Friendliness

Looks like the camera phone photos don't show enough detail and you can't see the snowy tops in the photo below... oh well. Let me just tell you then that it looks damn pretty! Once I get my computer I can upload some proper photos taken with my real camera that should show a bit better what I'm talking about... meanwhile the camera phone photos will have to do. (And I think they're ok for what they are - at least it gives you some kind of concrete idea of the place I'm at.) And talking about the computer - still no news, the relocation lady will chase up the customs today as "it normally never takes this long". The computer doesn't have any illegal programs or other material on it, so I can't see why they would take their time with it...

We went to get a bank account yesterday, and decided to go for a joint one. Dragon's employer of course has good relationship with a certain bank so we got some really nice service there - unfortunately getting a credit card requires an international credit rating to be delivered to them so that will take a while. All in all, pretty painless - we've both even got debit cards now, although until the first paycheck comes they're not that much of a use.

Generally, Canadians are incredibly friendly. I would have said that previously of Brits, too - now I would say that Brits are polite, not friendly. For example, when I say "thanks" after receiving my order or some other service, in England that would end the conversation - in here Canadians will always add "you're welcome". I know it's a habit, but it's kind of nice. Shop assistants might just greet me and ask how I'm doing when I'm wondering around the supermarket - not to offer help necessarily, just greeting. Finns would probably find this freeky, but I've had a crash course in small talk and meaningless politeness while living in England so I find it kind of nice (so sue me).

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