Write@Home
Winter 2015

High angle view of waterfall and trees in a national park

Last weekend, Thanksgiving Day, my friends and I went hiking at Rouge National Park, and we didn’t expect it to become such a dangerous experience. It was cold and windy that day, and in the morning, I noticed that it looked like it might rain, so I thought about canceling it. But then the weather changed to cloudy, so we decided to go ahead with our plans. It had been a while since we’d all seen each other, so we were excited to walk along the beach together. We walked quite a distance, but it was cold and windy, so we were thinking about turning back. However, my husband didn’t want to go back the way we came. He tried to find a way forward. And that’s when our adventure really began. He led us to climb a steep cliff nearby, but it was so steep and there was nothing solid to grab onto.

We climbed to the top of the mountain with great effort. When we heard the sound of cars from a nearby road, we tried to make our way toward it. However, to our surprise, there was no path leading to the road, a high fence blocked the pathway. We had no choice but to retrace our steps along the cliff. This time, climbing down was even harder than climbing up. I almost lost control and slipped, and I was afraid I would go down a short distance. After a tough and exhausting descent, we finally reached the beach again. Everyone was completely worn out. Looking at my shoes, I now realize that once white, now they are covered in grey dirt.

Despite the mess and exhaustion, this challenging adventure left an impression on us and will remain a memorable experience.

It is Thanksgiving Day, so I am grateful for coming back safely from an unforgettable journey.

Image of diverse female and male hip hop dancers during training in dance club

Dancing is a fun activity where people move their body to music. It can be done alone or with a partner. There are many different styles of dance that I enjoy watching, like ballet, hip hop and salsa. I really love dancing but I have never been a good dancer. I don’t know how to dance well. I hope that with my downtime in Canada I will be able to go out and enjoy some dancing or maybe even take some dance classes! It would be a great way to make new friends!

Asian woman reading at a cafe

I was born in a small town in the south of China. I have 3 siblings, and a lot of books. When I was little, there was no Internet. Only three decades ago, we didn’t even have a lot of connection with the world. The only way people could see the world was via the newspaper or CCTV, China Central Television. We did not have a whole lot of recreation. Reading, at that time, was my biggest recreation. My father travelled a lot for business, he would always mailed my siblings and I books as gifts wherever he went. I still remember that my father gave me a hardcover dictionary for elementary school students. It not only had the words but had colour printed pictures. I brought it to school everyday. Even though it was very heavy, I remembered every single page of it.

I am still reading every day, but instead of reading paperbacks , I read digital books. I downloaded the applications that let me read all kinds of books, I also download specified books into my phone or iPad so I can read them.

My husband likes reading too. He also collects books by his favorite authors. My daughter, who is 14 years old, loves reading too. But she prefers reading paperbacks.

The difference between her and I is, she reads English books and I read Chinese books. We always say we should switch over because I need to improve my English and she needs to improve her Chinese. I love reading.

Photograph of Kahlil Gibran

Gibran Khalil Gibran, a Lebanese poet, painter, essayist novelist and philosopher, was and remains the best author and philosopher, his poetry and books has been translated into more than twenty languages. His drawings and paintings have been exhibited in the great capitals of the world. His love for his country Lebanon suggested him to write his famous phrase: "If Lebanon were not my homeland, I would make Lebanon my homeland."

However, the best work of all time was "The Prophet" which made him a famous philosopher. In his book The Prophet, Gibran Khalil Gibran tries to encourage the reader to change his way of life based mainly on living it in a balanced way with respect to divinity and inner peace. For Gibran, the obstacles and vicissitudes of the world are only tests that allow man to evolve and advance along the path towards purification, thus showing us that the world will be better when men are able to come together and live together.

Few books possess at the same time a depth, a freshness and a poetry comparable to that of The Prophet, by Khalil Gibran. The poet, the philosopher, gives his readers the opportunity to find themselves through these simple and truthful words. "The Prophet" reveals to us a message that constitutes a reflection on the world and life: Love, Marriage, Children, Giving, Eating and Drinking, Work, Joy and Sadness, Houses, Clothes, Crime and Punishment, Laws, Freedom, Reason and Passion, Pain, Good and Evil, Self-knowledge, Teaching, Friendship, buying and selling, Speaking, Death. His themes, of universal human interest, appear as testimonies that free the spirit from the sensations of emptiness and lack of vital meaning.

They are authentic treasures that the prophet has found in his silences and that envelop us with the enthusiasm of discovering our own values. " The Prophet " gives all men, in accordance with the laws of God, impulses to reflect and respond to the events and anomalies that take place in this world. He also speaks about his task and thus about himself.

"The Prophet" is a book worth reading not once, but several times, for its valuable content, its teachings, and its reflections on life.

Image of Mahmoud Dowlatabadi

Abbas Maarufi and Mahmood Dowlatabadi are two of the most respected authors in modern Persian literature. Both have created powerful works that explore the human experience, Iranian society, and the challenges of life in their country.

Abbas Maarufi: A Master of Emotional Depth
Abbas Maarufi, born in 1946, is known for his deep and psychological storytelling. His novels often explore themes of loneliness, identity, and personal struggle, giving readers a close look at the lives of his characters. One of his most famous works is Symphony of the Dead, a novel that reflects the emotional turmoil and political unrest in Iran. Maarufi's ability to blend complex characters with emotional and philosophical themes has made him a key figure in Persian literature. The Year of turmoil and The Body of Farhad are among his other works.

Mahmoud Dowlatabadi: A Voice for Rural Iran
Mahmood Dowlatabadi, born in 1940, is best known for his epic novels that tell the stories of rural life in Iran. His works focus on the struggles of ordinary people, especially those living in remote areas, and reflect the social and political issues in the country. His most famous novel, Kelidar, is considered the longest Persian novel ever written. It follows the life of a man named Gol Mohamad exploring themes of family, loyalty, and the harsh realities of rural life. The novel is praised for its rich storytelling and deep look into Iranian society. Missing Soluch is the other amazing novel by him that was his first work translated into English.

Though Maarufi and Dowlatabadi write about different aspects of life, both authors share a passion for telling the truth about their society. Maarufi often focuses on the inner lives of his characters, while Dowlatabadi focuses on the broader social issues of Iran. Together, they offer readers a rich, multifaceted view of Iranian life and history. Their works continue to inspire readers, both in Iran and around the world, and their contributions to Persian literature remain invaluable.

Heart in hands in a field of sunflowers in an embroidered shirt

My name is Liudmyla. I am from Ukraine, although I have been living in Canada for several years. But today I`d like to share not my story, but of our daughter and her family. A story similar to hundreds of others who woke up on 02.24.22 from bomb explosions and heard such a terrible word “WAR”.

Our daughter, in parallel with secondary school, graduated from music school, piano class.

After graduating from music college, she was invited to work as a piano teacher at the same music school. After that she graduated from university and after nine and half years of college and university education she received a higher music education, and she was offered to become the director of the same music school. At that time, she got married and raised a daughter with her husband.

Life was wonderful, interesting and happy. Both daughter and son-in-low were doing what they loved. In the evening with the family they talked about how the day went, made new plans. Their daughter Sofia delighted her parents with her piano playing. Holidays were spent with friends having fun with songs and jokes.

Later, Kateryna, that`s our daughter’s name, began to try herself as a Toastmaster and animator at various events.

I asked Kateryna if they wanted to move to Canada with us, but they refused, because they really had a happy life: own home, friends, job. Sofia studied music and dance.

But on 02.24.22 everything changed. No one understood what to do, how to live further, how long it would last…

Ultimately our children had to move to Canada, and they have been living here for two years now, but they left part of their soul and heart where they lived happily and did not want to change anything.

Today is already 1003rd day of the war. We pray every day for our relatives, our soldiers, our Ukraine. We believe in our Victory and say thank you Canada for giving our children the opportunity no to hear explosions every day.

concept:

I was born in the late 80’s in Abidjan, Côte D’Ivoire, West Africa. I had 6 siblings. At the age of 6, I went to a primary school called Sicogi. I was a very smart boy, and I was interested in sports. During that period, I played soccer with my friends almost every day, and I was not too bad at it and wanted to be a professional soccer player later. After 3rd grade, I went to live with my grandmother in another place but in the same city. There, it was a bit different. I had no friends anymore. I spent all my adolescence with her before getting my secondary school degree called Baccalaureate in my country's education system. I studied Sports at university for 4 years and became a sports teacher at a high school for 11 years. On January 1st, I came to Canada with my spouse, whom I’ve been married to for 6 years. Since then, we’ve been living In Greater Sudbury, ON. At the very beginning, it was quite strange to live in a smaller city than where we used to live, but we got used to it. We are now students at Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, to become teachers from 4th grade to 10th grade. We don’t have children, but we plan to have some later.

I’m very grateful to be here in Canada and I look forward to making my dreams come true.

My nickname is Amara. I was born in Taunggyi, capital city of the Southern Shan State, located in Myanmar. Taunggyi is well known for its Tazaung Daing Festival around the world. It has become a tourism attraction festival. At this festival, our local people have a competition for hot air balloons with the decoration of firecrackers, lights and firework, painting design and candles are their own creations by hand which normally is celebrated in November. Our all kinds of local food are super delicious and cheap.

My father passed away when I was 3. My mother is a super strong woman who supports us. She was a primary school teacher. I have 5 siblings: 3 elder brothers and 2 elder sisters. I am the youngest person in my family. After passing the matriculation exam, I moved in with my elder sister who lives in Yangon, the largest city in Myanmar. I studied English at the Campion Institute, from the elementary to pre-intermediate level. I also took a distance education from Taunggyi University. Therefore, I went back to Taunggyi once each year to take an exam. Finally, I graduated, majoring in Law from Taunggyi University.

At the same time, I started working as a receptionist in the hotel. I took some hospitality courses such as: a front desk agent, hospitality management, sales and marketing management and I got a diploma in strategic management and administration. After getting 6 years of working experience in different departments, I was promoted to an assistant sales manager position.

I met my husband one time when I was 9 years old. He is the eldest brother of my friend. After many years passed, we contacted each other on Facebook during the Covid-19 pandemic. In February 2021, there was a military coup in Myanmar. Because of that, I resigned from my job and followed my husband to Malaysia. We were married in November, 2022. Unfortunately, we had to cancel our wedding celebration because of the disgusting actions of the military. One of my elder brother and elder sister were arrested by the army. We fled back to Malaysia. We have sadly lost our chance to go back our own country. Finally, the Canadian Government helped and brought us here for our life safety.

I’ve got over 8 years working experience in the hospitality industry. I was working as Assistant Sales Manager in a hotel when I was in Myanmar. Therefore, I am excited to re-transfer my skills to this atmosphere in Canada. Currently, I am working as a part-time room attendant in Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre. I understood that I should restart from the entry level here. I will try to get my career back or get a higher position in the next 3 years. That’s why I need to communicate in English fluently as a second language. After that, I want to be a good mother for my son and support his education very well. So, I have to find and save more money. Furthermore, my big dream is to buy a good house in Canada.

