I was approved for a Canadian Working Visa in late 2019. I didn’t know anyone in Canada so didn’t have a destination in mind. I opened Google maps, scrolled towards the north and liked the sound of Yellowknife, so I booked a flight.
I was aware that there would be some major differences. Leaving an Australian summer to enter a Canadian winter was going to be interesting.
I was prepared for cold weather. I wasn’t prepared for a language barrier.
The first time I was asked what pop I would like when having lunch, I had no idea what they were referring to. My blank expression gave way to a smile when my server began to list all the available drinks.
The second incident involved a toque, or as I would normally call it a “beanie”. When I mentioned I couldn’t find a price on the beanie the attendant stared at me confused until I showed her the hat. I am also conscious that I likely pronounce toque incorrectly with my inability to soften the pronunciation of any vowel.
Back to the weather…
I was quite lucky in that for my first week here the weather was averaging -15. I thought I had acclimatized well until the -30s began. I left Australia just before Christmas when it was averaging +30 degrees each day. Now I have developed a habit of licking my teeth because they get cold from constantly returning people’s friendly smiles.
During a moment of naivety, or possibly stupidity, I went out hiking to the ice caves during my first -40 day. My phone died from the cold. My eye lashes froze over. But it was incredibly magical. I was gifted a lovely pair of mittens which have saved me during the extreme cold days (thanks Janet).
It has been quite the adventure with hopefully many more to come.
