First week in Montreal

8/15
After spending 9 years in Seattle, another chapter of my life ended on Sunday August 12th when I took off to move to Montreal. So much has happened in those nine years, so much learning experiences on both a personal and professional level. Leaving Seattle was difficult but also filled with hopes to experience new fulfilling opportunities. A major shift needed to happen to shake things up and have new horizons opening up to feel more vibrant, intellectually challenged and stimulated. I left with no regret, after going through so many life lessons... A new door opened up in Montreal where it feels like a bridge between the US and France. I leave behind a wonderful support system and I know that I can always come back to Seattle, which definitely feels like home. Ironically, couple weeks before leaving I became closer to someone I’ve known for years. Only time will tell what will happen to the connection we created.

The person I’m staying with, Leslie, is wonderful! It makes a huge difference to stay with someone with whom I feel so comfortable and welcome.

Yesterday was a very exiting day when I found out that across from where I’m staying someone was looking for a roommate. It was the perfect situation. Today, I found out that actually it might not happen which really bumped me out. It is so difficult to find a place to leave when you don’t know the city, don’t have a car and feel like you need to have your own place before school starts. I guess I need to have faith that things will unfold the way they should and stressing out won’t change the course of anything.

8/16
Today I spent many hours on line looking for a place to rent. I went to look at a room to share with a guy and for sure I won’t pursue that type of arrangement again. Nice guy but it just did not feel right. Instead of spending my time discovering the city I’ve been looking for a room to share, finding the right cell phone plan, and finding a bank. All are very important things but I need to prioritize since not everything can be done at once and it’s essential to get familiar with the city. However, I’ve been feeling quite exhausted with a very low energy level. Hopefully, I’ll get some energy back in a few days and explore like a typical tourist. I’ve also spent a lot of time on the phone today since I was finally able to transfer my onesuite long distance phone plan to Canada. It was great to talk to several friends. Finding out that one of them is getting married next summer. It’s the third couple that is close to me that announced getting married next summer. I just hope they all do it in the same month so I can come once for all of them! ;) Guys please choose July ;) It’s great that some folks have a good enough relationship to get married. What the heck! Gotta try to find out. If it works great if it doesn’t well that’s how it goes. Done it once already and I have no regret.

8/17
Went finally for the first time to visit the vieux Montreal that was very nice. It looks like Europe. It definitely feels like I’m in a place with both cultural influences and everything is written in French and English. It’s a pretty cool feeling. I finally got the response that the apartment to share did not work out. I have to keep looking and hopefully find something as nice or better. I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed and stressed. My boxes are coming and without a car and not knowing any guys to help out it’s going to be quite a challenge. Some how I’ll put if off. I miss being able to know where I’m at, how to do things, know who to contact for help, have your own place to go back to etc.. Anyhow it’s part of the journey and it will take a while to get adjusted to it all.

8/18
Today I looked at more places for rent. Nothing too exciting. Will look at more tomorrow so hopefully that will be it! I can’t wait to have my own place but again it’s nice to live with Leslie.

8/19
Well, it’s seems that I finally found a place to live! It’s in a basement but it’s cheap, cosy, spacious, close to the metro and the landlords are super nice! So it’s going to be a great place to be! They offered to lend me a bunch of furniture they don’t use so it’s just a wonderful match! The woman is a school counselor and enjoys working with refugees. She really liked me right away and so did I. I should be able to start bringing things in on August 27th. Now I can focus on the rest, getting things all set up with school and start looking for a job.

8/21
Today, it got confirmed that I have my basement apartment for $500/month including heat and electricity!! I also opened a bank account and met with my thesis advisor! A very constructive day! Things are moving along nicely!! Next week, will take care of looking for a job and moving in, gotta stay focus! :)