Maple leafs, work and bikes

After one and a half months back in the city, it feels like I never have left and I often forget that I am all the way on the other side of the world… only to be reminded by one of the thousands of (not very hard to miss) bright red and white maple leaf flags that are visible from nearly every single spot in the city. Speaking English has become so common that I have trouble speaking Dutch to strangers and translating words to Tom. But don’t worry, I won’t lose my roots! Living abroad only makes your own culture more interesting. Watching “De wereld draait door” online, seeing Dutch bikes (which are sooo expensive here) and buying drop in the the Dutch Girl Chocolate store next to my work have never been so exiting . And Bibi and I will be celebrating Sinterklaas with ours guys, including the poems, ‘surprises’ and pepernoten!

Now about my job! As you already figured, I could stay… and have been really enjoying the few days I’ve worked so far! It’s not like any other store where you just have to say hi and bye and sit around all day. It’s very sales oriented and I really have to talk with the people about what they want and suggest items that fit to their wishes. All the stuff in the store is so nice and I’ve already had it that I sold something with pain in my heart because I actually wanted to have it… even though I know it’s better this way since I have to be making money and not be spending it.
My boss is a very nice woman and the other girls in the store are great too! So I really think I can stay here for a while!

And now about the good old weather! Unfortunately, after enjoying some very generous warm autumn days (see first photo) the weather now has changed to wind, rain and coldness. But the cold also brings the amazing colours of the autumn leafs! Our street is filled with red maple trees (now I know why they’re worth being the national symbol!) and other yellow and orange coloured trees. So together with my amazing new blue vintage cruiser bike and camera I’m going around the city to capture all the greatness before it’s gone.

 

The start of something new

After sending out many (unanswered) emails and bringing around many resumes (Canadian CV) to many stores, coffeeshops and even bars in many areas of the city... I had my first successful job interview two days ago! So good that I can come for 3 training days next week! I'm not officially hired but there are 3 positions so I hope for the best! It's a kind of "world store" with clothes, accessories and gifts like candles, cushions and house "prularia" (my dad's word for unorganised and in his eyes useless stuff). The owner was really friendly so I'm going to work my ass off next week!!

For the rest, I've had a good first month! Tom kidnapped me to Tofino (the most beautiful oceanside town on Vancouver Island) for my birthday, which was really really great! I had no idea! We spent lots of time on the beaches and relaxing in our great apartment with a nice view and a fireplace :)!


After a rainy start, there were a lot of nice and sunny days in Vancouver which I spent on the beaches around the city and biking around with my French friend Alexandra. Also went to Jamie Lidell's concert last Monday with Bibi! It was very funky! And upcoming Tuesday Tom and I are going to see Angus and Julia Stone <3!
Monday it will also be Canadian Thanksgiving and we're going to a real "turkey dinner".. or just a veggie version of it for me..haha! And the time has come to start hunting down a halloween costume! Jup I'm embracing the North American culture all the way!