Moving somewhere new is big. Like real big. Especially when this new somewhere is unexplored to you. You could be like a little tiny mouse in a city that seems like it's going to swallow you, unaware of where is safe or where the most delicious cheese lies. Not only is this place different, and scary at times, but it can become exciting if you learn your way around and become aware instead of unaware. Making the best out of a new place requires one big thing...one thing that will make this new place seem wondrous and awesome...Discovery. Even though I moved to a place that I've been countless times, there is still a world to discover...I think the discovery of new things/places, ect, is an endless adventure. So here are some things I've learned, not only from my summer prepping for a move to Toronto, but even things that I learned when I lived in England and California for a couple summers.
1. Be open minded
The new place you're moving to obviously won't be like your old place...this is what makes it unique! So, you can't hold on to ideas/stereotypes/fears, because what was normal in your old town might not be the norm in your new one. For example, in a small city like Kitchener, where the downtown is tiny and visited far too little than it should be, people's awareness of homelessness in their own community is, unfortunately, little to none. Moving to Toronto, the little sheltered world we Kitchenerites live in is shattered when the reality of homelessness is shoved in your face every where you go. It's the new norm for beggers to line the streets, and music to be playing on every corner in hopes for some spare change to clink as it is dropped into an open guitar case. So here, instead of it being intimidating or scary, it is just a factual problem that people are clearly aware of; and not a strange problem either, because the reality is, Toronto is the biggest city in Canada, so homelessness is bound to be an issue (not that it is okay). So, clear all those worries, and just keep your mind open...acceptance is key! Once you accept the new norm, it will become your new norm!
2. Walk!
...even if you have no where to go (just keep track of where you came from). The best way to learn about a new place is to submerse yourself in it, just like learning a new language. You're not going to discover yummy places to eat or fabulous boutiques by waiting for them to find you...because they won't. So you have to find them! Walk around your neighbourhood and keep your eyes, ears and nose open. You'll be able to spot a unique store, hear some bands or smell a scrumptious bakery...who knows, maybe you'll stumble upon your new favourite hang out! Also, use websites and applications like Yelp to help point you in a certain direction. For example, I got to Toronto and I was looking for a salad, so I looked up healthy food in the U of T area, and came across this phenomenal vegan restaurant, Hibiscus ...tiny, friendly and well-priced! I got this phenomenal salad which was just a plethora of goodies...Quinoa, tofu, sweet potatoe, green beans, cabbage, chick peas and more...one of the most fresh salads I've ever had! So with the guidance of Yelp pointing me in a specific direction, I walked around the neighbourhood and was also able to discover some of the other places around this restaurant, including an indoor market displaying works from different artisans, such as jewelry, clothing, kitchen utensils, jams, honey, gifts...you name it, they have it.
3. Don't be afraid to talk
No matter how scary people seem, especially when you don't know the common behaviour of people in a new city, it is always good to try to make conversation. You never know, they might know some hidden gems in the town! If you are sitting in a park on a bench next to someone, say Hi, and ask how they are! If they are interested in talking, they will respond, and if light-talk is in order, you'll feel it. I wanted to sit outside today to eat my lunch, but there were only a couple chairs available at a table someone was sitting at, so regardless of what I read on reviews (that people in TO are not open to sharing their tables), I asked if I could sit and she openly said yes! Then, she started making conversation, about the band playing and the weather, and I openly started talking about how I just moved here. And, was I ever happy I did, because she suggested some other great restaurants and places to go! Being on my own right now, I often just want to talk to someone, and I have discovered that most people wouldn't mind talking to someone too...the key is just getting over that awkward, 'Should-I-talk', stage.
4. Try new things
These things can be as simple as eating a new food, or going in to a different store. If coffee is popular in the town, maybe have a coffee instead of your usual tea. If biking a popular mode of transportation, maybe pick up the pedals for a jaunt to the store instead of driving (although, in a place like TO, you have to be careful with where you choose to ride!) Trying new things will allow you the ability to adapt and grow as you start a new chapter in your life in a new place! Trying to think of one thing new that I tried, I guess instead of my usual walking route to my apartment, I took the street car! I embraced a Torontonian tradition (maybe burning a few less calories than I could have) and got home in record time! But the benefit is, now I know exactly how I can get home fast when I'm in a pickle, instead of trying to figure out how to get home fast when I'm already in a situation! So, although people love routine, breaking that routine has it's benefits, and can allow you to have alternative options when needed!!
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| Starbucks patio early in the morning listening to the streetcars rattle by and the people starting to fill the streets |
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| Lunch time in Kensington |
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| Homeless folk band and peach tea...oh, the summer days |
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| Delicious vegan salad from Hibiscus |