My name is Dmytro. I am 34 years old and was born and lived in Ukraine all my life. I have a wife, her name is Mariia and I also have a 6-year old son named Max.

I have a master’s degree in economics but I have never worked as an economist. Since I was 18 years old I have had a lot of jobs. I was a night shift fuel tanker at the gas station, insurance agent, auto damage valuer. In 2014, I faced war for the first time in my life and moved from my native city to the capital of Ukraine. That was the first time when I started to build my life from the bottom and circumstances built up such a way that I started to work in medical sales. First, I promoted and sold drugs and then I sold heavy medical equipment like MRI, x-ray machines, computer tomography, ultrasound systems, etc.

In 2022 war came to my home again and our family decided to leave the country and build our life in a more safe and stable country. So for now we have been living in Canada for 2 years and trying to create our happy future here step-by-step. I am working as a long haul truck driver now, my wife works at a kindergarten school and Max went to school for the first time this year. All my life I have had an active life style and mindset. My main hobby is sports. Because of sports I work on developing myself and trying to get the best results in whatever I do.

Now I want to improve my English to increase the quality of my family's life here, to get a better job and make new friends.

Bench in rest area in the park

One of my favorite places is McLennan Park, a beautiful park located in our neighborhood. To reach this park, we usually walk for around 10 minutes. We turn left from the door onto the trail, continue along the trail road, turn right, and proceed straight to the highway. After safely crossing at the crosswalk, we head straight to the park. This gorgeous park offers many facilities, including a playground with sand, a volleyball court, a splash pad, washrooms, and even a dog park. Additionally, the park features a large hill where people can enjoy watching the stunning sunset.

The hill is adorned with benches, adding to its romantic atmosphere.

Another one of my favorite places is Huron Natural Area. To reach this place, we use a car, which takes about 10-15 minutes. I love spending time in nature, observing and listening to the birds. This place is beautiful in every season, but my favorite seasons to visit are summer and fall. In the summer, it's a great spot for family picnics, and during the fall, the colorful forest never fails to amaze me.

A street of old town in Ottawa, Canada

Since moving to Canada in April 2024, this summer was our first chance to explore the beauty of the country.

One of the most memorable places we visited was Gatineau Park. It is a huge natural area with lots of trails, lakes, and scenic lookouts, perfect for a family outing.

One of the highlights of our visit was Pink Lake. It isn’t pink but a brilliant green due to the special algae in the water. It was hard to carry my two-year-old daughter, but that didn't stop me from enjoying our day. We walked along the Pink Lake Trail, which offers stunning views of the lake from different angles. It was peaceful.

After Pink Lake, we visited other places in the park with the shuttle: a school bus that goes around the park all day long for free.

Our visit to Gatineau Park was a mix of adventure and relaxation. We enjoyed the fresh air. It was an unforgettable experience, and we’re excited to explore more places in Canada in the future.

Semi truck on Highway in deep forest in Canada ontario quebec

This summer I had an opportunity to spend some time in a small town in central Quebec. I can tell you more about Chibougamau. The town is located in Central Quebec with small number of population of around 7,000 people. It is located on Lake Gilman, so the free-time activities are fishing and boating and almost everyone has a boat.

The biggest industry in the past was mining, but now all the mines are closed. Chibougamau also has a large logging and sawmill industry because of many forests surrounding the area. I worked in reforestation this summer. The industry employs many people who come from all over Canada and the company provides accommodation and food. People are kind especially your colleagues from work and the salary is higher than in Ontario. The weather is excellent because it's cooler than in Ontario and the views of forests and lakes are beautiful.

I participated at the annual festival in Chibougamau in August. Native People came to the festival and everyone dances and drinks a lot. It was a lot of fun and many families and friends were there. Every Thursday people go in the bar to dance, or to go shopping at the only mall in town. My experience in this town was very good and I hope next summer season I will go back to Chibougamau again.

Turquoise, glacier-fed Lake Louise at Sunset Banff National Park Alberta Canada

Hi, my name is Erik, and I am going to give you advice about Banff, Lake Louise and Manitoba. I am going to tell you which places I recommend and which ones I do not recommend.

If you are going to Banff, or Lake Louise, I suggest that you fly, because it is a 49 hour drive from PEI. If you fly, it will take 8 hours to fly there. I recommend that you stay at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel, in Banff. You should stay in that hotel because there, you can get the best service and enjoy the most beautiful views. However, it costs $860 dollars a night . You might also like to visit Lake Louise while you are there. You can stay at the Basecamp Suites Banff. You may like Banff because it is one of the most beautiful places in Canada, and it is also a famous attraction in the world.

In conclusion, you might need to be a bit rich to go to these places. I suggest that if you are going to Banff, try to stay outside of the main areas. Then, you can find a hotel for $150 a night. This is good advice!!!

Wooden cube calendar with date JULY 1 and maple leaf on light background

Canada Day is on July Fist when the population of Canada celebrates at the time Canada became Dominio, Patriotica and monarchs from Britich from 1880. "O", Canada is the national Anthem of Canada.

On Canada Day many people wear white and red. The most of population of Canada went to celebrates In Ottawa because is the place of Prime minister.

Canada has ten provinces and three territories. Before Canada has three provinces such as Quebec, Ontario and Nonavut.

The most of population of Canada lives in near US border 160 km.

Canada map, surrounding territory greyed out, Data source: NASA

Canada is very begies arie country, second in the world.

Canada livs very meni nation. In Canada livs nation from Afrika, Azia, Europe, Sout Amerika.

Canada is veri neture. In Canada very beautiful city. In Canada I like food poutine and burger.

Beaver Tail in Canada I like to visit Toronto Zoo. I my favorite Canadien enimal is bear.

Nice Famous Rocher Perce rock in Gaspe, Quebec

The summer season in Canada is amazing. It is short but I enjoy it so much, especially in Ontario. There are many lakes, parks, and beaches here. Some of the activities people like to do in the summertime in Canada are going camping, visiting different beaches, canoeing, and kayaking with friends and family. It is a beautiful season; people also enjoy summer festivals and carnivals. One of my favourite things to do is visit the local farms, especially at Niagara-on-the-Lake, which is open for people to pick fruits. I like to pick fruits, like cherries, apples, and peaches. Canada may have four seasons, but summer is my favourite by far!

Festive table for Thanksgiving Holiday with whole roasted turkey with apple, pumpkin, figs and herbs

Thanksgiving Day is an annual Canadian holiday held on the second Monday in October. Thanksgiving has been officially celebrated as an annual holiday in Canada since November 6,1879.

The holiday is rooted in the idea of expressing gratitude for the harvest season.

Canadians usually celebrate Thanksgiving Day with their families. The most popular dishes are roast turkey, green bean, potatoes, corn, pumpkin pie.

A young boy holding Christmas ornaments and placing them on the Christmas tree

My family and I live in Canada, and we really like the winter holidays. It is very nice here for Christmas and New Year’s. In our small town, almost every house is decorated with light garlands and figures of snowmen, deer, and Santa Claus. Driving down the street in the evening is very beautiful; everything is glowing and shining with different lights. And when it snows, it’s incredibly beautiful. Santa Claus parades are held here. Children and adults all go outside to meet Santa Claus. He greets them and throws candy to them.

People having fun, dancing and singing in snow weather

There are many different winter time festivals in Ukraine. I will talk about one of them.

Christmas caroling is a popular tradition in Ukraine. Young people visit homes to sing songs that wish health and happiness to the family. For this, the carolers get treats like food, candy, or money. Caroling happens on Christmas Eve. Carolers go to neighbors, relatives, and friends, singing songs that bless each family member. It is usual for people to give carolers gifts or treats after their performance. Children go caroling first, then adults. Groups of boys and girls often go separately, with one person as the leader. After singing, the carolers wish the homeowners “Merry Christmas” and sometimes hint for a reward through a short poem.

Costumes and games are an important part of caroling, making it feel like a small performance.

Picturesque christmas evening view on city center from top of town hall, Lviv, Ukraine.

In Ukraine, one of the most cherished winter celebrations is Christmas, now observed on December 25, aligning with the Gregorian calendar. It is a deeply spiritual and family-centered holiday, beginning with Sviata Vecherya on Christmas Eve. Families gather to share a traditional twelve-dish meal, symbolizing the twelve apostles, with kutia—a sweet wheat dish—taking center stage.

A festive atmosphere fills homes as carolers, or "vertep," go from house to house singing traditional songs and spreading holiday cheer. Churches hold midnight services where the air is filled with prayers and the glow of candles. This holiday embodies the values of love, gratitude, and togetherness, making it a truly magical time of year. Although I now live in Canada, these traditions remain close to my heart and a way to connect with my roots.

Happy Yalda night written on the board, pomegranate inscription on blackboard

Yalda’s night is one of the oldest Iranian festivals that is celebrated every year in my country.

This celebration is held on the last night of the autumn season. Every family celebrates this event together or maybe some people celebrate it with their relatives. This celebration is the longest night of the year and will bring with it longer nights all winter, and the day after will be the first day of winter.

All family members gather together on this night and recite Hafez's poems to each other and the oldest members of the family tell old stories to others and stay awake all night. The main colors of this night are red and green. People wear clothes or decorate their homes in these colors.

People make delicious food and dessert, and the desserts will be in green or red colours.

The main fruits of this night are pomegranates and watermelons because the ancients considered pomegranates to be a source of blessing and fertility. With the end of the autumn season, it is very difficult to find watermelon because its season is ending. Even on Yalda night, it is sometimes difficult to find it. Other fruits of this night are persimmons and elderberries.

This night is important for me because I can make memories with my family and take photos.

Little girl happy decorating the Christmas tree

In Eritrea, we celebrate Christmas on January 7th. It is a very important day for us. We go to church for a long service, where we sing and pray. After church, we eat a big meal with food like Injera and Doro wat. I enjoy this celebration because it brings family and friends together. We share food, laugh, and feel happy. It is a special time to feel love and tradition.

Uzhgorod in Ukraine April 06, 2017 Exhibition of Easter eggs

Easter in Ukraine, know as Velykden. The holiday marks the resurrection of Jesus Christ. In preparation for Easter, Ukrainian families participate in Paskha. Many Ukrainians clin their homes, which symbolizes a fresh start. One of the central customs is baking tradional Easter bread.

Paska in Ukraine is not just bread. It is a sacred symbol of Easter, carrying deep traditions and meaning.

Traditional Ukrainian paska is made from yeast dough with the addition of eggs, milk, butter, and sugar, often flavored with raisins, vanilla, or citrus zest for aroma.

