and Facebook, it's almost like I'm there.  So thank you, mes amis!  
4. I am thankful for my friends in Geneva.  What would I do without you?  Especially Lu and Lo who have been with me from the start (almost), and are always there for me.  We've had some ridiculous adventures and it's only been two months.  I can't wait to see what sort of shenanigans (yes, I used shenanigans) we get into for the next 8 months!  And thank you, mes amies!
5. I am thankful for my extended family.  I literally would not be here and my car safely parked in a garage if it wasn't for all of you.  You all went above and beyond the duties of family, and I cannot thank you all enough.  The best I can do is bring home a suitcase stuffed with chocolate. And I have been sampling some for you guys (that's my excuse).  I definitely have some goodies coming!  Thank you!
6. I am thankful for the internet.  Without it, I would be completely cut off from Canada and everyone I love.  So thank you Tim Berners-Lee!

There are many more I am thankful for, and I hope that I have proven to you that I am.  

There are also some things that I am thankful for:

1. I am thankful that I have a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, and a warm shower to take in the morning.  I wish everyone could say the same.
2. I am thankful that I have food to eat.  And not just boring everyday food.  I am thankful that I have access to food from across the planet, and have an abundance of foods from different cultures.
3. I am thankful that I live in (and am from) a country not stricken by war, famine, or civil unrest.  
4. I am thankful that I have had the opportunity to be educated and continue my education abroad.  
5. I am thankful that the van no longer stalls after every red light because I've remembered to breathe while driving.
6. I am thankful that I am having such a wonderful experience here in Switzerland, that I get to see all my family and friends again at Christmas, and that I get to return to this spectacular country again in January.
7. I am thankful that my total views has now surpassed 5000.  Thanks to all the readers!  

There is so much more I am thankful for, but I feel like you all don't need to read a novel.  I just want to thank each and every one of you that have helped me to be where I am.  Thank you.

This Thanksgiving, what are you thankful for?

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Let's Make a List

It’s officially been a week since I stepped on Swiss soil, so I felt it was appropriate for me to re-cap everything I have learned since I arrived.  Some are just cultural differences, the rest are just general observations of Switzerland:

1. As lesson I learned last night: there are mosquitos in Switzerland.  Despite what I had heard before leaving, they do exist.  There aren’t nearly as many as there are in Canada, but just like at home, they always seem to find me.  
2. Cold beverages (other than beer) are very rare.  You have the option of room temperature tap water or room temperature carbonated water.  I quickly learned that carbonated water tastes colder (how weird that sounds) than tap water, so that tends to be my go-to after spending time outside.
3. Switzerland is hot.  I thankfully came prepared for hot weather, but I didn’t expect a week of 30°c or hotter.  It’s been amazing, don’t get me wrong, just surprising.
4. People here can drive really well.  I think everyone should learn how to drive in Europe.  I’ve never seen so many people be able to juggle steering, shifting, smoking, and talking on their cell phone all at the same so well.  And don’t even get me started on their parking.  Blows.  My.  Mind.
5. Despite ripping up their streetcar system 50 years ago, then re-integrating it more recently, Geneva still has a far better transit system than Toronto.  Maybe T-dot should follow suit?

I’ll continue to add to this list as time goes on.  I’m sure more things will pop-up and catch me by surprise.

And as for the jell-o dessert on Thursday, everyone seemed to enjoy it (well except for E - he detests oranges, so I don’t blame him).  It went a little too fast to take a picture, but I’ve gotten permission to post the recipe.  I made mine with orange jell-o and mandarin orange pieces, but my favourite is still a pink jell-o dessert (using raspberry jell-o and applesauce).  If you end up making it, let me know what you mix.  I’m always looking for new flavour combinations.

Pink Jell-O Dessert 

2 boxes of Red Jell-O  (or other colour Jell-O)

2 Cups Boiling Water

14 oz (~2 Cups) Apple Sauce  (or other fruit to go with colour of Jell-O)

1 package Dream Whip

Add boiling water to Jell-O powder.  Stir very, very well.

Put in Freezer or Fridge until Jell-O starts to gel*.

Meanwhile, make up Dream Whip per package directions – no vanilla required.

Once Jell-O has slightly gelled*, add fruit & blend.

Add Dream Whip & blend (if applesauce, otherwise add Dream Whip BEFORE fruit & stir in fruit).

