Today is officially my second day in Canada and I’m still feeling dazzled by the breathtaking view of downtown Toronto and the gigantic CN Tower outside. I woke up during the night and looked out the window, just to remind myself that I am not dreaming, I am actually here in Canada!
I slept over 12 hours but definitely feel fresher today. I lived a very different schedule back home, so getting up before 8 a.m. felt a little bit strange for me today. I still feel a bit jetlagged but decided that it’s a “new country, new life, new opportunities, new habits, new me!”. I feel free from my old patterns and am ready to embrace the opportunity to create a new morning routine. I completed my morning hygiene and then it was time for work.
I turned on my laptop, went through my inbox and hosted a meeting on Zoom. I also joined an ILAC KISS – IELTS Preparation Workshop where the instructor explained the most effective strategies to reach a high score on an IELTS test. What a productive day and it was just 10 a.m.!
Right after the workshop ended, I heard someone knocking on the door. I was surprised, as I was not expecting any visitors due to my quarantine. I put on my mask and opened the door. “Yay, my breakfast with coffee has arrived! Perfect timing!”, I thought, as I could hear my stomach talking to me already. Everything was nicely packed in a paper bag: a small container with cereals, a carton of milk, a small juice, a piece of cake, some fruit and one bottle of water. It seemed like a proper feast to me, as I am used to eating much less for breakfast at home.
After eating, I decided to unpack some of my clothing. Even though I will be staying at the residence for only two weeks, I didn’t want to be opening and closing my suitcases a few times a day. The unit is made up of a shared entrance hall, small living room, one bathroom and two individual student rooms. Each room has its own closet with a couple drawers located in the living room, where students can hang their jackets or sweaters. The rooms are small, but they offer everything that students need. There is a desk with an additional shelf for books, lights and a tall bed with another useful storage below it. I feel very cozy and comfortable staying here.
I spent the rest of the day talking to my family members and friends on FaceTime and WhatsApp, and time flew by. As a student you will be contacted on day 2 by an ILAC quarantine specialist who will connect with you via Zoom. You can use this one-on-one meeting to ask any questions regarding your quarantine and know when to attend the orientation with nurse Wendy, because in Toronto you need to get tested on day 14 again.
Another knock on the door for my dinner meal, and the day was almost over. I hopped into my pajamas, brushed my teeth and settled in with Netflix – TV shows have always been one of the best tools for me to pick up languages. I am currently watching the TV show Suits. Did you know that many scenes were filmed in Toronto’s Financial District? How exciting! I am curious if I will recognize the places when I am there in-person. Good night all!