Does this make me look American?

Throughout international orientation we have been encouraged to talk about ourselves and our experiences previous to coming to Canada. While that is all fine and good - i've learned some interesting things about life in other countries and of course it helps to make connections with the other people here - I have been generally hesitant to engage in this practice. I partially want to focus on Canada (new! exciting!) and I also don't want to talk about life in the US because everyone already has stereotypes and Opinions they want to confirm/share with me. But the powers that be (international office) have encouraged this for a very good reason that became clear to me yesterday on our field trip.

Niagara Falls, yes i've been there before, but it was fun anyway. (Pictures and fun stuff commentary below) It is also coincidentally right across the river from the American border. Several of the group expressed interest in popping across the border - and were thankfully discouraged from doing so. As is the nature of the orientation of the site, since I was on the Canadian side, I pretty much spent the day looking at the American side (you have to see it to see the falls). If I had brought my passport I could have easily (compared to most there) gone there. Yes, i've already had moments of longing for my no longer existent life in the US and all that it entails (cheaper cereal for one, ability to text most of the people I know for another!). But yesterday, I watched the little blue line of people in ponchos trudge around near the base of the falls, the mob of color looking from the higher vantage points, the steady line of cars in both directions on the bridge, the clearly American tourists all around me, and the American flags blowing in the breeze across the river . . . . and I didn't care.

This past week of focusing on the life I have left behind to come here as reminded me of all the reasons I chose to do this. I don't want to go back to the US and all that it symbolizes right now (yes, that means you family and friends - sorry!), and now that i'm sure and settled it is  becoming easier to see myself here and the path ahead of me (and all THAT symbolizes).

Bring it on Orientation Week 2!

Enough serious stuff, enjoy my touristy pictures:

When was the last time you rode a big yellow school bus? For me - yesterday


You can't see here, but there was a big smiley face over the door and the lights on the inside and smileys on them too - the driver was in a horrible mood the whole time though, so they were negated.

Next it the first view I had of the falls:


Most of our bus rushed off to get on the Maid of the Mist boats, but my group got food at a delicious pizza place (we lucked out!) first then made our way back down to the falls.

American Bridge as mentioned above - I hadn't remembered there being one so close - but I do remember what I drank when I last came to Niagara . . . do any of you remember those drinks called "Orbitz"?


Then we went "Behind the Falls" Though the cool part was actually next to the falls:





Not sure what is wrong with this - looks upright in my online album - you can just tilt your head for full affect :)

And we got to see the mist boats where our fellow IOers probably were:



Then on the way back to shop we saw a rainbow - coincidentally by Rainbow Bridge ;) :


Also check out the (unintentional) green roof below.

After shopping, we dropped in this really pretty pocket park to await the buses home:







That's it! today and tomorrow are my days off (nothing is open for Labour day here - then Orientation picks up again - this time Graduate/TA/ and my specific Department.

My major take away from the first day of international orientation is that there are so few international students on campus. 2/3 of the people there were exchange (junior semester/year abroad) students. There were less then 50 students there that were "degree seeking." My second major take away was that I have come such a long ways since 18!

Once I get photos working on this thing I will post a picture of the wrist band I have to wear for the week for identification. The colors of this school are purple and gold (not yellow, actual gold) and the mascot is a golden hawk - which is actually the best school mascot I have ever had - too bad it doesn't really matter as a grad student. But the wrist band I have to wear is a pale pink. It might even glow in the dark. I don't get it. 


To finish (i'm exhausted!) i'd like to leave you with some gems from the International Student Handbook I got today:

"WLU is located in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, one of the safest places to live in an already safe country."

"Canada Decoded: 'Eh!'
"A very common Canadian word that means to ascertain the comprehension, interest, agreement, etc., of the person or persons addressed (Example - 'That was a good game last night, eh?')"

"Canada's climate is not as cold all year around as some may believe. We have four seasons in Canada: Spring, Summer, Fall and Winter."

"Women in Canada dress for comfort and climate, so it is important to note that revealing clothing is not an invitation for sexual attention." (does that make a parka an invitation. . . . ?)

"Although Canada's legal system has a reputation as being easy on soft drug use, this is not true and you may face serious legal consequences."