Put in a pretty serving bowl (or not) and refrigerate until set.

*if Jell-O gels too much, run bowl in warm water for a few seconds – not too long!

Enjoy!!!

Exciting News!

The final countdown has begun. T-minus 7 days until I am on a plane heading towards Geneva (well, actually Brussels, then I get on another plane that heads to Geneva...but you get the point)!  That's right!  On Friday, I will officially be leaving Canada and starting my new adventure.

I, of course, could not have even DREAMED of going without the love and support of my family and friends.  Thank you all so much and I will miss you so much!  Honestly, words can't thank you all enough.

Now, as my last few days on Canadian soil are before me, I realize that there are too few hours in a day.  I sadly won't see some of you before I leave, but hopefully I will see you on Skype and at Christmas when I return for two weeks.

I now return to attempting to stuff my entire life into a suitcase.  Stay tuned for more venting about luggage limits...

Why I've Been M.I.A

My adventure is fast approaching, so in my spare time, I've tried to spend as much time as possible with all of the wonderful friends I will be leaving behind.  There have been some great nights of barbecues, dinners on patios, and catch-ups while watching Big Brother (guilty pleasure).

Most recently, I've had the chance to spend three glorious days in 30°C weather on the beach.  On Thursday, I spent the day at Centennial Beach in Barrie.  I had completely forgotten that they have a water jet like Geneva (jet d'eau) and it made me really excited to spend time along Lac Leman.  The beach was perfect.  Free parking, not too busy, and a slight mist from the jet.  The water was quite chilly, so most of our time was spent on the beach, until we needed to cool down.

The water jet at Centennial Beach

The view from our blanket.

Then for the rest of the weekend, I was cottaging along Georgian Bay near Collingwood.  Funniest thing though; one of my best friends has a cottage up in the area, and when I arrived up at the cottage we were staying at, all I was thinking was "wow, this beach looks really familiar.  I feel like _______'s cottage is nearby".  Little did I know, that cottage was RIGHT ACROSS THE STREET!  And when did I find out? As we were pulling out today and I saw her mum in their driveway.  It was a definite "doh!" moment.

Anyway, here are some pictures from my weekend.  The sun was hot, the clouds were few, and now my skin is decorated with some fantastic (and some hilarious) tan lines.  Enjoy!

Pathway from the cottage to the beach.  

Getting closer to the beach

Sunset

Now I Can Go on The Amazing Race!

I can gladly say that today was a successful today.  At 1pm today I arrived at A Formula 1 Driving School in Vaughan, Ontario for my first manual transmission driving lesson.

I must start out by saying that I am not the most coordinated person.  There's a reason my mum didn't sign me up for dance or gymnastics.  Hence my hesitation to trust my two left feet to make a car move.

This is not to say that I can't drive.  I've been driving for roughly seven years now and I'd like to think I'm a fairly good driver.  But driving and changing the gears at the same time is a completely different story.  I was having a panic attack just looking at the stick shift.  There was no way I was going to be able to do this.

And then came Jeff, the owner and instructor of AF1.  His calm demeanour and straight-forward explanations put me at ease.  He sat me in the passenger seat and went through everything about the car and drove around a bit so I could see it all in action.  After he taught me a little trick or quip to remember something, he'd quiz me, which began to build my confidence as I got question after question right.  I started to feel good, and believe that I could do it.

And then he said, "Okay, I think you're ready.  Your turn."

All that confidence went down the drain, and every quip he had just said had suddenly escaped my mind.  All I thought to myself was I can't do this!


But Jeff talked me through it and as I slowly moved through the gears, my confidence returned.  He managed to remain calm, even after the eighth time I didn't push the clutch far enough down.  He remained positive and praised me when my shifts were good, and my starts were smooth.  After only an hour, I was on highway 400, something I didn't expect to do so soon.  And just after that, learning how to start on a hill.

I'm proud to say that I didn't stall once.  But I can't say that was because I knew what I was doing, but because I had an excellent teacher.

I have my second (and last) two hour lesson tomorrow.  I'm really excited to go, and even more excited to drive in Geneva.  And as I told Jeff, "Now I can go on the Amazing Race!"...well, once I become an American, that is.

If you live in the Greater Toronto Area, and you're looking for lessons, I highly recommend Jeff.  He's a great instructor, and is far less expensive than CAA.