#3 Monthly update, experiences, differences DE/CAN, first try in English // monthly update, experiences, differences Germany/Canada, first try in English

Hi everyone!

Wow, it's already been three months and half of my time in Toronto has passed! Unbelievable! Not much has changed in the meantime. I have been exploring Toronto, getting to know the Jewish culture a bit more, celebrating a very different but beautiful Christmas, and experiencing the coldest New Year's Eve so far. Winter arrived in Toronto in early December with lots of snow, freezing temperatures (-20°C and below), and icy winds. On New Year's Eve, the record cold temperature of -23°C since 1962 was broken. It actually felt more like -30°C due to the wind.

But so far, I have been able to handle it quite well and I'm glad to finally experience a real winter again. Now, -1°C feels warm to me and +6/7°C feels like summer here. I would have never said that in Germany :).

Anyway, I'm still doing very well and my relationship with my host family is still great. Originally, I planned to stay here for only 4 months, but I have extended my stay to 6 months. A week before Christmas, we celebrated Channukah (= Festival of Lights). It lasted for 8 days and 8 nights. Channukah is celebrated to commemorate the rededication of the Holy Temple. We visited my host children's grandparents almost every evening and lit a candle. Maybe some of you remember the term 'Menorah' from religious education. That's the eight-branched candlestick. We also received a small gift every evening (including me :)) and had Latkes (= potato pancakes).

Christmas itself was a bit strange for me. On Christmas Eve, we went to one of my host mother's aunt's house. On December 25th, most of the family gathered at another aunt's house. There, we had traditional turkey and Caribbean food, as my host mother's family originally comes from Trinidad & Tobago. It was definitely very interesting. For example, we had stuffed pasta with rice, raisins, and dates. Also, on the same day, my host family flew to North Carolina to visit other relatives. So, I was alone at home for a few days, but I also enjoyed the peace and quiet :). The next day, we went to a fancy Chinese restaurant, where the rest of the family and I had a 10-course meal. It was delicious, but I couldn't eat anything for the rest of the day :).

I spent New Year's Eve in Toronto with Miriam. We went to Nathan Phillips Square to watch the 'big' fireworks display. However, due to the cold, we could only stay for 5 minutes. Nevertheless, it was beautiful, even though we couldn't feel our legs anymore :).

In the third month, I also visited the Christmas market, explored the Graffiti Alley, and went to the ROM (Royal Ontario Museum).

Now, I would like to share some (hopefully) interesting differences I have noticed here in Canada compared to Germany.

1. There are hardly any fences. Usually, only official buildings or facilities (parks, etc.) are fenced.

2. All packaging is labeled in both French and English, which is very convenient for me as I don't want to forget my French completely.

3. Pedestrians actually have the right of way on the road.

4. Most Canadians are incredibly tolerant. It usually doesn't matter here where you come from or what religion you have.

5. The subway system is initially confusing because it is organized by the four cardinal directions. However, there are only 4 subway lines in all of Toronto, which makes it very simple and easy to navigate. I was confused at first, but now it's very straightforward.

6. Taxes are never included in the listed price, which has surprised me at the cash register more than once.

In the fourth month, which has already begun, I have a trip to New York City planned, and I'm soooo incredibly excited. I should also start making decisions and seriously consider what I'm going to do after my stay in Toronto (job search, etc.). But I believe everything will work itself out.

Take care and see you soon!

// English //

So, here comes my first blog post in English. I've been in Toronto for 3 months now, and time is flying by! It's crazy! In the meantime, not much has changed. I'm still very happy and lucky in my host family, and I love my host kids so much!

My Christmas holidays were a bit different but still very nice and interesting. I spent Christmas with my host mother's aunts and other family members. We had turkey and Caribbean food. One week before Christmas, my host family celebrated Channukah (Feast of Lights). Channukah lasts 8 days and 8 nights. Most evenings, we went to my host children's grandparents' house and received little presents there.

I spent New Year's Eve with Miriam at Nathan Phillips Square. It was so cold, but we still enjoyed it!

Now, I would like to tell you some differences I have noticed between Germany and Canada.

1. In Canada, there aren't as many fences as in Germany. Only official buildings are enclosed.

2. All packaging is labeled in French and English.

In February, I'm going to visit New York City, and I'm so excited and happy!!