The process of baking paska is very special, it is often accompanied by prayers and somtimes even songs as it is belived that the paska will turn out well if there is peace and quiet in the home.

Some families kept a piece of blessed paska until the next Easter, believing it would protect the home from harm.

Egg decorating , or pysanca, is another iconic Easter tradition in Ukraine.

On Easter Sunday , families attend early morning church services, where they greet each other with the joiful words “Krystos Voskres” (Krist is Risen).

Easter celebration continues for several days, as Ukrainians visit friends and family.

Ukraine and Canada Maps Balancing on a Simple Weighting Scale on a white background

You would be surprised to hear how many “old” Ukrainians I know in Kenora. When you read the history of the first Ukrainian migrants, you would realize that all these people are just a drop in the ocean. Especially, that most of my friends’ parents were born in Ukraine and came with the second wave - first and second world wars.

Through my second year in Canada, we traveled all the way to the west coast and were nicely surprised with the number of Ukrainian flags, restaurants, monuments. I did know that Canada is the third Ukrainian populated country, but didn’t realize the size of the actual Ukrainian population. So, I decided to read the history. Very first Ukrainian migration wave was in the 1890s when part of West Ukraine was under Austria. Villagers were forced to pay to harvest their own land, and I quote “even pick up the wood to build and heat houses”. The desperation of the working class and the promised “free” land in Canada was a good match, so two men brought the whole village with them, became really rich farmers, and even started a whole new village. All this happened in Alberta.

As it turned out, the Canadian government was desperate for farmers through Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta, so they started a big company in Ukraine to bring as much working power as they could. Now these three provinces have the biggest Ukrainian population in Canada. You can find there are Ukrainian Co-Op, Statue of Pierogi, the biggest Pysanka, many Ukrainian restaurants and much more.

In conclusion, Kenora is a really small community, but even here we have our own mural, Pysanka monument, Prosvita, and two Ukrainian churches. You will never feel alone among all these Ukrainians.

group of children playing game on floor in school

First of all I'd like to say that the Canadian educational system is not the same as in Ukraine. It has some common features but more differences at the same time.

I want to start with the most important thing - kids start attending a kindergarten at the age of 4. What is more, Canadian kindergartens are situated in the same building as schools. Students have almost similar routines as the elder kids have. It was weird for me and my Ukrainian friends because Ukrainian kindergartens are separated from school and have absolutely different schedules and routines. The most valuable and important for me was kindergarten's kitchen. Cooks cook only healthy food for kids three times a day. Besides, parents don't need to prepare lunchboxes and even think about meals for the child. In addition, my daughter hadn't tasted junk food before she started attending Canadian kindergarten because she hadn't seen it at home and in the kindergarten before.

Second, kids of all ages have the same duration of staying at school or kindergarten. On one hand, it is so hard for four year old kids to be active for so long. On the other hand, it is impossible to work full time for parents when their kids are staying at the kindergarten only until 3 o'clock. I think that the Ukrainian schedule is more appropriate because children can stay there from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Moreover, the kindergartens have bedrooms and 3 hours of silent time. It means that kids can just take a rest or to sleep during this time. Furthermore, kids can't choose to take a rest or not, it is mandatory.

So, it is the next difference which a lot of people think is a bad side of the Ukrainian educational system. Ukrainian kids don't have as much freedom as Canadian children have. I see that kids are free to do whatever they want and teachers don't stop them. I agree that less borders make a person more creative, independent and happy. Finally, Canada is one of the most successful countries in the world and I guess Canadians are good at rising successful kids. However, we are not used to such freedom for small kids. I will never forget our first Canadian snow. It was a real shock for me that day. My daughter's classmates were eating that snow in the school yard, wet snow pants were lying everywhere. At the same time teachers didn't pay any attention to these crazy activities. But the most wonderful thing was that really happy kids were sitting on that fist snow. Would they remember this first snow like one of the happiest memories of their childhood. Probably, it is the most important secret to make children happy to build a happy nation.

In conclusion I want to mention that step by step all Ukrainians I know get used to kindergarten and school rules. We must start thinking like Canadians to understand reasons and consequents. I hope our kids will grow up independent, healthy and thankful for such an exciting childhood.

Education or back to school Concept

The education system in Afghanistan divides into primary, secondary and higher education. Students start primary education at age 7 form 1st grade to 9th, secondary education starts from 10th to 12th grade. Then a competitive examination is required to get the higher education. Everyone should compete with 300k students and must be an extraordinary talent to get the higher education in their chosen field. In Afghanistan the education system is old but, most of the universities use updated books and material to teach students. There is no tuition fee, and no other fees except books and their own expenses. For students which join from other provinces of Afghanistan, universities offer free hostile with all the facilities included. But it is challenging.

Canadian education system is high ranked, and students can easily get higher education by achieving high scores in schools. This system is divided into early childhood education, primary education, secondary education, and post secondary education. Childhood education starts from the age 4, primary education starts from age 6 to finishing the secondary school. For Post secondary education you need to submit your documents to the universities you wish to study in, the university board must decide whether they are eligible to join the university or not. On top of that, students should pay for all expenses like tuition fee, books, etc.…. although OSAP program can help students by offering grant and loan to continue their education, but for a single student with all the expenses, its hard to survive.

Overall, both education system has its own pros and cons. In Afghanistan, getting higher education is challenging and needs a lot of efforts. In Canada, student’s most tension is their own expenses and how to pay their fees. Note that both system needs attention and governments should hardly work on them. Students are the future of a country; no government should let them think except their education.

Job applicants are holding a resume document in the job interview room, job interview concept

It started when I applied for the job position at Tenaris for the production worker position.

I saw the job post on the job indeed and sent my resume online. After a few days, I got the email with the link of online assessment questions. When I passed the online questions, I was invited for a formal interview which took place at Tenaris Algoma Tubes on December 28,2022 at 2:30 pm. When I heard about the interview I was scared because my English is not good enough to do an interview and also it was my first English interview in my life. I was really scared and I decided to send a message to my English teacher, Ms Dhira, telling her about the job interview. When she heard about my concern, she helped me to prepare for the interview by sending me the common sample interview questions and she also called me so that we could go through the questions together. We had a long conversation about that interview and it was helpful because after that chat, I was confident that I would do it as I felt that I was prepared.

On the interview day, I revised the history of the company, the responsibility of the position I applied for, my resume and all the notes I took when I was chatting with my English teacher, Ms Dhira and I was ready for the interview. One hour before the interview, Ms Dhira sent me a short text, saying “Amani you can do it”!. Those words empowered me and gave me the courage to do better. When I reached the interview, I shook hard with the lady who was interviewing me. During the interview, I keeped eye contact like my teacher, Ms Dhira guided me, and I tried to answer all the questions. This helped me to get all the questions she was asking me. The interview went better than I was expecting and all the questions they asked I understood, and I was able to answer them the best way I could. It lasted for 10 minutes. Later in the evening, I got the email saying that I passed the interview and got the job offer. Reading this email, I was so happy that I got the job offer and I accepted the job offer.

My job interview experience was unforgettable and exciting at the same time, moreover, it went well with the support of my family and my English teacher Ms Dhira.

English concept with person using a laptop

As I mentioned in the Title, English is a key to your life.

I am a Mexican lady who grew up knowing only her native language. I have learned English very lightly until I went to High School, but I never thought how important and necessary it will be for my future and my development.

I am going to introduce my experience a little bit and I will share some advice below that has been working for me to learn more about this language.

I can easily remember my first days in Canada. I was living at my father-in-law wife’s house, they had family meetings every weekend and everyone was talking English, while I was just looking from one to other trying to understand what they were saying.

For a certain time, I was with a headache. They knew I did not know English, but for me, after couple week, even repeating some words, I learned from them. It was hard and I felt bad to not be able to express myself the way I wanted.

At this point I been in Canada for 7 years and now I can realize that I needed to practice more since the beginning. Many times, I stopped myself because I was afraid to say or pronounce something in the wrong way.

It Is very important to practice however much or little you know and without being shy about how you spell or pronounce English. Everything is a process and the more you practice you will get better and better.

After couple of years, I had the opportunity to start studying English by online classes and I am happy with it. It has been a great choice since I am working so I can fit my classes in my week schedule without having to leave home.

These days there are many ways to learn another language, try the ones that catch your attention the most, designate schedules to study it, understand that it will be a process and that like any process it will not be easy at first but enjoy it and after a while you will be proud of what you will be achieving.

English. Note is written on a white sticker that hangs with a clothespin on a rope on a background o

Since English is widely spoken worldwide, English will not only help me to get around, meet new people and understand other culture, but it will also help me communicate in an emergency. It will also help me express my self clearly, understand others, and engage in meaningful conversations.

Being able to speak English will helping me make a real connection with people and to know more about diverse cultures, places, and life style. English is the most spoken language in the world, and it is very important to learn, if you want to communicate with people.

Phrase learn English written on sticky note with a pen,alarm clock and book

Learning English has been awesome! It's like unlocking a whole new world. English is spoken in many countries in the world. Here in Ottawa, Canada, I can talk to people from all over the place, explore different cultures, and even get a better job. I learn English by listening to music, watching movies and practicing when I’m outside. It is a super useful language, and I'm really glad I’m learning it. My goals are to improve my pronunciation, enrich my vocabulary, and speak fluently. I want to say thanks to my English teacher for helping me along the way.

Close up hands holding newborn baby, copy space banner family concept

Winter had started beautifully with snowstorms at the end of 2022. The whole household was happily preparing to celebrate three events: Christmas, the arrival of the New Year and the birth of my daughter expected in the next few days.

We came back from the hospital on Monday morning for the induction, I was 4 cm dilated. Start of medication in the morning, rupture of membranes around noon, start of contractions afterwards. Around 4 p.m., my contractions were really painful, so I asked for a check to see if it was progressing. I was told that I was still about 4 cm. I was really discouraged because I was really suffering. I was crying and shaking, I knew that the most demanding part was coming so I had the epidural. I was a little disappointed in myself because I thought I could go further, but my partner was quickly able to comfort me.

Doctor Francine, who was assisting me, must have been very patient because she was on call for several days because of my delivery. No doubt preferring the sweetness and peace of January to the excitement of the holidays, the little Princess surprised the whole family with her arrival into the world on the evening of January 10 at 9:40 p.m. A little 7.9 lbs baby in great shape who quickly took to the breast. I was filled with a host of feelings, crazy with joy to finally be a mother after nine months of waiting.

However, the name had caused a stir and discussions. My partner wanted the name Françoise; he said it was the diminutive of his father's first name and he wanted to pay tribute to him, but my family opposed it. In the end, my baby owes her first name to my mother.

In short, becoming a mother is an immense wonder, a lifelong love story, a grace.

