Culture Shock

O geez............. culture shock. If I had to break down the expression into a specified strain of culture shock tailored to my situation in Ottawa it would have to be now. Toronto and Ottawa, how different are they? Looking past the obvious rivalries between the leafs and the senators, what lies at the heart of of each city is reflected in its people.

1 - Bilingualism

People in Ottawa speak French from time to time and it's a period where I get to pretend like I know the language. I feel pretty cool answering people in French when it comes to Sa Va BeeYen and simple stuff but it's the worst when they talk more and I have to break it to them that because French was the most "uncool" thing in grade school, I neglected out countries second language for most of my educational career. Pardon moi En Francais!

2 - Vibe

As mentioned. It's really quiet after the 9 - 5. Downtown seems like its transformed from a bustling city into a ghost town. Most restaurants that are SUPER busy become super empty and get this, some businesses only open until the afternoon and even gets the weekends off!! Tell a Toronto restaurant owner that story and he's be ready to pakc his bags. The quiet and silence does provide a great calm which can inspire people to be more active outdoors. Due to the support and guidance from my personal fitness coach (Nina Sanderson) I've been running along the Rideau Canal regularly despite wanting to die in the first 2 weeks. Due to my new found habit of running and doing some weights in between I've lost a total of no less than 20 lbs of fat. Take that freshman 15 and sophemore 20!!

3 - Parliament

Beautiful as the sun rises and the glistening waters compliment our parliament building during my morning walk to work. Weekly meetings at the West block in Mr.John Williams office gives an amazing view to the Supreme Court of Canada as I'm continually amazed by this workin city.

Well it's not much of a shock and more of a jolt of amazment.

Ottawa, o Ottawa how I will miss you..........................