The weather has been alternating between cold and hot even in the same day. Woke up with a huge headache, but it’s dying down. Thank god.
Construction on Front Street
I no longer cringe walking under construction sites as almost every block in down town area have some sort of construction. After seeing a few cranes crushing down in NY, I was a bit nervous about these sites before. I now paused a few seconds before throwing garbage to see which bin the stuff should go as there are always recycle bins along with regular garbage bins – even in subway stations. It’s pretty impressive to see people following the instructions. I heard in suburb areas, they are to even have yet another category for biodegradable stuff. I was surprised to learn that we have to recycle wastes from food such as watermelon, banana, etc. My sis, always big on saving the environment, will love to about know this.
Constructions - Front Street
I am also getting used to seeing ‘French’ instructions on almost all the products. I always thought there were more instructions but learnt that these were the same but in French. I couldn’t help thinking about the overhead needed for packaging materials here. Hmm…
One thing that gets me is that amazon.ca doesn’t sell stuff other than DVDs and software. And Walmart.ca has a shopping list, but we can’t check out! What’s more, I don’t see the same content for the same site as my friends see.
Recycle Bin
Being in a new environment is really great but at the same time, I couldn’t dismiss the nostalgia. I am not sure which one I miss more – my home town or NY? It’s really great to see some familiar faces at times for sure. For now, I resort to ‘Anderson Cooper 360 degree and the Today shows’. 
Jump
New comers? YMCA is a MUST.
This place is jammed pack with information and helpful members. I went there and had to fill out an application form for the member card. We need to show the landing paper. I didn’t have mine and had to go back. I was wondering why she needed all the information, but she explained that it was just for statistical purposes.
Upon receiving the card, I can use the computers, the Internet, print 10 pages a day, free fax service and make copies 10 pages a day. I took two courses – Canadian workplace culture and Know your financial rights. They both are very useful. I got information overloaded abit.
I had to take a tour of the facility. The lady was very nice and informative. I could pick up any topic and she would research and give me stacks of paper loaded with information. Besides, she gave me a form to claim some of the GST back in case I am eligible for it. She also gave me information about a number where we can call for medical advice for FREE – 211.
Besides, I had a chance to network and meet with people in the same boat. I found some from NY sharing my shocks. I thought I was the only one. We were saying that we became a lot more concious about our usages – be it the Internet, transactions made at banks, phone usage, etc. Things used to be unlimited. Well, no more!
With both my hands down, YMCA is the best place to start…
http://www.ymca.ca/eng_homepage.htm
Here comes the good stuff .. Went to the downtown area, devoured the scenary and then applied for stuff like SIN card, Health Card, Driver License, etc…
Old City Hall, Toronto
New City Hall, Toronto
SIN card was painless though there was a long line. It was at the ‘new’ city hall. It was a beautiful day and I was surprised how pleasant it could be dealing with people from government service sector. They were informative, nice and patient. Don’t let me draw a stark contrast with my past experiences. I would just leave it at that. Then we were instructed to walk up a few blocks for the health care card. It was at Bay 777. The place also offers services for driver license too. I couldn’t apply for Health Card as I didn’t bring any proof of residency. You need to have a lease, phone bill or something to proof that you live in Toronto. The health care is free by the way. But I was informed that I would have to wait for about 3 months. It starts counting from the day you land, not from the day you apply for the health card.
Bay 777, Toronto
I didn’t have to worry about applying late. The guy warned me though that it could take a few weeks to process the card. So logistically, if I wait till the last minute it could potentially result in delays in getting it due to the processing time. As I didn’t wish to take any chance, I went back there as soon as I got the lease. They took a picture of me and told me to wait in the mail for the card. Good. I will at least have some sort of a Canadian id.
Downtown Area
Then we headed to the driver license area. The lady explained with a big bright smile that I could transfer my license from NY for $75. I won’t have to take an exam and be on probation for a YEAR. Sounds like a great idea, but let me mull this over …
Later, a random guy we talked to suggested that we could get an id from liquor store and it is also considered official. I have yet to explore that option. Maybe that’ll do.
