My First Day in Canada

JAYAVATHANA KUGANESAN

I came to Canada from SriLanka in 2000. My first day in Canada started at Toronto airport. I will never forget that day. That day I felt very strange in the airport. There were so many people with different faces, skin colour, hair, clothes and languages. I met an immigration officer. He turned to me and said, "Welcome to Canada." I replied, "Thank you." I was very pleased to hear these words and he asked how do you feel. I replied, 'I'm happy and lucky." At that time my feelings were mixed. He understood my feelings. On my first day in Canada I had many experiences.

On my first day in Canada there were many surprises in my life. The weather, transportation, culture, medical system, taxes, houses and languages are different in my country. When I came to Canada, it was snowing in Toronto. That day was very beautiful. I had never seen snowfall. I was happy to be here but SriLanka is a hot country with no winter and no snowfall. Canada has different seasons and different weather.

In Canada transportation is very different from my country. Canadian transportation is very good and developed. Canada has many cultures and languages. On my first day in Canada I knew few English words. I like to speak with other people but I couldn't speak very well because I didn't know enough English. First I decided to study English and after that I would look for a job.

In Canada the medical system is very good. Canada has many hospitals and doctors. Canada has a health care system and we don't pay for medical care. My country has few hospitals and I paid money. In Canada the health care system is very good.