A top view of small pots and gardening tools on dry leaves

I won't say I'm holding a grudge, because that implies the possibility of vengeance. I have no intention of holding onto resentment against my eldest sister due to a misunderstanding. But some situations are out of our control. My sister hasn't talked to me for years, and it started when my wife and I decided to move to Canada. We wanted to keep it secret because we weren't sure if we would get through to our goal. Maybe it was a mistake not to let her know about our plans. I remember she was very aggressive and mouthy when she found out about our plans. When she said I was manipulated and the decision to immigrate to Canada wasn't mine, I know she was referring to my wife. I know a situation like this one is complicated to manage, especially when it concerns the relationship of your family. I don't hold grudges, I say live and let live, however, I will not put myself in a toxic situation for anyone. Shake the sand from your shoes and keep walking.

smiling woman with curly hair in plaid shirt bakes cookies at bright kitchen at home

Every day I get up at 6 am. I have breakfast with my husband, then I prepare my family lunch bags. Today, for example, we had chicken salad wrap and a mix of fruits, with green and red grapes, blackberries and raspberries. In addition, Matheus, my son had yogurt and to drink - a Mate, a Brazilian tea.

When I finish preparing the lunch bags, it is already around 7:10, when my husband leaves. After he leaves, I turn on the radio to listen to the news while I prepare my son’s breakfast. When it is ready, around 7:45, I wake him up. As it is really tough to wake him up, I usually spend 5 to 10 minutes in his bedroom. To speed up the process, I help him change clothes and we go to the kitchen.

While my son is having breakfast, I organize the kitchen and then take a shower. After that, I brush my teeth and when I am ready to leave, I call my son to brush his teeth. At 8:45 we leave home. I drive my son to school. The bell rings at 9:10. Usually, I wait for it to make sure it is all good, while I take the opportunity to engage with other parents.

After that, I drive to work and around 9:40 I get there. I have 30 min break around noon and at 5pm I leave to pick up my son at school. His school ends at 3:40 pm, but he does the after-school program until 5:40 pm.

After picking him up, we go home, and I prepare dinner. After dinner, my son does his homework and organizes his backpack. If he has enough time, he plays a video game or watches television while I organize the kitchen or do another chore. At 9:30 pm Matheus takes a shower, brushes his teeth and usually around 10 pm he goes to bed. I prepare the clothes for the following day and go to bed as well.

Closeup rear view of large crowd of people enjoying an open air concert on a summer night

I have been to many crowded places, such as shopping malls, bus stands, railway stations, restaurants and gurdwaras. But I would like to talk about place, which was very crowded. It so happened, two months ago a famous Punjabi actor and singer Diljit Dosanjh came my hometown.

He belongs to my neighbouring village Dosanjh kalan. He came for the promotion of his latest music album. Diljit Dosanjh started his career in Punjabi films, but now he has made a place for himself in Bollywood also. So, the people of my hometown and all neighouring area bought tickets for the concert in great number.

My cousin also bought 4 tickets for the show. We were all very excited about the show. We had expected a lot of rush, but what we saw there was unimaginable. We had to park our car about half km away, and walk to the venue. There was gathering of more than 5000 people. There was a lot of security to ensure the safety of people. There was lot of crowd, but everyone was very excited. Normally I don’t like crowds, but I enjoyed the lot. I had never attended a live concert like this before. I can never forget that day.

Delegates Networking During Conference

In my opinion, it is important to know that networking is crucial when you are a newcomer in Canada. Networking helps you build connections and showcase your skills to others. It’s essential to have a strong network that can inform you about opportunities in your field and recommend you when those opportunities arise. When you network, you are not only building professional relationships, but also socializing and learning about others. Building a strong network can significantly enhance your visibility in the job market. It can also help you adapt to Canadian work culture by providing access to mentors and peers who can offer advice and support as you navigate your new environment. A strong network demonstrates initiative, communication, and collaboration skills—qualities that are highly valued in Canadian workplaces.

When I arrived in Canada, I started building my network, and it helped me connect with people who offered guidance, advice, and mentorship. These relationships provided me with insights into industry trends, job search strategies, and professional standards in Canada. Through networking, I discovered valuable resources such as professional associations, workshops, language courses, and job search platforms. These resources played a critical role in accelerating my settlement and professional success. Thanks to these resources, I am able to socialize well and maintain good communication with my colleagues and supervisors. I also got my dream job teaching math and computer science in high school.

In conclusion, it is very important for newcomers to build a strong network to integrate successfully into their new environment and to also find their dream jobs.

squamous epithelial cells

As we all know, in order to build a large building, small components are put together to form a solid structure. Similarly, if I want to build a wall, I need small units called bricks.

In the same way, when the body of a living creature is formed, it is made up of small units that combine to create a single living being. These small units are called cells. Scientists define the cell as the structural and functional unit of living organisms.

If you carefully pay attention to the definition, it states that the cell is the structural unit of the body of every living organism. For this reason, when the body of a living organism is made, cells take on different shapes. For example, they can be cylindrical, polygonal, spherical, etc. Whenever the shape of a cell changes, its function also changes.
A cell has three basic components:

  1. The cell membrane or cell wall (in some cases, both the cell membrane and the cell wall)
  2. The cytoplasm
  3. Nuclear materials

The cell membrane of animal cells is made of phosphate, glucose, and lipids. There are small holes in this membrane that help in the exchange of materials between the inside and outside of the cell. In plant cells, this membrane is called the cell wall, and it is made of a sugar called cellulose. The second part of the cell is the cytoplasm, which is usually gelatinous. It contains the essential components needed for the cell's important functions, such as cellular respiration and energy production.

The third component includes nuclear materials, such as RNA and DNA. In living organisms, there are two types of cells: eukaryotes and prokaryotes. In conclusion, all living things are made of small units called cells. These cells have three basic components, come in different shapes, and perform various functions.

Plate with a variation of traditional eastern desserts

I started making sweets five years ago. I taught myself by watching free online courses on Google. In fact, this work has become a part of my life. Many people started tasting my sweets because they were different from the type of cakes, donuts and buns that are found in Canada. My sweets are made with nuts, filo sheets, natural ghee and sugar.

Since my treats were popular, I decided to print some cards to introduce myself and allow people to put in orders. Then, I also created content on my YouTube and Instagram channels to introduce my work and the special ingredients used for the sweets I make. I even started an Arabic cooking show, showing people how to make things like falafel, shawarma, and kebab.

Currently, my sweets are so popular that I am taking reservations for orders in advance and I am thinking in the future about opening a shop called “Syrian Kitchen.”

Doctor standing with stethoscope on China and Canada flags background

The health system in Canada is different from China. In Canada, the residents can get treatment for free. Canadians have no worries about how to afford paying a bill after they get sick. That may be one of the reasons that people here don’t have the habit of saving money. People can enjoy their life and spend every penny. However, the disadvantage of free healthcare is that there can be a long waitlist for treatment or surgery. It may delay the best timing for treatment and cause aggravation. Some people may have to wait a few years for an operation.

China is one of the few countries in the world that does not provide free healthcare. People need to pay health insurance at a young age and can enjoy partial health insurance compensation when they are sick. If they don’t have health insurance, they can not be reimbursed. The disbursement ratio varies depending on the medical issue and type of surgery. Some families cannot afford the high medical expenditures and will have no choice but to suffer from their disease. Some families may spend all their life savings just for one surgery. That may be one of the reasons that people in China have the habit of saving money. Since the medical treatment is not free, everyone can get treatment immediately, and no need to wait.

image of wooden dummy with worried stressed thoughts

Everyone has stress. Stress is not good for our body, health or mind. If you have a lot of stress in your life, there are a few things you can do to deal with it.

First, we should identify the cause of stress and then we should try to solve stress using exercise and a calm mind. Some physical exercise and daily activities that can relieve our stress are running, swimming, and yoga and playing games. Also, we need to take advice from friends and family on how to deal with stress. We should spend time with people who have a positive attitude and we should read books to distract ourselves from stress. We should do our favourite hobbies like gardening, drawing or painting which will also reduce stress. In addition, we need to eat healthy food and have a balanced diet for good mental health. There are lot of healthy foods we can eat like fruit and vegetables, fish, chicken, beef and lamb. Finally, we need a restful sleep. Sleeping problems increase our stress level to be high. We should sleep at least 7 to 8 hours a night because we need to rest our body with night sleep. With proper exercise, hobbies, diet and sleep, our stress will decrease.

In conclusion, a stress-free life brings happiness and positivity, so if we want to be happy and have a healthy mind, body and soul, we need to deal with stress first. That’s why we should follow the above rules in our daily life.

Group of diverse friends hanging out together and laughing

I believe “Laughter is the best medicine.” If we laugh more often we will feel happier and be healthier. Laughing is one of my life's most simple pleasures. It has a similar effect to physical exercise. It’s a kind of “jogging” on the spot and pain relief. Laughter improves my state of mind and affects my entire physical well being.

There is another thing I know about laughter: it is contagious. Like the flu, laughter can spread easily among people. Often when we hear someone laughing in a crowded room, we start laughing , even if we have no idea why. Unlike the flu, this kind of spread does not bring pain, but positive energy. As I also like to say: Laugh and the world laughs with you, cry and you cry alone.

cropped view of brother and sister sitting at table and drawing with paints together

In recent years, art therapy has gained recognition as a valuable method for helping children through psychotherapy. This growing field uses creative activities such as drawing, singing, dancing, music, and even sand therapy to support emotional growth.

This approach helps adjust a child's behavior, as the main goal of art therapy is to develop self-knowledge and self-expression. Through creative activities, children’s emotional intelligence is nurtured and strengthened.

In my experience with this approach, and I can say that it is aimed at helping children navigate challenging life situations, such as depression, phobias, or a loss of interest in life. During the sessions, children experience a mental 'reset' that enables them to develop new ways of thinking. They learn to adopt suitable behavior patterns and cope with their problems, while also enhancing their intelligence and critical thinking. Additionally, this technique is effective across various age groups and offers numerous benefits, such as:

  • Relieving emotional stress,
  • Understanding and expressing feelings,
  • Overcoming insecurities,
  • Managing age-related crises, and
  • Seeing beauty in the details of life.

Based on personal observations and experience, if a child faces difficulties with communication or socialization, it is worth trying this technique at least once.

Mosques Dome in twilight night with Crescent Moon and sky dark black background

In Afghanistan, cultures are different from those in Canada. Afghanistan has its own unique values and traditions that are specific to its people. In contrast, Canada is a multicultural nation that incorporates traditions from around the world. As a result, many Canadians, including non-Canadians, are becoming more familiar with the meanings behind various festivals and special days, and they often participate in or celebrate them.

One of the notable celebration days in Canada is Thanksgiving Day. Families and friends come together to give thanks for life, food, and community, sharing special meals that include various dishes, desserts, and vegetables. In Afghanistan, there is no specific day dedicated to Thanksgiving; however, a celebration with a similar spirit is Eid, which is after Ramadan. After a month of fasting, people break their fast and return to their regular eating and drinking. During Ramadan, people who are rich try to help those in need by providing financial assistance, clothing, and food. This practice reflects a sense of Thanks for what they have and for assisting those who are less fortunate.

