The One With Hurricane Sandy



I remember checking the British Consulate's advice page for people travelling to Canada before I left here. In order of seriousness and likelyhood, it listed terrorism, winter and animals. I wasn't too concerned. I mean, Canada has managed to piss off Iran a bit since I've been here, (smooth, Canada, real smooth), but I figured I'd be relatively safe.

And then there was Hurricane Sandy. Now, Ottawa wasn't really badly affected by her. In fact, it just rained and was windy. Still, it did warrant a red alert email from my travel insurance providers and a note of concern from Anne Worth. Anyway, it's over now and I've survived by first hurricane. Not that I ever really had anything to survive in the end because it petered out before it got here...

This week:



A professor with laryngitis meant the joy that is the postgrad student teacher. (Read absolute pain in the arse for joy). Aforementioned prof did, however, so a seal impression. I swear she's like an un-Hollywood Tina Fey. Jewish Lit. class descended into biblical joke telling and I rocked out the classic constipated men of the Bible joke. Lydia and I ate ice cream straight from the tub and watched 'Bridesmaids' and the infinite number of cute puppies made my ovaries ache. Team Exeter went to Zak's. Again. And we had banter with the waitress over deep fried mars bars. In the two months I've been in Canada, I've eaten more of those calorific bad boys than I have in my entire life previously. They're so good. Although if I have a post mortem in the near future, they will be listed as my cause of death.

Yes, it was hard to take her seriously.

Hallowe'en also happened. Dear Canada, dressing up in full-on costumes for a made-up day celebrating nothing but tacky commercialisation and total greed is not socially acceptable. I mean, who goes to class with a face made up to look like a cross between a leper and Voldemort caught in a deep fat fryer? I'll tell you who: the girl in my Jewish Lit. class who gave a presenation dressed as a Mexican Day of the Dead mask. Facepalm.

Rolling home from Zak's, we became aware of a British voice behind us. Being the shy, retiring person that I am, I immediately turned round and called out the Brit. He responded with utter sarcasm that it was a Canadian accent and he was from Prince Edward Island, until his lovely (Canadian) friend told him to stop being such an idiot. Anyway, he's a postgrad from Sussex. He wanted to know what we were doing in this "Godforsaken place studying at a Godforsaken uni." Charming Brit. Mind you, we then found out he did his undergrad at Plymouth. I'm surprised he even admitted such a thing. I wouldn't. I'd be mortified if I had gone to Plymouth. No degree is better than a degree from Plymouth. #ExeterstudentshatePlymouthstudents.



Now, I do have some complaints to make about Exeter. Their lack of communication is staggering for what is otherwise such a well-organised university. Obviously, I don't want to slag off the university I adore completely and utterly, but this week, they have been anything but rosy and delightful. I cried writing an email to my head of department. I actually cried.

uOttawa's certainly not perfect either though. Their refusal to open their library at weekends before 10am is utterly ridiculous. You shouldn't have to queue to get in to the library if you're a student! 10am is too late, at least open at 9, preferably at 8. I'm aware this makes me sound like a total geek, but not opening until 10 really cuts into a morning of work.

Whales, in a cinema.

Team Exeter - which now includes Lydia's housemate Collome - went to see The Perks of Being a Wallflower this evening. For some reason, the cinema had beluga whales suspended from its ceiling. As for the film, well, it was wonderful. In fact, I really want to see it again. And I loathe Emma Watson. So it must be good if I willingly want to see her "act" again. Ooo, use of speech marks was bitchy! The film has also made me realise how much I like older men - hello, Paul Rudd.

So anyway, whilst this post may seem like my life has become suddenly dull, it really hasn't. I'm just enjoying the routine and the small things, plus, sometimes I do actually have to do work. Life is good. Canada is as amazing and wonderful and brilliant as always.

Third year abroad, please don't ever end.