It seems to me like we humans are never fully satisfied. I already miss my friends a lot. In addition there are several parts from my experience in Canada, that I wish I could have brought back to Norway.
Such as:
- The sense of belonging to a bigger social group (the internationals and the rugby team).
- All the intern jokes we made among us exchange students and Canadians, and just being with so many nationalities in general. It's amazing how you can become so close with people from different parts of the world.
- Being able to walk "everywhere", especially downtown. I lived a 10 minute's walk from the gym. While in Norway I need to take a bus into the city, which means that there's always a lot of planning involved. I also lived close to the high school.
- The laid back everyday life I had as an exchange student. Because we are not allowed to work, there's not really a lot of big "responsibilities", compared to the stressful life I have here.
- Random strangers who actually look into your eyes and greet you while passing by or random chats with the cashiers.
- Cheap ("almost everything), especially food.
- Starting late at school (09:00 AM).
- Having 10 minutes of first class to "wake up" because of the national anthem and announcements.
- Going to the gym with all my friends, working out but having fun at the same time. In Norway I go to gym with my ear plugs and music, do my thing, and leave. In Yarmouth we would chat in-between working out, playing pool and just having a good time.
- Music in the streets (downtown, made me feel like I was in a movie).
- Talking English (although I prefer my first language).
- Being surrounded by hot internationals boys (especially in the gym, perfect motivation). Girls tend to say that it felt good coming back to the Norwegian boys after a year abroad. Me on the other, have no complaints, and was more than pelased with the international selection.
- Feeling like a mini celebrity (haha). For instance: It's not everyday you are on the front page in the local news paper, get scouted to the rugby all-star team, or get invited to an award show.
- As close to no social status pressure. Wear whatever you feel comfortable with and sit wherever you like in the cafeteria. Go to school in sweat pants, slippers and long sock. In Norway this is called social suicide, which I think is very sad.
I'm sure there's more to it, but it's 2 AM so my mind won't cooperate any longer. However, I am overly happy to be home to what I missed when I was away.