A Brit Abroad in Halifax...

My First Month in Halifax…

I’m a twenty year old exchange student from London, England, and have currently just passed the mark of my first month living in the lovely Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Moving so far from home I prepared myself for the culture shock – Canada, a place of loving and welcoming individuals vs. London, most recently voted as the second unfriendliest city in the world – and now that the month milestone has passed I think it is only fair to reflect on everything I have learnt as a Brit in Canada and have decided that Halitonians are undoubtedly the nicest most patient group of people, ever.

Pedestrians > Cars

London roads are ruled by the Car, we as mere mortal pedestrians may jay-walk when we feel appropriate but the majority of drivers will plow down the road as if you were invisible regardless. In Halifax it is a different story, cars will stop, the driver will smile, and REVERSE their car in order to make sure YOU have enough space to cross the road – It is obvious I can meander around the car very easily but no, you lovely people still back the car up. This level of niceness is something I have never seen before – please if you go to London DO NOT expect this treatment, you will get run over and die.

'Stranger Danger'

London is a very cold city; not really the temperature but the people. We don’t tend to address strangers, unless we want to be met with alarmed glances and a not-so-subtle shifting away. Conversation is not something to strike up with a fellow passenger on the tube… the unwritten rules are as follows:

-       No verbal, eye or unnecessary physical contact – having a book, ipod, or newspaper will help you avoid any awkward moments.

-       Every man for himself – this is the cardinal rule of the tube, look out for yourself and trust no-one.

-       Let pregnant women and old people sit down – we may be unfriendly but we do have morals.

Having lived in such a snappy, there-is-no-such-thing-as-patience city, coming to Halifax has taught me to unwind myself from my tightly drawn coil, and R E L A X - maybe even have a conversation with a stranger, because out here the people aren’t crazy, just friendly – a distinction I think I misjudge too often.

WHERE IS YOUR RUBBISH?! (GARBAGE/TRASH)

The city is unbelievably clean, and I like it. I feel guilty when even the tiniest square of wrapper hits the floor and feel obligated to immediately pick it up and find the nearest recycling bin. I applaud you Halifax!

Even when I’m eating, I’m contemplating my next meal…

 I love food; Junk food, sweets, crisps, chocolate, pizza - all of it play a crucial role in my overall happiness and fuels my incapability to stick to a healthy diet. Here in Canada, to my absolute delight, I have been introduced to a few things worth noting…

DONNAIR SAUCE 
Apparently quite a controversial sauce in Nova Scotia, and pre-taste test I was given mixed reviews by a selection of Canadians, however after trying it myself I have decided that it is truly wonderful. Sugary and delicious, what more could you want on your pizza at 3am in the freezing cold after a night regrettably spent in Cheers?

5*****

TIM HORTONS 
Apart from seeing one on every corner EVERYWHERE, I have gathered that in Canada Tim Hortons is a religion. There is no escaping him or the double doubles and delightful donuts he provides.

3***

LUCKY CHARMS

In the UK Lucky Charms are somewhat like gold dust, and can only sometimes be found in the occasional corner shop that imports overseas goods. As well as snapchatting my friends making them salivate with envy every time I have a bowl, I have been asked to bring back boxes of them as presents… The rarity of this divine item means boxes can go for £6-10 – which is $12-20. We Brits <3 Lucky Charms

5*****

SKITTLES

Tropical skittles have changed my life. Such a good twist on the original, you keep doing you-skittles because the outcome is amazing.

4****

KRAFT DINNER

A strange experience to say the least - but still enjoyable. Despite your cheese being alarmingly orange, it was palatable.

3***

POUTINE

What is not to love about this delicious gravy, cheesy potatoey mess. It is only acceptable after an evening of heavy drinking giving you that warm fuzzy feeling of carb overload.

When drunk 4**** Sober 2**

LANGUAGE BARRIERS:

Toilet/Washroom – believe me, after a couple of grossed out looks this was an easy habit to drop.

Cigarettes/Darts – Honestly on a night out and having been drinking, I couldn’t understand why people asked me if I had any spare darts, like to me that’s a thing you throw at a board that old men play in pubs..

Hat/Tooke? – Why would you guys just not call it a hat?!

Queue/Line up – When you stand in a shop and wait in line, we call it a queue?

Crisps/Chips/French fries/Lays - Chips to me are French Fries, and a packet of Crisps are what you guys call Chips. I am not even going to comment on how bad your ‘chip’ selection is, instead I’m going to leave you a link that commemorates the best chips Britain has to offer.

Underwear/Pants – Every time one of you guys say pants it makes the inner 10 year old in me chuckle, pants = underwear.

All jokes aside…

Halifax is such a wonderful place and I honestly do salute you Halitonians and other Canadians for being so freaking nice the entire time. I am thoroughly enjoying my time in this city, it is so much fun and I hope you have enjoyed a brief outside look into your kinda weird but wonderful Canadian world. I really do mean all of this in good taste so I apologise if I have offended anyone!

The Brit Abroad