Update

It has been quite some time now since the last post. A lot happened during the last two months or so. First, the last few days in Paris were literally a nightmare: many things had to be done on the 3 or 4 days before departure, things that could not be done earlier and got accumulated. This resulted in some sleepless nights that was added to the large amount of mixed stress and excitement that was constantly rising since a few weeks. The trip however was very pleasant but nevertheless tiring: we could not help sleeping in the bus from Montreal to Sherbrooke during a serious rainstorm resulting from hurricane Katrina... Even half-asleep, it's impossible not to admire Montreal's highest buildings and the gorgeous nature between the two cities.

We were lucky to be housed by a friend during 10 days while we were searching for an apartment. The rent here is really cheap compared to Paris and it is rather easy to find an apartment. The people are very friendly and welcoming: we heard almost systematically the word "Welcome" whenever and wherever we said we were new comers. Being an "immigrant" does not seem to be a burden here. It is easy to feel serene and welcome. Of course, nothing is quite white nor quite black. There are some negative sides too, like the fact that you have to pay for everything. And it seems that the province of Quebec is the most left-winged province of Canada. I can't imagine what it would be in the other provinces. I was appalled the first time I saw publicity in the public toilets. Welcome to North America.

It is nice to get into the academic atmosphere once again. I am now preparing an MSc in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I am to study motions via sensors in a smart home destined for people with cognitive deficiencies. It is very challenging and motivating. I have to attend to some courses too. But I like the local way of teaching. Students are autonomous and involved and sometimes have to prepare the course themselves for their fellow-students. This brings a real efficiency in learning and avoids the sense of boredom that is common in the passive form of learning. It also prepares the students for teaching if they ever choose that way.

Of course, I could not wait to buy a bike in order to explore the nearby nature. There are circuits that go over tens of kilometers in the area that are destined to bikers only. This allows to admire the wildlife and observe the leaves turn from green to red and orange and gold. Even if I expected it, I couldn't help being astounded by the low population density. You can go for a while without meeting a single soul. However, I can't complain. That's one of the things I came here for.

The weather is very unpredictable as far as I'm concerned. After a summer that stretched until the beginning of October, we had some serious flooding 10 days ago and then two days ago the first snowstorm of the season! Due to hurricane Wilma this time. Quite promising for the winter, isn't it? I understand now why the Indian Summer is so important and so special here: if you experience a snowstorm, you'll be more than delighted when the summer is back for a week and the temperatures reach 20°C. It seems that it is not unlikely for this phenomenon to happen even in mid-November. So I am still waiting and hoping...