The Maple leaf

It really took some time to finalize what to write this time, never that thought crossed my mind, I write what I feel like writing, as long as I inhale something called satisfaction I do it with all guns blazing. Couple of mails from unknown friends about the posts, few appreciations and few criticisms made me responsible.

But the thoughts did not help much, every neuron said I'm perfectly unfit to write something which I'm not 100% sure about that too when I'm running a busy schedule. So I again ended up choosing a topic about myself and things I have gone through. After all these are 'Tales of an ordinary'. A continuation of my blog one, this time it is Canada.

As I already mentioned 'the way' I started from India I can skip my personal heroics here, straight into the scenes, over to Toronto immigration center.

Oops, I have 4 damn hours left to get my flight to the capital city, my way too tried body was demanding some rest, the eyes that were slightly wet at the start of the journey almost a day before was screaming from inside that I have rubbed it more than it could withstand. Every blink took twice as much time it would normally take, I was standing in the queue, waiting for the immigration to go smooth. After convincing the immigration officer that I'm the only one on earth who can do this particular job I got things cleared and moved out of the room.

I then reached my destination. It was exactly opposite to what I have imagined about a foreign land, it was not smooth, my initial days were wonderfully frustrating. I was asked to stay in a motel located at a highway for a week as none of the colleagues' room were vacant by then. It was disappointing and scary as it exactly resembled the one that comes in Psycho movie. I had to push my initial days there with utmost no interest.

Week 2 was more painful, days I have seen black rice, ran hundreds of time to calm down the fire alarms, slept without food, felt lonely, confusions and every possible thing that can irritate and scare a new comer. Regardless of my personal situation to stay, I really wanted some force to take me back to my den for good. Jet lag, no one to chit chat in the only language in which I have some sense of humor, no television, summer are reasons for worth.

It's really funny if I imagine the days I roamed around the city with cameras, uploaded photos of all permutations and combinations of all the places and people in the social networking sites. Crazy like kid to explore new places, Niagara, Toronto, 1000 islands and Montreal quenched the thirst of the mind that was pre conceived with nothing like them. Yes, they are visual delights, they are wonderful and they will remain wonderful. Niagara is a must watch for anyone who visit Canada or U.S.

When compared with the attitude and behavior of what that describes me of a personal I was surprised to see myself being anti social. Shameful that I was having the shades of a racist that I did not have the same interest to go and start even a companionship with the non Tamil speaking lot. Even now I'm wondering how one such thing happened? No answers yet, but as long as I know that I'm alright now, I should not bother much, ain't I?

Am I always magnifying only things that were unpleasant, what I missed and how I recovered or how to recover? I have had some best time here, some very special moments, many friends, some non Tamil speaking friends and have been working in a place that has excellent worth ethics and culture. Why do not I share them? why not?

The excitement started exactly a year ago when I was asked to extend my stay for one more year, the initial 6 months for what I have actually come here made me multiply whatever I spent by 45 though I have spent decent amount of money I always doubted that I'm over spending. The extension just broke that shell out, held my balance perfect, the moment you do not really calculate what you do, you will automatically become happy. The well being started.

Next is the arrival of new comers, new people from Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Pune added the flavors and colors to life. Fortunately many happened to be my favorites. This part where we all had and still having numerous potlucks (food cooked and shared by all), cooking together, big bunch of people going for movies on Tuesdays(day we have some reductions on ticket price), tooneys, birthday celebrations, night outs, Friday night guys party, discotheques, pubs and restaurants has never really made me go near boredom. Days passed by faster than it actually should have. Probably the quickest one year of my life so far though I keep saying it every year.

Life is different here, it is not like what we live in India, here people get close to each other in no time. Share things in no time, ready to have fun always, as many has no real work pressure or never realized the work pressure here because they have worked in India, people are ready to have fun always, party always and go the extra bit to reach the saturation of what is called fun. Even when there is a tinge of pain somewhere we had reasons to party it and celebrate that too. Mostly they are called 'farewells'.

The stay so far is pleasant, it is fresh, it keeps me cool and calm. Unlike what we, every Indian have assertions about western countries, the importance they give for relationships, about divorces, nothing is true. People are well disciplined, very friendly, down to earth and when it comes to relationships, love and family people are exactly like how we are.

Finally, about the climate, Canada has spring/summer - It is exactly what you see in India, temperature would be in the mid 30s, but the bright green colors you see all over the place will relax you a little and give chillness at least to the eyes. Fall/autumn - The most beautiful season and you can't believe what you are seeing, no body who has seen this season would have failed to appreciate the nature, it is mind blowing. Then comes the mighty winter - The temperature will go up to mid minus 30s rarely 40s. Many here hate this season (not me). The entire country will turn white, have seen 35 cm of snow all over the street last year, have to wear thermals, jackets and gloves to sustain. Around 5 months you will look heavier with all these extra fits which is what I don't like about. Winter sports are fantastic. Skiing is enjoyable.

Canada is special for many reasons. So many things made me wonder about it, many things make Canada special and I would rate maple leaves at the top. They somehow make Canada look complete, the Canadian flag look complete, the streets look complete and symmetrically designed leaves make me have the instincts that there is something special with it whenever I see them, touch them, it doesn't matter if they are not.

More often when you appreciate something it is considered as you are appreciating something over the other. If at all one such thought arise I just want to make a point clear, nothing like my motherland, not just me but the entire world.

It looks like I will be leaving this fascinating place soon which means I will be seeing India soon which means I don't have to answer 'Hi, how are you, how is Canada' messages anymore. It is going to be a mixed feeling. But end of the day I know I will be happy. !!

Thanks for your time.

Happy Independence day in advance friends. Jai Hind.