Canadian Adventures Begin

So my friend Sandra wants to keep up on my goings on in Canada.

Jim & I flew into Calgary on Christmas Day. We got an upgrade to first class on our flight - an auspicious beginning.

It wasn't too hard getting into Canada and getting my work permit - the young man was a big Longhorn fan and would love to get a ticket to the game. I gave him my card (like I have any clout!)

Calgary was a nice town - we didn't have a lot of time to explore, but did see a bit of downtown. It was wicked cold and we were using public transportation. It was fun to watch people ice-skating at the Olympic Square an outdoor arena for the awards ceremony when the Olympics were in Calgary.

Flew in a propeller plane to Lethbridge. We had seats 9 a & b - I thought it would be close to the front, but they were the last two seats in the plane. Fortunately, the wind was okay. We rented a car in Lethbridge so we had wheels here. Problem is they don't plow the roads, so driving is tricky.

Since Jim went home on New Year's Day, it is two legged transportation for me. I am waiting until the snow melts to take Tracy up on her offer to let me use her vehicle. I hope to explore the bus service this weekend.

The residence halls here are very different from my previous college experience - more like a motel with doors opening onto a field. I have a little two bedroom suite with a small kitchen/living/dining room combo. Comfortable actually - except the bed...
but I can walk to work and come home for lunch if I want. About 400 students live in residence - very different from many community colleges - its more common in rural locations. Lethbridge also has a pretty big international population.

Everyone has been very welcoming. I am just getting my feet wet with the first week. Meeting folks and starting to learn about the college. One concession to the cold - nearly all of the buildings are connected.

I did experience a Chinook wind - fierce, but not as warming as I had been told. It blew so much of the snow which is very powdery that some folks houses got nearly buried! Crazy. But I have plenty of warm gear. And my body seems to be heating up anyway!