The unplanned several days in Edmonton

Since I don't know how long it will take or if my backpack will even arrive, I have decided to stay until Friday (4 days). Luckily, I have my Couchsurfing host.

The first day!

Today is the first real day in Canada. So I will take care of organizational stuff. I need to open a bank account. From previous research, I knew that I will open my account at CIBC Bank. The first year is free, which is perfect, right? 

Since Parnell came home around noon today, he offered to drive me there. What luck and so kind of him.

When we arrived at the bank, Parnell stayed outside and waited for me. So I went inside and got an appointment to open an account. I had to wait 30 minutes because it was lunchtime, at least it seemed like it. 

After the 30 minutes, I was called in. After learning that my native language is German, the bank employee told me to let her know if I didn't understand something, and she would explain it to me again.

The whole session took more than an hour. Normally, you need a Canadian cell phone number, which I didn't have yet. A colleague came to help and provided his cell phone number. What luck. 

Finally, I got my bank card + 3 bus tickets on top.

Welcome to Canada!

After I finally got out, Parnell was waiting for me. I apologized to him, but he took it calmly and lightly.

We got in the car and continued to Edmonton City. When we arrived, I thought, oh boy, what an ugly city and I hoped I didn't show it. So many skyscrapers and everything is so gray. 'Well, think positive Anja, be open to the city,' I thought!

After walking around, my impression didn't change. I felt like I was in America, like in a movie. Just not like in one of the most beautiful movies. 

It got evening and I got hungry. I looked at Parnell and said I had to eat soon and I would like to invite him.

He suggested trying the typical famous food 'Poutine'. 'Come on Parnell, let's eat Poutine', I probably would have eaten anything, I was just sooo hungry. 

It looked similar to the photo, unfortunately the fries weren't as crispy and fluffy. Who knows if it's supposed to be like that.....

The second day!

Since I don't have a SIM card yet, I'll tackle that today. I read on the internet and researched in my Facebook group Work and Travel Canada 2019/2020 to see which one would be the best for me. There are so many, you have to see what's right for you.

I decided to go with Public Mobile. 

That's totally enough, I'll bridge the rest with Wi-Fi. The main thing is that I have a number and in case of need, I can call someone and have telephone interviews when it comes to a job.

Well then, let's go! I just don't know exactly where to get them from. 

Since the weather is nice, I'll walk to see as much as possible. I think I walked for over two hours + the hours in the city + the hours back again.  

I got lost on the way back and didn't know where I was. Starbucks Wifi helped me out :)

In total, I was out from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. 

That also made itself felt in my legs :D

A few impressions here!

Day 3 (today)! 

It's now 12:11 p.m. I received a message from Westjet. My backpack has arrived in Edmonton. Yayyyyy. 

What a joy. I will stay here today and wait for my beloved backpack. 

Finally, my stuff, my soap, my shampoo, my creams and my clothes!

I only bought the absolute essentials until my backpack arrives, which were a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a soap. 

My last evening in Edmonton!

After not leaving the house all day (it was raining all day anyway), I went to the cinema in the evening with Parnell and was reminded of my childhood by the movie 'The Lion King'. First movie in Germany and first movie in Canada. 

Now I'm lying in bed, keeping warm. I'm not used to the cold like the Canadians are :)