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It's all about the bargains

Nice flight in last night on Air Canada ... Jazz, or Tango, or whatever the cheap-ass branch is called now. They must've known I paid the cheapest-ass price, 'cuz they seated me in the very back row, in the aisle, by the toilets. That said, though, they offered more than Canjet did when I came and went last week. Cute little drop-down LCD screens, free pop, $5 roast beast sammiches.

I'm diggin' it here in Halifax so far. I'm doing my damndest not to stick out as a stereotypical Ontarian. I've noticed some stuff, and am having no problem loving it as it is and not applying an obnoxious Torontonian spin on it.

Obnoxious Torontonian would say: airport shuttle bus drivers aren't supposed to leave fifteen minutes late, careening through city streets on an improvised route while alternately cranking up and turning down the greatest hits of Guns 'n Roses.
I say: what's the rush? It's after midnight anyway. I hope the next ride features AC/DC or Rush.

Obnoxious Torontonian would say: what's with all the people walking around in raggedy clothes talking to themselves (and parking meters)?
I say: thank heaven this town hasn't succumbed to the fashionista culture, and bless those folks who are so friendly that they don't even have to wait to meet someone to engage in conversation.

Obnoxious Torontonian would say: why's it so bloody cold already?
I say: I sweat excessively as it is. I'm grateful for the more temperate weather and look forward to winter. I've already heard people say that winter in Halifax is still more tolerable than summer in Toronto.

Obnoxious Torontonian would say: what the hell? Why is there no Sunday shopping??!
I say: I dunno. Uhm. I guess it's .... ermm ... jeez. Yeah, that'll take some getting used to.

My habit of schmoozing with homeless people and panhandlers has continued uninterrupted, though a man today threatened to beat me quite soundly when I politely rebuffed his request to give him money so his landlord would return his key. The people I was walking with assured me that such threats are very rare. Well, after enduring a cane beating by the notorious Shaky Lady of Toronto (and later, Montreal), I'm not all that worried.

One thing that is a bit of a culture shock -- all the white people. It's not allwhite people, but certainly mostly. I'm used to being one of the few white people on the subway or streetcar. It's weird seeing so many white people. Not scary, just kind of odd. I grew up in white-people-populated Newmarket, so you'd think it'd be a throwback to the old days, but I kinda miss having so many shades of skin all around me.

Back in T-O, my stuff is mostly packed -- mostly. Mostly. Well, almost all the stuff that can go in boxes is now in boxes. TVs, furniture, computers, mirror, bicycle, lamps, bed, and other beastly items will be left to the movers. They's the pros. Looks like I'll be able to get into my new apartment by week's end, to begin a few weeks living on an air mattress and eating off paper plates 'til the truck comes with our stuff.

Still feels a little like vacation, what with the hotel stay and using computers in hip internet-wired cafes, but the work has already begun. Training has begun for the staff at the three new stations. We should be doing runs-throughs by the end of the week. Launch is October 11 at 5:30am. No, there isn't a web feed. Don't get greedy now.

Comments

  1. Scott, I'm sorry I missed the soiree and I have a confession for you. Ever since I started at 680 and began to get to know you, I've had to fight an uncontrollable urge to call you SCOOTER! It makes no sense, but there it is! Kick ass out east and be sure to check out the Titanic victims section of Fairview cemetery. Way cool. If you're into that.
    Liser

    ReplyDelete
  2. Scott, You must record the debut of the station over the air! We all want to hear it back on the 680 forums (especially your debut).

    ReplyDelete

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