It's official, I have definitely retired the suitcases for the time being, and am absolutely loving the new luxuries being 'settled' affords me (library card - wuhoo!). So for all you travel addicts out there who - like I once did - feel like you wouldn't know how to enjoy being in one place for longer than it takes the trees to change colour, here are some of my personal favourite ways to feel at home in a place that's not yet your home:
1. Take classes: preferably ones where you pay upfront for the first 6 months, so you have to go. Bonus points if it's actually something useful, but this isn't necessary. I've opted for French and Wing Chun for now, with my eye on cookery and dressmaking when funds allow. It's not only for the great friends and skills, but the idea that every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings for the next 12 months, I know where I'll be. And if I don't fee like I'm making progress today, it's ok, coz I 'aint goin nowhere (plus, learning new things helps shush the travel bug, who is used to being fed sparkly new things like Machu Picchu and Brazilian waterfalls on a regular basis)
2. Get cards: It may seem silly, but filling my wallet with things like a monthly subway card, annual pass to the local museum of modern art, and a rewards card for the supermarket round the corner makes me feel like I'm starting to sprout roots! To me, these are all things it was silly or impossible to have when my address changed every 4 months, and they really make me feel part of the city I live in. [Also, I've finally been able to get a subscription to my favourite magazine - Joy!]
3. Make friends like crazy: This is obviously an easier one to say than to do, but I have never, ever had a negative reaction to a corny "Hey, I'm Jess, I just got here" coupled with a smile and an outstretched hand. This week I made new friends at my kung fu class, the youth job centre, the registration office for French classes, a businesswomen's networking event, a bar night for other young people on the same visa, and Couchsurfing (check out the website if you haven't - incredible community). In the past few days I've been invited to three dinners, one lunch, one coffee and a circus class - and no, they're not dates! It's amazing how many people who have lived here all their lives really want to make new friends too.
4. Get cultured: I've been asking everyone here what Québécois music, movies and TV series I should be checking out. I've planned to get to a local comedy night, and would really like to get my hands on a couple of books by local authors. This is stuff I rarely have time (or sometimes the inclination) to do when passing through other places, even if I'm there for months. Looking at Montreal as my new home, I feel like it's worth getting invested in everything it's got to offer - even if it means buying and wearing bulky winter jackets and snowboots until May!
Anyone got any other suggestions for me?
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