One common practice among Afghan people is to express their thanks both before and after meals each day. Although the traditions of Afghanistan and Canada may not be similar, the way people celebrate shared values is quite alike. In both countries, people gather, shop, and prepare various meals together. These traditions bring joy and happiness, encouraging thanks for the air we breathe, the food we eat, and the loved ones in our lives. Being thankful is a fundamental principle of living.

St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery at night - Kiev, Ukraine

Somewhere on the other side of the planet, at the peak of the struggle for its existence, lies my homeland. Throughout its history, this is one of the largest waves of emigration from Ukrainian territory. And now, I am a part of this history.

Ukraine, first and foremost, is an agrarian country. A moderate and favorable climate, along with fertile soils, secured a future for my ancestors. However, with such resources, neighboring countries have tried for centuries to turn Ukrainians from farmers into warriors. And they succeeded.

Now, the world is witnessing a people with a remarkable ability to adapt and survive, to blend in while preserving their national identity. They learn new languages yet sing lullabies to their children in Ukrainian, admire new cuisines but always cook borscht, varenyky, and deruny at home.

Every time I want to tell someone about Ukraine, I remember Christmas holidays and the day of the summer solstice. Nothing evokes memories quite like Christmas songs, which we call kolyadky and shchedrivky.

The most famous Christmas song in the world, Carol of the Bells, has Ukrainian roots and was composed at the beginning of the 20th century by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych. Children and adults sing this and other songs, going door-to-door with wishes of happiness and health for the homeowners in the New Year. In return, they are treated with candies and money.

The day of the summer solstice in Ukraine is called Ivan Kupala Day. It is always one of the hottest days of summer. People splash water on each other, and many rituals are performed, touching on the pagan roots of my people. In the evening, they jump over bonfires, symbolically freeing themselves from the burdens of the past.

To sum up, Ukraine is not a resource, Ukraine is not just a territory—Ukraine is its people.

Minaret mosque of Samarra Palace in Iraq under the blue sky

Al-Malwiya in Samarra, Iraq is a place that left a lasting impression on me as a child. The desert landscape, the spiral minaret is unlike any building I've seen. Its shape gently winds upwards, making it interesting. The sandy color of the bricks blends perfectly with the land, almost like it's a part of the desert itself. When we visited, the sun had a warm glow over the structure and was a quiet feeling of history since it was built years and years ago and as if the Minecraft held many stories.

Exploring Al-Malwiya with my family and relatives made it even more special. We had a picnic, enjoyed snacks such as chips and fruits and after that we started to climb up the spiraling walkway. It was exciting, and each step felt like I did an accomplishment as we got closer to the top. Standing at the top, I felt calm but nervous at the same time, taking a wide view of the land. Then we stayed there and started sharing joy and laughing with my family in such an amazing place I made a very unforgettable favorite memory.

Aerial view of Paddy landscape

I was born in a village in the Punjab state of India. It is a big village. People are always friendly there. Most people do farming. They grow rice, wheat, and vegetables. They give their extra vegetables for free to other neighbors. There are many different kinds of religions and cultures. Every person believes in their own religion, but all people help each other.

In my village, there are Sikhs, Muslims, Hindus, and more. Our village has a gurdwara, masjid, and temple (mandir). The gurdwara is for Sikhs, the masjid is for Muslims, and the mandir is for Hindus. Every morning and evening, people pray to God.

In all of Punjab, love marriages are not allowed. Every caste gets married within their own caste. Arranged marriage is common, but not love marriage.

The people are respectful. Everyone gives respect to their elders, parents, and grandparents. My village has primary, middle, high, and secondary schools. There is also a library and a hospital. All religions celebrate each other's festivals. I miss my village.

Books Inside Bookshelf Near Lit Pendant Lights in Library

In my local library we have a computer and Internet station. We can use the Internet in the library but need to be a library member. The library has a video section but doesn’t have books in my native language, Ukrainian. We can keep a book, a video or a magazine for three weeks. When we don't bring it back after five days, I pay $1.50. If the library does not have a book we want, they will order it from another library. The library sells old books and you can buy them at a low price. Besides they have programs for language learning and newcomers from Ukraine. I feel it is comfortable in the library.

Child with a yorkshire dog ona green grass in backyard having fun.

Elli felt overwhelmed. For the last couple of days, she stubbornly studied to finish this semester with A’s, juggling it with a job at a bookstore. She came home late, attempting to occupy herself with homework, but it didn’t help. Elli felt she was on the verge of burnout. The atmosphere at home felt suffocating. She needed fresh air. Elli hurried to the door, grabbed her jacket, and left the house…

Elli wandered for a while on empty streets. For an hour or two, she simply tried to shake off her tiredness and clear her mind. It was around midnight when Elli noticed the little puppy traipsing from house to house in hopes of finding something. The little one was all alone, attempting to retrace its steps, and the mongrel sneaked under the fence. In the dim light from the murky bulb on the deck of the old house, someone’s silhouette was barely noticeable. In a second, Elli heard the squealing. Moments later, the lost pup appeared on the road, howling in despair — a heart-wrenching sight.

Elli approached, and the young dog, with visible distrust, tentatively reached for Elli’s hand, sniffing it. The little creature was a bundle of fluffy fur, its white coat adorned with a heart-shaped black stain around the left eye, giving it a charming look. She scooped the tiny pup into her arms, feeling its heart racing. In the streetlights, Elli saw her reflection in the puppy’s eyes. At that moment, Elli realized that she wanted to fill the void in her four-legged friend’s life. But deep inside, she knew that this was more for her than just rescuing a furry baby.

The whimpering puppy seemed to calm down, and the thought crossed Elli’s mind that she needed to feed the new buddy. She unconsciously began to walk home, the puppy cradled in her arms. Now, with a new purpose to help this helpless creature, all her worries faded.

Upon arriving home, Elli realized that she didn’t know how to take care of the vulnerable being. Trying to find some food for the little one, Elli reminisced about her childhood. She vividly recalled a moment: returning home from school, a stray kitten appeared on her way, begging for food. Elli attempted to help by bringing it home, but her parents forbade her to keep it and did not allow her to feed the poor kitty. Moreover, she was told to return the kitten to where she found it. The soft whimpering brought Elli back to reality…

Elli searched the internet for what she could feed to this furry creature and started rummaging through the kitchen cabinets. Unintentionally, she slammed one of the doors, and her snoring buddy flinched and woke up. But Elli had already found what she was looking for and opened a can of chicken. The puppy’s hunger prevailed, and it started wagging its tail. Elli noticed that the puppy's tail also had a black stain on its end. Buddy — Elli gave him the name — pounced on the food with greed.

As Elli looked down at the hungry puppy eagerly devouring the food she had found, the childhood memory hit her again. But this time, she had the opportunity to make a difference. At that moment, she knew that she had found something worth fighting for, something that would bring meaning and joy to her life in ways she had never imagined.

Cute fluffy ragdoll kittens lying close to each other and sleeping together in the bed

I love all animals. I have two cats. One is called Hubert, who is 14 years old. He is a mix of Siamese and Siberian breeds. His big blue eyes look very unusual. The other one is called Peach, who is 6 years old. I don't know what breed he is because my daughter found him near the garbage bins on the road and brought him home. They are both very fluffy and soft. They like to play and fight with each other. My apartment is always covered in their fur.

My cats are like my children. They sleep with me, I dress them up, I talk to them, and I plan my daily lives around them. I like to buy them different stuff.

I hope my cats have a happy life. They live in love and care. They are very important to me.

Traditional mexican red pozole soup on wooden table

Introduction:
Pozole is a traditional and iconic dish from Mexico, with roots dating back to pre-Hispanic times. This hearty and flavorful soup was originally prepared by indigenous peoples with ingredients available in their environment, such as corn and meat. Over the centuries, pozole has evolved into a beloved comfort food, enjoyed during celebrations and family gatherings across the country.

Ingredients

For the broth:
  • 2 lbs pork shoulder or chicken thighs (cut into large chunks)
  • 8 cups water
  • 2 garlic cloves (peeled)
  • 1 medium onion (halved)
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 1 tbsp salt
For the chili sauce:
  • 4 dried guajillo chilies (seeded and deveined)
  • 2 dried ancho chilies (seeded and deveined)
  • 1 tsp cumin powder
  • 1 garlic clove
  • 1/2 cup water (for blending)
For the pozole:
  • 1 can (29 oz) hominy (drained and rinsed)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
Toppings:
  • Shredded lettuce or cabbage
  • Sliced radishes
  • Diced onion
  • Lime wedges
  • Dried oregano
  • Tortilla chips

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Meat and Broth:

Place the pork (or chicken) in a large pot with water, garlic cloves, onion, bay leaves, and salt.
Bring to a boil, then lower to a simmer. Skim off any foam.
Cook for 1.5 hours or until the meat is tender. Remove the meat, shred it, and set aside.
Strain the broth and keep it.

2. Make the Chili Sauce:

Soak the guajillo and ancho chilies in hot water for 15 minutes until soft.
Blend the chilies with cumin, garlic, and 1/2 cup of water until smooth. Strain the mixture to remove solids.

3. Cook the Pozole Base:

In a large pot, heat the oil and add the chili sauce. Cook for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Add the strained broth, shredded meat, and hominy. Stir well.
Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.

4. Serve:

Ladle the pozole into bowls and let everyone customize their serving with toppings like lettuce, radishes, onion, lime juice, oregano, and tortilla chips.

5. Enjoy:

Serve hot and enjoy this traditional Mexican dish with family and friends!

Nihari is a rich, slow-cooked meat stew flavored with spices, Indian cuisine

Recipe 1:
Nihari is one of the famous dishes in India. It is basically mutton stew that you can enjoy with naan.

The ingredients required are:
Paya (goat feet) / lamb shank, salt, red chili powder, turmeric powder, ginger garlic paste, potli masala (you can find it in any Indian/ Pakistani store), patthar ka phool or stone flower scientifically called Parmotrema perlatum (you can find it in any Indian/ Pakistani store), garam masala, bay leaf, onion, gram flour, cilantro, mint.

Procedure:

  1. Wash the goat feet or lamb shank and put it in a pressure cooker.
  2. Now add all the spices mentioned in the ingredients list.
  3. Add 5 - 6 cups of water and close the lid.
  4. Cook under pressure until the goat feet or lamb shank is tender (open the pressure cooker and check if the goat feet or lamb shank has become tender if not, then close the lid and pressure cook it until the steam is released 5 - 6 times.)
  5. Now take a small bowl and make a slurry using gram flour and water.
  6. Add it into the cooker slowly while stirring, this will help in thickening the Nihari.
  7. Now take a small pan and fry onion until golden brown and add it into the cooker along with the oil you have fried it in.
  8. To end the dish garnish with chopped cilantro and mint.
  9. Serve hot with naan.

