General orientation finished; only partying left

Got into Canada on Aug 31 at 23:30. Border crossing was no problem; some questions and they let me right through. Stayed out by the airport (Vancouver International) for the night.

Next day I got up, drove over to Marine Towers to check in. While waiting in line I met my neighbor who is from Mexico City. We ended up walking over to orientation together. Sat through the usual intro talk of what the university has to offer. Talked some with a guy from Ontario. Had lunch, did some errands at the CS dept. which included meeting some students and professors (all nice). More talks. Met more people. Came back and met my third roommate (fellow CS major getting his masters). Then attended an ale tasting at the grad student pub. Left a little early since I needed to call the parents before it got too late.

Friday was International students orientation. Basically they harped on work permit and visa stuff that I don't need to worry about. Also discussed medical which I am going to take care of during the second week of classes. Met another person that my CS roommate (Swedish) and I hung out with for the rest of the night, which included a dance. My feet are killing me thanks to me being a dancing fool.

Tonight is a pub crawl in downtown. Tomorrow is a boat cruise. Monday is a BBQ for Marine Towers. Rest of next week is CS grad orientation.

I did get my TA position; advanced software engineering. Working under a professor who is friends with Aaron and Michael back at Cal Poly. Looks like I am going to need to learn J2EE.

Basically I have been having a blast. People are *very* nice here. Other than a hiccup I had in the CS dept. because I had not gotten my CS account set up when they wanted me to, everything has gone smoothly. I think I just need to make sure I stay relaxed since no one seems to bother stressing out over stuff here and everyone seems willing to help you work out details.

You often hear about how much of an international city this place is. Well, it is no joke. I have met people from Sweden, Columbia, Korea, China, Taiwan, the States, all over Canada, France, Britain, Germany, Venezuela, Mexico, and probably other places I can't remember.

Basically, if things keep going they way they have been for the past two days (sans cramming it all within that small timespan), this whole experience is going to be phenomenal.