I've moved to Toronto now. Officially. School year hasn't started yet BUT I'm here already to undertake some necessary preparations, such as the obligatory stuff like opening a bank account, registering with the department etc. Then, on the 4th, I can embark on my doctoral spree, which should hopefully lead to a Phd somewhere mid 2010. Ouch. 2010. Mmmm...
Toronto's a lot like New York really...People are busy busy busy and even if someone is on the street acting like a lunatic or screaming their heads off or DYING for that matter, he or she will probably not get a lot of reaction. Climate here seems a bit cold, and no, I wasn't talking about the weather. Also, the administrative whirlwind of housing, tuition fees and bank issues seems to be pacing about at a rather high and confusing speed... And that for a city that has gone almost bankrupt and where prices are very high.
Luckily, Toronto seems to have an equally interesting and wide-spread counter-cultural movement, including ecological, vegetarian and queer/feminist groups. And, it seems that the way in happens through these groups. So yes, yours truly has checked out some of these cohorts and might join them as the upcoming months proceed. And, I do hope to make some friends and good colleagues once the year takes off.
As for smoking I am really fucked. I can't smoke anywhere in the building, gotta go 9 floors down AND cross the street (because it is not allowed to smoke in front of the building outside). At 11 euros a pack, one has quickly abandoned the nasty habit. And drinking, well, beer is sold in separate beer shops, wines in wine shops and liquor in liquor shops... Damn...As yours truly really fancied the combination of those deliria, a long long trip will be my curse. BUT as a reward they have Red Stripe, Appleton, and more of that goodness...
I'll be writing more, and share some academic stuff and poetry as well, once I get this pc thing sorted out. Peace be with y'all.
1 comment:
Good day Jef!
I hope you're doing well in far away Toronto. I share some common experience with you in the sense that a while ago I also went to the barber's for the first time in 15 years and more or so. The barber's name is Saladin Coiff'. Very nicely done I can tell you that.
Anyway, enough about the singing barber from Bagdad.
Enjoy your stay, don't think too much about Belgium since it might be gone by the time you come back to ... what might have turned into a nightmare: the independentstate of Flanders.
I startt working in a month for Huis van het Nederlands and will be moving into our newly acquired appartment in St-Gilles, Brussels.
Hope to visit you soon.
Bye my buddy
Driis
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