Nihari has been my favourite dish since I was a kid. It is a burst of flavours and very comforting to eat. We as a family always enjoyed nihari on Sundays, eating some great food, spending time together and making memories.


Recipe 2:
Marag is one of the famous dishes in India. It is basically mutton stew that you can enjoy with naan.

The ingredients required are:
Mutton, black pepper, cilantro, mint, green chili paste, garam masala, ginger garlic paste, patthar ka phool or stone flower scientifically called Parmotrema perlatum (you can find it in any Indian/ Pakistani store), bay leaf, cashew nut paste, milk.

Procedure:

  1. Wash the mutton and put it in a cooker.
  2. Now add all the spices mentioned in the ingredients list.
  3. Add 5 - 6 cups of water and close the lid.
  4. Cook until the mutton is tender. (Open the pressure cooker and check if the mutton has become tender if not, then close the lid and pressure cook it for another 6 - 8 whistles.)
  5. After opening the pressure cooker add some water if required.
  6. Now add cashew nut paste and stir well.
  7. Now when the Marag comes to a boil add some milk and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
  8. Serve hot with naan.

Marag is one the favorite dishes of Hyderabadis. People love it and enjoy it. It is a crucial dish in weddings too. I also love to have Marag during a cold and fever as the spices and the flavour is very comforting during this time.

Fall season or autumn season food - pumpkin porridge

One of my favorite vegetables is sweet pumpkin, which is also a nutritious. In addition to having a high dietary fiber and water content, which helps to prevent constipation, sweet pumpkin is high in vitamins B and C, which are beneficial for boosting immunity. It works to reduce cholesterol, which helps to prevent cancer and blood vessel disorders. Furthermore, beta carotene, which possesses antioxidant qualities, is abundant in sweet pumpkin. It is advised to store sweet pumpkin in a cool location and to pick one that is uniformly dark, firm, and heavy for its size.
You can make pumpkin porridge, which is easy and simple to make. It is great for a light breakfast. Let me share my recipe with you. Let's cook together.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 Sweet pumpkin
  • 1/2 cup Glutinous rice flour
  • 1/2 tsp Salt
  • 4 tbsp sugar
  • Pine nuts

Order of cooking:

  1. Heat the pumpkin in the microwave for 5 mins.
  2. Prepare the glutinous rice flour. In a bowl put glutinous rice flour and 1 cup of cold water and stir well.
  3. Cut the pumpkin into halves, remove the seeds.
  4. Peel the outer skin and cut into thick pieces.
  5. Put the pumpkin pieces in a pot and pour water.
  6. Bring to a boil over medium heat for 10 mins.
  7. Put into a blender and blend for 3mins.
  8. Put this soup in a pot again and add the glutinous rice flour and water mixture.
  9. Bring to a boil over low heat and stir well.
  10. Add salt and sugar to taste. Add or subtract salt and sugar to your taste.
  11. When it thickens, pour into bowls and garnish with pine nuts.

Enjoy!

Classic chicken Kyiv

Ingredients (for 4 servings):

  • Chicken fillet — 4 pieces
  • Cold butter - 100 g
  • Fresh herbs (parsley, dill) - 20 g
  • Fresh garlic - 1 clove
  • Salt — to taste
  • Black pepper — to taste
  • Eggs - 2
  • Bread crumbs - 150 g
  • Flour - 100 g
  • Vegetable oil for frying - 300 ml

  • Step-by-step Recipe:

    1. Prepare the filling:
    1.1. Finely chop the herbs and press the garlic (if you want to use it).
    1.2. Mix the butter with the herbs, garlic, salt, and pepper. Shape the mixture into 4 small cylinders. Freeze them for 15-20 minutes until firm.

    2. Prepare the chicken fillet:
    2.1. Slice each fillet lengthwise to create a "pocket," but don't cut all the way through.
    2.2. Pound the chicken lightly to make it thinner but without tearing. Season with salt and pepper.

    3. Form the cutlets:
    3.1. Take the frozen butter cylinders.
    3.2. Place a cylinder in the center of each fillet and carefully wrap the chicken around it, forming an oval-shaped cutlet. Secure the edges with toothpicks if necessary.

    4. Bread the cutlets:
    4.1. Coat each cutlet in flour, then dip it in beaten eggs, and roll it in bread crumbs. For an extra crispy crust, repeat the breading: egg bread crumbs.

    5. Fry the cutlets:
    5.1. Heat a generous amount of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan or pot.
    5.2. Fry the cutlets on medium heat until golden brown (about 2-3 minutes per side).

    6. Finish in the oven:
    6.1. Transfer the fried cutlets to a baking tray and bake them in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes.

    7. Serve:
    Remove the toothpicks and serve the cutlets hot with a side dish like mashed potatoes.

    Enjoy your meal!

    Twigs with yellow leaves and bench with people near water

    I love autumn. Maybe it's because I was born in the fall. I do not know...

    Autumn is a leisurely walk-through colorful park, it is a time of peace and warm long evenings with the family...

    Everyone feels autumn. Someone enjoys the fall of leaves and catches reflections in puddles, and someone, wrapping himself in a scarf from the cold, watches the dull low clouds.

    Autumn is a time for reflection, summing up what has been lived and acquired. Perhaps there is no poet without a poem about autumn.

    Autumn will end, winter will pass and nature will wake up again to complete another cycle of its eternal circle...

    2 Santa Claus dolls and Christmas decorations display

    I would like to describe my experience of watching the latest Santa Claus Parade in the city of Pembroke.

    On November 30th we went to watch a beautiful Christmas attraction of Santa Claus Parade. The show began at 5:30 pm. It was quite good weather for this time period to stay warm, especially having the hot drinks in our hands. When the show started, we were able to see a huge number of participants, large trucks and bright Christmas decorations on them. The show was full of various Christmas characters. Everything was shiny and bright around.

    The downside of this parade is understanding the true goals of why people are making this show. Most of the participants are local business owners. They decorated cars and trucks with business banners, and they were handing out candy to children with business cards on them. It is just a GREAT way to advertise the business to locals, but it felt like a little bit of pressure. However, everything was a true joy for every kid standing and watching it.

    Ceramic figurines of Joseph Mary and Jesus Christmas creche

    Did you know that the world-famous music "Carol of the Bells" was composed by Ukrainian composer Mykola Leontovych and originally titled "Shchedryk"?

    Now, as Christmas and New Year approach, I often hear this song, and it brings back memories of my childhood, especially during the holiday season.

    I remember how my mother would send me to my grandmother's small village every New Year break, where I would spend two weeks surrounded by family. Back then, this time felt so magical and extraordinary. I can still recall the smell of the freshly cut Christmas tree from my childhood.

    My sister and I eagerly awaited the moment when our grandmother would allow us to bring down the huge box of glass ornaments so we could decorate the house and Christmas tree. At that time, most ornaments were either wooden or glass, and we always feared dropping one and breaking it, knowing we could never replace it. Yet, even in those situations, my sister and I always found a way out— we would collect the shards, crush them finely with a rolling pin, and use glue to sprinkle the glittering dust on our drawings, which we would proudly gift to our grandma. She was always so happy to receive them.

    Many years later, even though I no longer anticipate the holidays with the same excitement as I did in my childhood, I still remember how much fun it was. I am very grateful to have these memories in my life.

    Close-up of hands in red Canada mittens make a snowball from snow on a blurred background with snow

    My winter experience in north west Ontario.

    As a newcomer in Canada winter has always been the most interesting weather season to encounter, With all my experience visiting most continent. It has always been my dream to witness the most beautiful exaggerating weather in Canada.

    Most people you meet outside Canada always talked about this beautiful weather a very massive snow on the roadside. The collision on the road because of the black ice weather condition. The weather changing is unpredictable which can be unexpected for any foreigner in this country especially to newcomers like me.

    My first experience in north west Ontario is to be ready for all the weather at the same time.

    The most beautiful part of it is the mother nature in Canada outside Canada you always hear the story about Canadian winter Canadian snow it was my interesting to see it for the first time to witness it was my first time life unforgettable experience.

    Looking for the best places to visit in Ontario in winter? You’re in the right place north west Ontario Thunder bay.

    Winter in Ontario means a lot of exciting things to do that are unique to the colder months, when there’s snow and chilly weather.

    As someone who’s moved in from a very warm continent, I’m no stranger to the unpredictable weather, but also the many beautiful places to visit in Ontario in winter.

    Not everyone in Ontario likes the snow, but in my opinion the snow is beautiful, and it also means exciting activities like snowshoeing, skiing or snowboarding, ice skating on a frozen outdoor rink, winter hikes and my most special part is winter fishing from brown's clean water West lodge to French lake to Finecsion etc.

    My favourite fish, I love fishing Wale 8ft dip in winter after drilling the ice and electro, white fish. When fishing Wale which was my most favourite amazing moments of my life.

    I love my winter experience in Canada Northwest Ontario I love winter I love mother nature.

    girl in red hat standing at street and drinking hot coffee outdoors in winter snow day

    The winter can be tough, especially for those who have never experienced it before. However, this magical season can definitely be one of the best parts of being in Canada. Paying attention to some important aspects, newcomers can have joy and happiness in the season.

    The most important thing to be prepared for the winter is the mind. Being aware of what to expect is crucial. Spending time inside, with less physical contact with other people and experiencing less sunlight may be hard for some cultures. Particularly for those from tropical countries, where these types of issues are never a problem. So, increasing the level of vitamin D supplementation as well as creating strategies to keep in touch with people, making plans at home with friends and using artificial illuminations like happy lights could help a lot to maintain mental health and wellbeing.

    Another fundamental consideration to be prepared for the winter is to make the house ready. Before moving to Canada, thinking about things like closing all the outside taps is unrealistic although it is pivotal here. Furthermore, testing the heating system is important to avoid the risk of it not working properly and requiring repairs when temperatures are already too low.

    Finally, preparing the car is a critical point before the winter begins. It is necessary to change tires for snow. In addition, it is very important to put the correct fluids in the windshield wiper, use oil suitable for negative temperatures and use coolant. Believe it: your car will be even more useful in winter and leaving it prepared has a decisive impact on life’s quality in this season.

    In conclusion, with proper care, winter can be the most magical time of the year. Spending the holiday season in Canada is like living in a film. It is a big opportunity to enjoy stunning scenery. Be comfortable looking at the snow falling outside, while watching Christmas movies, drinking hot chocolate in front of the fireplace. Take advantage of the weather to rest and sleep more. Even so, do some activities outside. Try new sports. Have fun sliding in the snow or skating on the ice.

