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the former "Chez Paul"
My old downtown condo (on the left) - conveniently situated beside the Steamwhistle brewery Up at 5:00 am, out the door by 5:45. Got a few hours of sleep after frantically moving out of my condo and packing up everything (almost positive I missed some stuff but I'll have to figure that one out eventually). I am a bit spoiled this time around -- instead of having to pack as lightly as possible as I did for my last couple backpacking trips, I have the luxury of not only my backpack but another giant suitcase and carry-on bag. The downside of course is that not only will I be gone for a much longer period of time, I will have to dress for a multitude of settings (work, casual, field/outdoors) and climates.
As much as I am used to moving every few months (this is my 14th move in just under 6 years) I am a bit sad to leave the city. For those of you who never got to visit, my last place of residence was right in the heart of downtown Toronto, between the CN Tower and the lake. There was always something to do, and I think that in the five or six months I was there, there might have been
the new Chez Paul
My hotel room (and current residence) at the Valhalla Inn in Thunder Bay maybe two or three weekends where I didn't have friends visiting or staying with me. However, I knew when I moved in that it wouldn't be permanent, and I'm glad that I got a chance to experience the Bay street working life sans-GO-train for a little while. Time for something completely different.
After using the plane ride down to catch some extra sleep, I arrive at a surprisingly warm Thunder Bay. It was a (mostly) beautiful long weekend in the city and it is just as warm here at the top of Lake Superior. It's bright and sunny, I have all my worldly belongings in my hands, and I have arrived in a brand new city where I don't know a single soul.
What have I done.
The first bit of nervousness sets in (probably hidden until now behind the big heaping pile of excitement), not at the thought of the upcoming work or travel, but mostly because I don't know what to expect. Oddly enough, I do somewhat enjoy the feeling -- being in a brand new place to explore all on your own -- and the thought of what's ahead helps shake the arrival-anxiety back
at least this time I have a backyard (sort of)
The Valhalla courtyard, view from my hotel room patio door into eager optimism. After all, it's not like I'm
entirely alone.
It's still early, so I head right to work, luggage and all. I suppose I did lie earlier about now knowing a single soul: I have previously met Bob, the Environmental group coordinator and my new boss. Bob has been excellent in helping me with the pre-trip prep, and is waiting for me so he can introduce me around the office. My first impression of the Remotes office is that of a very family-oriented group, especially since I am greeted with a newborn baby who had just entered the world the previous Friday. He (she? I can't remember at the moment) has just popped in to soak in the admiration of the other women in the office (as well as Bob) and to have a little nap, of which I was quite jealous. Hey, a cute baby is as good a start to my new job as any, I suppose.
Bob shows me around the office and I try to wrap my head around the whirlwind of names and positions. Remotes is technically its own company, so unlike my Toronto-head-office job I will be working in close proximity to Finance people, Customer reps, mechanical and electrical engineers, mechanics and more... I would honestly have to hunt down the Org chart Bob gave me in order to list all the departments in this one office.
Bob was also kind enough to give me a quick tour of the city, pointing out major roads and helping me to get my bearings in this new city. My head still swimming from the assault of names and faces earlier at the office, I try to absorb as much as I can while making a mental note to spend some good quality time with Google Maps after work. Mount McKay peers out out at me in the distance: once I get settled in, some pictures from the summit will be a top priority. Also vaguely outlined in the distance (due to some lingering fog) is the Sleeping Giant which, if all goes according to plan, will eventually have its own blog post. The city is beautiful: everything is in blossom and the weather is perfect. Bob is rattling off things to do faster than i can listen, and the conversation also shifts to the upcoming work program. Turns out I might be in for a trip to one of the remote communities earlier than expected.
I haven't been able to explore the city too much, but life at the Valhalla Inn is not too shabby, at least a couple of days in. There's a huge gym we get access to across the street, which is a bit of a relief. I'm by no means a meathead, but I do make an effort to work out regularly and the thought of not getting my endorphin fix was one worry I had about coming up here (especially after watching my more fitness-minded friend Duncan go crazy trying to find a pubic gym in Kuala Lumpur). I highly doubt that I'll have such facilities during my forays up north, but it's nice to know that all that stuff is easily accessible while I'm in Thunder Bay.
I plan to do a bit more exploring over the next few days, once I'm a bit more settled in. I'm sure there will be some more interesting stories and pictures after the weekend. If you want a more exciting travel blog in the meantime, have a look at my good friend (and travel-blog inspiration)
Scott Dickenson's blog. If anyone is at all interested in backpacking Asia I highly recommend they have a look. Otherwise, I've just discovered that my first foray into the far north will be earlier than anticipated, as I will head to
Bearskin Lake next week. I've already bought a fishing rod and tackle: here's hoping I get to try it out.
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