First Impression : Woah! (Joey Lawrence style)

I'd written this whole post about how the process getting to this point was a pain, stressful and that I would never forget it. Somehow, after being here only three days, none of that matters anymore.

The world here works on a different clock. They don't disregard the clock entirely, but they seem to have a different respect for it. People walk around like they haven't really got anywhere to be, but always appear to be on a mission. Most seem happy to be here, even the old man on the corner with three teeth and dreads.

The tourists are very clearly tourists. I can say that because, I guess technically, I am one. I'm just as uninformed as those who are popping by off of a cruise ship for an afternoon, with their miserable husbands and floppy straw hats.

There are many customs, only a few of which I have been taught.

For example, if someone says "Good morning!", you reply back, "Good morning", and then carry on with the rest of the conversation. It is seen as a sign of disrespect if you don't reciprocate with the same greeting. I've learned this a couple of times.

Everyone nods their head at each other as they pass on the street, whether they know each other or not. I have seen, in only three days, five different occasions of one person stopping, greeting and hugging someone they knew, just as their way of saying "hi" in passing.

It's endearing. It's human. It's how people should be.

This is a picture of the main street in Hamilton, called Front St. It feels like a movie set, especially on Sunday afternoon, when the whole city seems to evacuate the area!

As you can see, everything is so clean! I have no idea how it remain that way, what with the tourists coming in and out, all of the people running around. It's amazing to me. Toronto could learn something from Bermuda.

The scooters, which they call "bikes", are everywhere. Good luck stepping out of the office and making a call. All you can hear are zooming bikes. They drive on the opposite side of the road, so you have to watch the opposite side of the road when crossing. This has been an issue! I've managed, but, it catching me off guard every time. Eeek!

Here is a parking lot with all of the bikes, just in one small area.

There is parking all along the streets for bikes, and the amazing thing is that every single person wears a helmet. I mean it only makes sense, but you'd think one or two people would break the rules. Not at all. I watched today, on purpose, and not a'one!

Men hold doors open for women. Chivalry is not dead. However, it is cloaked in the most spectacularly confusing accent! I wish I could figure it out. It does seem like the "o" is pronounced like the "ou" in "you". I find myself listening so much more intently than usual to try and figure it out. I will figure it out if my name here isn't "The giant blonde chick from Toronto!"

My first impression is that I am impressed! More to come about Dockyard. Too beautiful!