Arrival

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On August, 10th I took a flight from Frankfurt (FRA) to Toronto (Pearson International Airport, YYZ). As the university housings are leased as summer hostels during the semester break I decided to stay in Toronto for 5 days until I can move into my residence as an early arrival student. I booked a room in a shared flat via AirBnB which costs only 144 € for 5 nights. My host Natty also studied at the UoG which is really cool. Hope he can tell me a bit about life there.

It was a pleasure to fly in Premium Econmy, especially as it was my first flight over the Atlantic Ocean: more space to stretch out, premium meal, alcoholic drinks included and entertainment package for free. On my flights before I always had the feeling not to be able to breath enough because the oxygen level differs from being on the ground (and I have low blood pressure). Sitting in the 2nd row apparently solved this problem as the air was better there than in the back with all the other people. The flight started at 11:30 am in Frankfurt and lasted about 8,5 hours so that we arrived around 2 pm local time in Toronto (8 pm in Germany). Till I left the airport it took me an additional 2,5 hours as I had to wait for about 2 hours till I was allowed to officially enter Canada and afterwards wondered how to get to my AirBnB apartment.

Passengers who only wanted to stay for a shorter period of time only had to wait one time for about 45 min; passengers like me who want to stay longer had to line up in another queue afterwards where my study permit was checked a 2nd time (nobody really understood this process...:-D). What I didn't know beforehand was that you get an entry form during te flight in which you have to say why you want to enter Canada (study, business, holiday) and how long you will stay. The process for those who tick holiday and the duration is only a few weeks is quick. For all the others: I have to admit that officers in Canada really are tougher than in Germany, they really radiate authority and you get the feeling that you shouldn't joke with them.

When I finally got my luggage (which wasn't on the mowing walkway anymore after such a long time) I decided to take a taxi to my temporary home which cost me C$ 50 for a 45 min ride through Toronto's rush hour. The Indian driver Soni was a nice guy and even gave me his private phone number so that I could call him whenever I need help (as a friend not as a taxi driver). 'Don't be naive!', you may think, but he was so authentical I really belive him. Arrived at my AirBnB I struggled with unlocking the door (my host wasn't at home and left the keys outside for me). The lock was old, wobbly and jammed. I didn't succeed to open it and was afraid to destroy it totally. As it was nearly 6 pm I decided to wait for my host to return home from work. Natty arrived with a big smile and I felt so relieved to have finally arrived at my destination!

The house is quite nice and totally worth the price. It isn't as clean as my own home, but it's definitely ok for 5 days. I love the dog, her name is Remy! <3

#Arrival