Snow Fall

One of the wonders I have experienced in Canada is the amount of snow appearing on any given day during winter. Luckily in my last few weeks in the north we were provided a huge dumping of the lovely 'white stuff'. This means that the 'Salter Trucks' were out in force with their flashing blue lights, plus personal snow shovels for the driveway. Here is a selection of images from December. My opinion is that if you are prepared then the snow fall is no hassle. As I have said all year, if you stayed in everyday it snowed, then I would've not have seen much at all. Really it is a part of life, and as the good Canadian saying goes, 'suck it up'.

Ice Skating

After the Exchange Christmas Party, which was very late - we were fortunate enough for some to have handy many pairs of ice skates. So here I am with Myra and Richard ice skating. If you were going to be technical, I did have skates on and I was on the ice - therefore ice skating. But I did have assistance. I am envious of all who can ice skate, as it was quite enjoyable - and sociable. Maybe next weekend we might go skating out front of Covent Garden.

Friends

Here is just a snippet of some of the friends I have made over the year. All are on exchange, and we have be fortunate to share some of the most amazing experiences together. Even just to hear a familiar accent has been a blessing - considering I have spent the year in a city where I have not encountered any other Australians.

Certificate

Our Christmas Party was also where we received our certificates for the successful completion of the Exchange Program. It was like being back at school, everyone cheering and congratulating each other. I must say, it is a very satisfying feeling to have partaken in this program - something to be proud of.

Exchange Christmas Party

One of the 'thankyou' gifts we gave the Canadians was a rendition of Waltzing Matilda. I'm not sure who had more fun, us or the audience listening to our aussie accents singing about our year in Canada.

Waltzing Matilda (Canadian Version) by Shaun

1. Once a bunch of Ozzies headed to Oh! Canada
Intent on teaching the ABCs
And we trudged through the cold so excited on our first day
Only to be faced with I.E.Ps

2. Down came the snow a little later than expected
We shovelled our driveways most days with glee
And sang as we travelled to Quebec and Wanikita
All thanks to the folks at the group named CLEE

3. Along came the summer and we travelled across this continent
We travelled West and East and even met the Newfies
Meeting new faces and places to remind us
Canada is great but we hate the GST and PSt and the bloody tipping...

4. Alas summer ended and we went back to hard labour
16 weeks to go and everything soon a memory
Canadians as teachers are some of the finest
But when it comes to teaching you can't beat an Ozzie!!!

CHORUS

Living in Canada, living in Canada
We'll do our best to be Canadian...Eh!
The people and the places will be with us forever
We will miss this home away from home......Eh!

Christmas Tree - Penny'n'Me