This is Day 6, but it feels like I’ve been here a lot longer. I’ve made myself at home rather fast.
In fact, when I arrived in Calgary, Alberta, I knew that it was going to be good. It’s not optimism; I just knew. That’s all. Elderly ladies with cowboy hats warmly welcomed me at the arrivals, and the immigration officers were very easygoing and issued me my work permit on the spot with no difficulty. I was surprised how outgoing and relaxed I was when I arrived at the hostel surrounded by strangers from all over the world, gathering in the common room. I even managed to make contacts on the same night, which was good and somewhat brave. You know what I’m like and how much effort it usually costs me. At the end of the day, I’ve been doing this since I was 18. Not much has changed. The rest is all in my head, as always.
My diet and health need some more adjustment. Hair loss has been a great issue since arrival. I’m no longer eating fruits for breakfast, and my intake of vegetables is low. There is no decent supermarket nearby, except for corner shops and drug stores that sell microwave meals. You have to imagine an off-license inside Boots. Overall the food is really not affordable in this country, and I plan to go to British Columbia, where it’s more expensive.
I’ve spent way too much money in less than a week.
I’ve extended my stay in Calgary just to get organised. With the remaining money I have, there is not much I can do, and by the time my parents have transferred my money, it will be Monday.
Last Saturday and Sunday, I made quite a few friends with whom I went out at night. I really enjoyed it and the Corona. I’ve tried some other kind of fruity beer, of which I don’t remember the name. And it was a good decision to reject the large shot of Tequila.
My friends, you know it was the right decision!
Furthermore, the cocktail bars here are generous with the shots. You would like it.
But with my lack of sleep, I’m exposed to confusion and disorganisation, which is fucking killing me. So I’m trying to take control.
On Monday, I finally managed to open a bank account, get a Canadian mobile sim card and a security insurance number. With that all done, I’m unsure what my next steps should be. Travelling involves a lot of money, and I definitely have not saved enough to get by for too long.
On Tuesday, I went to Banff with a German girl I met at Wicked Hostel. I hiked for the first time in the Rockies! At least I can say that I conquered Tunnel Mountain! Proper hiking shoes would’ve been better than trainers, I suppose. However, I really enjoyed it, despite the uncanny silence in the mountains and the sight of the clean aqua-coloured water hiding the abyss. The sense of calm really hit me at some point. You remember me describing the soberness two hours after a joint? That’s exactly it. You perceive a high dose of reality that undermines your confidence and strength. Does this make me a delirious city person? I feel safer in the city despite viewing things as a labyrinth no matter where I am. I ultimately make a plan of how to get to my destination from the maze.
I view myself as a lab rat, and I do tests with myself. I know a little spontaneity would not harm anyone, but I need someone to push me into it. It’s no excuse to say that this is how I grew up. My parents made plans for everything. I was a planned baby. Do you think that was a good plan? Do I have to make good plans myself?!
Anyway. Calgary’s kindness has been great. Maybe I have to do something about that soberness. I like the ‘me’ from the other day, and I’m pretty much convinced it will help me find my destined place.
