Officially a student again...

Yes, I am officially a student at the University of Tampere. It took me most of the day but it's official. I will receive my student card in 2 to 3 weeks and then hopefully benefit from student discounts!!

What can I say today? I saw a homeless person yesterday. That is the first sign of poverty that I have seen. I imagine that there is more but where? I imagine that through my work placement I will figure this out but it's odd that it's virtually invisable.

I must say it's interesting being the minority. I have always been a minority becuase of how I look but never because of language. It is incredibly lonely. The lack of pay phones and calling cards means that I only speak when I am asking for directions or when I happen to run into one of the three other Canadians here. No calls home yet...hopefully Skype will work and I won't feel so isolated soon.

I wish I could post pictures but sadly using an internet cafe prevents this. I have some good pictures so far and I look forward to taking more. I will hopefully post pictures in about 2 to 3 weeks. Yup, no internet in my apartment until then.

Well, time is running out yet again. My thoughts are with everyone back at home. I miss my home terribly!! I am growing more thankful every moment for everyone and everything I have in Canada. Why does it feel like December will never come??

Hope everyone is well. Feel free to comment!! Much love!!

Tampere or Tampereen??

Okay, I still haven't figured out what the difference is but I am working on it.

Thank you to everyone who has sent me good wishes. Sorry I haven't posted until now but unfortunately I don't have my apartment yet which means I don't have internet either. Truthfully, I feel quite disconnected.

So, eating has been quite interesting. Everything tastes slightly like curry. Pineapple goes in most dishes. And personal sized pizzas are about the size of a large.

Tampere is quite beautiful. I will post pictures once I have access to internet and my laptop. Public phones don't exist. And everything is expensive. However, the buildings are beautiful and it's very lush and green. Oh, I think there are more Irish pubs in Tampere than there are in Ireland!!

Well, my time is almost up so I must go.

I miss everyone!! I send lots of hugs and love!!

Ciao for now!!
Bug

Let's hope my luggage makes it too!!

20 hours and counting...seems unreal. My next post will from Finland!! Who would have thought??!!