letters to my sister: 1

So, my sister, just moved to the UAE. This is a pretty big deal and makes my inter-provincial move look like nothin'.

A friend suggested that we write letters to each other via our blogs (love the camel motif btw), now, I never got around to actually discussing this idea with my sister, but decided I would write some letters to her on my blog either way.

Dear Karen,

You left yesterday, which was emotional for everyone, but we seem to be dealing okay back here in Canada.

We've heard from you via a really echo-y phonecall from your fancy hotel, I have a feeling the time change is going to be a challenge to navigate, but I'm sure we'll manage.

Dad's first question is and will always be, how hot is it there? :P This is a variation of the typical southern Ontario summer greeting "hot enough for ya?".

My initial questions will be food and hotel related: what have you been eating? what do they serve at the hotel? is there any junk food? what was breakfast like?

what are the free toiletries like? (as you know I am very serious about the freebies in a hotel and will attempt to gather as many as possible)
how is the pool area?
do you have cable?
what is on the cable?
on a scale of 1 - 10 rate the awesomeness of the bed.

I looked through pictures of your hotel with Mom...wowzers dude, Karen's Klassy Adventure has begun!

Also, if you go to the themepark that is on this island, you must blog that in Great detail.

Of course I have more questions and they are likely the same as yours...what will your apartment be like? your school? your neighbourhood? etc.

But I think I shall reiterate my 'sisterly advice' that I was yammering at you as you packed on your last day home:

~ Wear sunscreen every day

~ Keep hydrated

~ Pay close attention to the new set of social & cultural norms, perhaps jot them down

~ Give chickpeas a chance they are a diverse & nutritious food

~ Always do plenty of research before you travel anywhere (or ask your favourite reference librarian)

~ Go on some historical tours, the are interesting and fun!

~ Easy on the swears

~ Call Mom & Dad lots

~ Sample some of the local teas (this is not so much advice as it is "what michelle would do" or WMWD)

~ Buy a hat with a big brim (never forget how pasty we really are)

~ and finally, Stay Alert, Play Safe!

~ also, have fun. ;)

Life in Canada

What plans does Michelle have in store?

1. Dinner at everyone's favourite German style eatery

2. A trip to the local cinema

3. A certain nostalgic concert experience (cue the screaming "girls"/women)

4. A train trip (featuring egg salad sandwiches & cold kitkat bars)

5. Another Agatha Christie novel

6. Bookclub

7. Shakespeare in the park ("Out, damn'd spot! out, I say!—One; two: why, then
'tis time to do't.—Hell is murky...")

8. Montreal bagels

9. Chocolate milkshakes at the cuckoo clock store...

It's okay to be jealous.

Miss you, talk soon, *virtual fist bump*
Michelle

PS THIS JUST IN: Anderson Cooper has his own daytime talk show starting soon! Aren't you heartbroken you're going to miss it!?!