    Embrace the winter and have joy. Surely this can be the most wonderful time of the year.

    aerial view of houses in a town during winter

    Winter…
    Is it a Dance?
    Life?
    Poetry?
    Magic?
    Inspiration?
    Mystery?
    Thrill?
    Beauty?
    Miracle?
    Dream...

    I hate winter. Every mild winter I always think of a pitiful winter scenery, unlike anticipating spring, vivid summer or as lovely and colorful as autumn.

    The grass on the ground is wet and covered with mud or a layer of light frost, still growing vigorously. Freezing fog frequently shrouds the city in the early mornings. The sunlight rarely shines on the earth, slipping down and drowning in the river.

    Only the first snowfall of the season can significantly change the mood, bring joy and happiness.

    Starting slowly at first, it is very fine snow, barely developed, like semolina. Particles then become bigger and bigger, turning into slow snow flies and then into flakes which fly upward. Like at home the first snow is in large flakes which always fly upward.

    The air on the first day of snow is special - crispy and refreshing. You breathe it in through your mouth; stand with your head up, looking at the snowflakes with squinched eyes in the dim glow of the streetlamp. It is still unclear why you take multiple blurry pictures on your phone camera. Especially when it’s your first snow, when you are away from home forever…

    The snow is most cruel at night; it keeps your footprints and reveals old habits of staying awake until morning and going around in circles. You try to hear the tiny voices of the stars in the twilight but the clock on the wall says: ''Tick-tock'' frightening you to the point of death. Your fingers are numb, pale and cold, and teeth begin to chatter. The tea on the table has cooled and in white captivity you lose yourself in silence, left without a map and just a broken old compass, and you start humming a tune familiar only to you.

    In the morning the entire county has been blanketed in a thick layer of white with villages, valleys and mountain peaks wrapped in a serene, snowy silence. The winter wonderland scenery is breathtaking. It’s the perfect start to the magic of the holiday season.

    I really miss the genuine beautiful winter of my childhood. The frosts get stronger at night and snowdrifts grow higher. Your cozy blanket becomes your dearest friend and at these times you don’t feel guilty about staying indoors the whole day.

    A hundred and one nights before spring and just thousands of steps away from the goal and already the anticipation mode is on knowing that tomorrow will be better!

    Winter challenge is definitely not for the faint of heart. Brace yourself, winter is coming!

    leaves and golden sunlight in Autumn

    My favorite season is fall because it is very beautiful and the colors of the trees and the leaves are wonderful. I like to see when the leaves fall on the ground and something I love to do is go to the park with my family having picnic. We lay down on the leaves and play, we have so much fun. Also I like to go for walks with my son on the trail to see different colors of leaves on the trees.

    Winter house miniature illuminated and books on grey and white background

    When winter comes, the days get shorter, and the icy air makes us spend less time outside. However, this season is a perfect time to create a cozy atmosphere by decorating our homes with lights and festive ornaments. As Christmas approaches, streets light up with colorful decorations, bringing feelings of happiness and magic. Winter is not just about cold and snow—it's also a chance to enjoy warmth and a sense of comfort.

    I personally love winter for its ability to make us pause and reflect. It's a time to review the past year, sit in a cozy corner, and think about everything we're grateful for. After these reflections, it’s pleasant to make plans for the future, moving forward with a clear mind and well-defined goals. Good planning helps us focus on what is important while staying flexible for any necessary changes.

    For me, winter slows down the bright, long days and reminds me to appreciate moments of peace and inspiration. Despite the cold outside, it lights a warm fire of hope and new dreams within us. Let every winter become not just a time for rest but also a step toward positive changes in life!

    USA & Canada Border Post

    My decision to move to Canada was quite difficult. Even the flight brought an unpleasant surprise, as we had an unexpected short layover in Montreal, and we had tickets for a direct flight Milan (Italy)-Toronto (Canada). Since according to the conditions of our visa, we had to obtain work and study permits at the first airport where we landed, we did the paperwork, which took a lot of time and accordingly we were late for our plane. And yes, our family was in another city, not where we had our family waiting for us, it was night, the children were fussy, we didn’t know anything or anyone, and we didn’t understand the language very well. But there were good people who worked at the airport, there were good people who wrote us free new tickets for another flight, and we arrived safely in Toronto an hour later. Our family was already waiting for us at the airport and took us to their home. Toronto, even Burlington, is different in scale from my city. Canada is a very big and spacious country with wide roads and big skyscrapers. There are also many green areas as well at our house and I still do not understand and speak English well, but I continue to study and learn more and more every time.

    Even when I was at home, I knew that it would be very difficult, the adaptation period is always difficult. I didn't build hopes and expectations so that I wouldn't have to be disappointed. And to say that everything will be fine is somehow childish. It all depends on the work and training you put in oneself and skills for quick reorientation in the surrounding environment.

    We are still at the stage before dreams come true, we still have a lot of work to do in the future. A distinctive feature of Canada is very kind, friendly people. I have not yet met people who wished me harm or did something bad.

    The first feeling is fear, whether I will be able to adapt to the changes, whether I will find a job with a minimum level of English, whether the children will get along with their classmates, or whether they will find friends. The second feeling is freedom and security - to move freely around the city at any time without worrying that a rocket will hit the house or that my husband will be taken away to fight.

    The time has not yet come for me to feel at home.

    Woman with passport, Canadian flag and luggage, closeup

    This is my first time traveling so far, my first real experience. It wasn't easy leaving my hometown and my home country, but life has its own plans.

    I never thought I would leave my home for so long, but step by step, I first went to Dnipro (a big city in Ukraine), then Lviv (also Ukraine), then Warsaw (Poland), then: a plane, and I was in Toronto (Canada). From Toronto, by taxi, to the beautiful town of Stratford (Ontario). Here, we (my mom, daughter, and I) were met by a wonderful Canadian family. We are so grateful to them; they helped us with everything, and their neighbors too – everyone tried to welcome us to Canada, brought us gifts, and one neighbor even hung a Ukrainian flag on their door. Seeing all this, I realized that the best thing about this country is its people and their extraordinary mentality.

    There were ups and downs, getting a job and then being laid off, but regardless of all that, I fell deeply in love with Canada. It's a country with many opportunities, stunning nature, and a climate very similar to the one in Mariupol (Ukraine). I'm now studying English with a wonderful teacher, which helps me not only learn the language but also explore Canadian culture, history, and a lot of interesting things about the Indigenous people.

    Thank you so much to this country and these people. I would love to become a part of this society and help others as I was helped (volunteering is very developed here). Canada is a wonderful country.

    Winter view of the Rideau Canal in Ottawa, Canada

    My favourite time of the year is winter. When the streets are covered with snow, people decorate their homes in anticipation of Christmas and family dinners, when children rejoice at their gifts and the house is filled with children's laughter.

    Coming to Canada is one of the most challenging things I have ever done. My family’s journey to Canada was a rough trip. We were all alone in a new world ready to start all over, with no language skills fitted for the place or a place to stay. Due to the time difference between Canada and Ukraine, there were frequent cases of me having to handle time sensitive calls over nights from my parents, instead of sleeping. We left our family behind, friends and all our belonging to start all over again in Canada.

    Family of mother with three kids hold large Canadian flag celebration in mountains

    It was my first visit to Canada in June 2017, and I visited 2 big Canadian cities, Winnipeg and Vancouver. Actually, we didn’t realize our next home would be in Canada. Anyhow, immigration was just a dream at that time.

    On May 1st 2018, I started my real Canada immigrant journey with my husband and daughter. From 2018 to 2019, I had my education at the University of Manitoba. It took half a year to finish my basic language learning. Then I participated in a business and administration program. At that time, my husband had found a job as his major, and my daughter studied in an elementary school. After I finished the program, I found it was too hard to find a proper job for me in that city. In addition, my family needed me more, so I chose to go back to my family. If I could go back to that time, I think I should try to find a job. Even though it was a low salary job, I could improve my speaking and get some Canadian job experience at least. Making a good balance between family and job is not easy for newcomers.

    At the end of 2019 and the first of 2020, Covid pandemic happened. Covid pandemic changed a lot of people including me and my family. My best friend went back to home country who came to Canada at the same time as us. I know she made a big decision between an adventure in Canada and a familiar life in home country. In addition, my husband was laid off by his first company after coming to Canada. It was a crisis for us. Moreover because of the pandemic, our permanent resident application was being processed out of time. We didn't know what the result was like and worried about it for a long time. Under the pandemic plus the coldness of Manitoba, we had to live with our savings before and waited for everything to get back. If the pandemic didn’t happen, we would definitely come back to visit our families and miss them so much. Actually I bought flight tickets which were canceled by the flight company in 2021. Because of the pandemic, many flights were canceled and never recovered until now. If the pandemic didn’t happen, I should have gotten my driver's license earlier and might have found a job in Winnipeg. To be honest, I love the city of Winnipeg. If my husband and I could both find jobs there, I would love to stay there. In January and March 2022, my daughter, my husband and I separately got permanent residence in Canada. Considering better education and job opportunities, we decided to move to Ontario after we encountered the third coldest and snowiest Winnipeg’s winter in the past 100 years in the winter of 2021.

    In early July 2022, around Canada Day, we said farewell to our Winnipeg’s friends, neighbors, my daughter’s best friends and classmates. We set off to Oakville. Oakville’s prestige in education is best known among us new immigrants. So we got rid of other choices in Ontario and Oakville became our destination. From July 2022 till now, we settled down in Oakville. We bought an old house with a loan from a bank and did a lot of renovation for it. And my husband found a job with his former experience. I appreciate that I can get a language learning chance in LINC to continue to improve my English. I bet that we will face more challenges on the immigrant road. Life is interesting, and god likes making jokes to human beings. If we didn’t choose immigration, we would have a totally different life.

    Inscription Black Friday on calendar

    On Black Friday I plan to be very careful about shopping. I know that many stores use this day to get rid of old items and make space for new ones.

    They often make the discounts look bigger than they really are, but sometimes the prices haven’t even changed at all. Many people feel excited to grab deals, but they often spend more money than they planned thinking they are saving. I will only buy something if it is something I truly need and have already decided to buy. This way I can avoid wasting money on things I don’t need.

    On Buy Nothing Day I think I will take a break from shopping completely.

    It is a good chance to think about how much we really need to buy and whether the things we buy are worth the money. I agree that people often buy things they don’t need or can’t afford especially during sales like Black Friday. They do this because they hope to save money or because the advertisements make them feel like they must buy something.

    However, many people spend too much and regret it later. Clearly, by not shopping for a day, I can save money and focus on other things that are more important.

    Creative promotion composition Black friday text and laptop on white background

    On Black Friday, even though it's not widely celebrated in Canada, many people still take advantage of the online deals from American retailers. If I were to participate, I would focus on finding good deals for items that are genuinely needed, like electronics or household goods, and avoid getting caught up in impulse purchases. It would be an opportunity to save money, but I'd stay mindful of the items I buy, ensuring they have real value and long-term use. I would also check for Canadian sales to avoid unnecessary international shipping fees. With many retailers offering discounts, it could be tempting to overspend, so it would be important to stick to a budget.

    On Buy Nothing Day, I would make an effort to stay away from buying anything, reflecting on consumer habits and the environmental impact of mass consumption. This day serves as a reminder of how easy it is to buy things we don’t need and how such purchases can accumulate over time. I agree that many people buy things they don’t need or can’t afford, often driven by flashy advertisements and social pressure.

    Focused ethnic man choosing laptop in shop

    Next year I am going to high school. I need to buy a new high-speed laptop with 1 TB of memory and 16 GB RAM (random access memory). I worked part time, so I could make $1000. I analyzed information on several web sites and here is what I found.

    I liked an HP laptop with 15.6 inches screen. It is HP 15.6" Laptop - Natural Silver (Intel Core i7-1255U/1TB SSD/16GB RAM/Windows 11 Home).

    This laptop costs $799.99 on the BEST BUY. I tried to look for it somewhere else and I was happy when I found it on the Staples. I thought it was the same computer, but it wasn’t. Although the price was $799.99 too. So what is difference? On BEST BUY the hard disk is 1TB but on Staples it is 500 GB. The same price but another memory. It is important for me because I want to buy a more powerful device.

    Before making a purchase I figured out both return policies. They offer similar conditions. I can return within 30 days, in factory package, in the store or online and so on. I also checked Amazon, but I couldn’t find any kind of laptop like that. It is either expensive or with other features.

    My choice is BEST BUY.

    a girl player holding joystick playing videogame using VR

    Computer simulations can be super helpful in school. For example, instead of just reading about space, kids could use a computer to discover Mars or any other planets and see what they look like. It makes learning more fun and helps understand things better.

    Simulations can also help us learn about the Earth. Computer applications and games can be created to show what might happen if the Earth gets too warm, like how ice might melt and cause the ocean to rise. These simulations are great for understanding big problems like climate change. If we see this scenario on a computer, we would better understand how important it is to protect our planet.

    In my opinion, these tools should motivate not only scientists, but everyone, to take action to reduce pollution, plastic use and anything else that harms the environment. We only have one planet and there is no backup.

    A primary school girl focuses on learning using tablet

    All newcomers are faced with numerous problems arriving to a new country. They have to find a new place to live, a new job to make money, a new school for their children, make new friends, and in order to solve all these problems newcomers need to use language. In addition, poor language skills do not allow new residents to resolve all these issues effectively. Furthermore, even if a newcomer can speak the local language fluently, it does not ensure success in solving these problems, because they are not being fully understood and they need to continue to improve their language skills. Fortunately, today, people can use modern technology to learn foreign languages, and it is the best way to become a better communicator in Canada.

    The most essential aspect is that using modern technology allows newcomers to learn rapidly, and every student wants to have good results as soon as possible. Such technology helps to save learner's time because he has no need to make any special equipment by himself, for example, flash-cards. People have spent a lot of time creating cards before modern technology appeared. Today, one can only push the button on their computer and everything is done for them in beautiful various colors and with nice (and sometimes funny) pictures to memorize it better. It is especially helpful for understanding and learning difficult idioms, because they are always tricky for foreigners. Furthermore, for better learning newcomers can use different programs to check their knowledge level and see their progress anytime. Also, students who use technology can study watching and listening to videos, podcasts and it is the best opportunity to hear how native speakers use their language. Just listen, repeat and remember. Thus, everyone agrees that time is very important in people's lives, so let's keep it.

    Next essential aspect is that using modern technology allows newcomers to have fun during their study. This approach assumes that the student is not a passive learner but an active user. It has been known since ancient times that children memorize better when they play games, and it is the same situation with adults. They like to play games too; therefore, modern technology has various applications for phones that help people learn foreign languages. In these apps beginners can select the language they want, choose their level or define it, and then the software gives him /her different types of tasks and points out errors. Also such programs save the learner's progress and allow him /her to practice more on his /her difficult tasks. Many of these programs are free. One more fun activity do is to learn by watching movies. Students can spend their study time enjoying, for example, watching movies, which is both fun and useful. A person chooses the genre he likes and enjoys it. He can also turn on subtitles to better understand and memorize words, but he should be careful about the level of language in the video because if it is too difficult, it will not be interesting or fun. In addition, students (young and adult) who like to watch cartoons can learn foreign languages from them. This is double fun, especially if this cartoon he has seen many times in his native language and knows all the phrases by heart, and now listening to favorite characters in a new language and understanding what are they talking about are a good way to memorize the phrases.

    Final essential aspect is that using modern technology allows newcomers to memorize the easier way. Thanks to new technology, students can easily know which type of learners they belong to. Depending on their type, they can choose activities for easier memorization. People are known to be visual, auditory, kinesthetic or reading and writing learners. Thus, if a person is an auditory learner type, it is important for him to absorb information by listening; he also remembers more easily if he spells out information, so he needs an interlocutor to learn languages, he can find a good resource for participating in dialogues, listening to podcasts and music. There is no one person who is 100 % an auditory learner, and usually this aspect is spread across all types, and modern technology allows practicing memorization in just one type or combining them all in one application and enjoying studying.

    It is clear that moving is a very stressful and difficult situation and sometimes people have a chance to prepare for this change and sometimes not, but if one has already made this decision, he should do his best to learn the local languages first of all. Using modern technology is the most effective, attractive and very helpful way for newcomers and those who want to learn foreign languages, even if they already speak this language fluently. Newcomers can realize many advantages utilizing technology for training faster, quicker and easier. Also, this technology is good for all ages, from birth (for instance, babies can listen to music in that language which her parents wish her to know) to the old age.

    Good luck with your studies!

    traditional fisherman houses rorbu and boats at Haholmen island, Norway

    I had 11 days of vacation days, so I decided to visit not only Turkey again, but also more countries. Also, when you have more stopovers on your flight, you spend less money. I found the cheapest route - Canada – Reykjavik (Iceland) – Oslo (Norway) - Turkey. On the way back it was Turkey – Budapest (Hungary) - Reykjavik- Canada. I decided to pick this route. But there was one huge disadvantage because some layovers on the way back were long. I was okay with that because I was saving money.

    When I thought I arrived in Reykjavik, I was very surprised because actually, it was Keflavik. I do not know why they wrote Reykjavik airport on the tickets. So, I decided to take a bus and after 2 hours I was in downtown Reykjavik. I spent a lot of time to explore the landmarks in the capital of Iceland. Prices were very high for me but the nature and buildings were impressive.

    Then I had a flight to Oslo, Norway. The layover was 10 hours and it was night time. I had booked a hotel room before, so when I reached there, I had a place to sleep. But after the plane landed, the buses there were not working and I had to walk for 1.5 hours. I finally reached the hotel room which was not new and fancy but very comfortable. I slept like a child. After a perfect breakfast, I went to the airport, and finally, I was in Istanbul.

    The airport of Istanbul is the biggest in Europe. I had a great hotel with a balcony and spa. Turkey is a cheaper country for travel. I spent 7 nights there. It was great. I ate local food, visited Kings Island, did some shopping, and walked around downtown. Istanbul has a large population of more than 15 million people. I met with a local family. They invited me for a cup of tea. It was so kind.

    On my way back I visited Budapest. It is the capital city of Hungary and the cultural heart of Europe. There are many old and beautiful buildings and has the best cuisine you can get. The food was excellent and cheap. Of all the countries I visited, I liked Budapest the best. I spent 7 hours there. The city had very good services at very good prices. I recommend everyone to visit this city.

    I had a lot of fun on this trip and collected a bunch of great impressions. In short, it was a great trip and I am glad I decided to plan my trip in this way.

    Holding french flag on the Liberation square backogorund in Dijon city in France

    I always dreamed of visiting Paris, France and this summer unexpectedly my dream came true. My daughter and I traveled to Bulgaria with a stopover in Paris. The stopover was for less than two days which meant that we didn’t have a lot of time to tour through Paris. We were very lucky because our trip coincided with the time of the Paralympic Games, and there were many people around the city helping tourists with information in English.

    As soon as we were outside of Paris airport, we headed to the Eiffel Tower. There were crowds of tourists everywhere. Eiffel Tower is very beautiful and huge. We strolled through the streets and enjoyed some French pastries. The experience was as delightful as I had imagined. The pastries in France are incredibly delicious.

    The next day, we took a bus tour and saw all the sights from the comfort of the bus with an audio commentary device (you could even choose your native language). The weather was wonderful. I had never seen a city with so many sculptures (even though I have visited ten countries and have lived in three). Paris is irresistible. My daughter and I were simply mesmerized by it. France is very different from other countries.

    Although it has been a long time, we still have wonderful memories of this short trip. I will definitely return to Paris for a longer period and explore everything there thoroughly. This was like just tasting something that you always wanted to try.

    Macau cityscape at night, all hotel and tower are colorful lighten up with blue sky, Macau, China

    In 2015, my husband and I had a wonderful, unforgettable trip in Hong Kong and Macau. On the first day, we went to Disneyland, where we were surrounded by the magic of the Disney characters, and the exciting rides. On the second day, we explored the Ocean Park, which offered beautiful marine life. On the third day, we went to Macau by boat. We visited Macau’s most famous casino. Although we lost $500, we still enjoyed the lively and thrilling atmosphere. The bright lights, the sound of slot machines, and the energy of the crowd made it an exciting experience.

    Besides visiting tourist attractions, we also tried a lot of famous local foods. The variety of dishes was incredible, from traditional dim sum to street snacks. The flavours were unique and left a lasting impression on us. At that time, we had no worries and a carefree life. Looking back now, I realize it was the best trip of my life. The joy, freedom, and fun of that journey are memories I will always cherish.

    photo of map of European countries and colorful letters on the wonderful background

    In my future, I hope to become a citizen, and thanks to that, I will plan to go to the USA to visit my family there. I have been without seeing them around 5 years already.

    Because I’m Cuban, I don’t have a visa to go to the USA, so soon I hope to get it and after that I will start to plan my vacation to USA and all the places that we can visit with my family and friends there. I am counting the days until that dream becomes a reality.

    After that future visit to USA, I would like to visit Europe as many countries as I can. I will try to visit Spain, France, German and Italy. And one of my dreams is watch a football game in the stadium Santiago Bernabéu in Spain.

    I hope to do all those plans in my future.

    The Open hand is the geographical representation of the city of Chandigarh located in North India

    India is a diverse country. There are a number of states and cities in India. Here I am going to talk about a visited and liked. It is Chandigarh. I have visited Chandigarh many times. Our relatives live there. I like everything about Chandigarh. It is a very well-planned city.

    It is union territory and also the capital of two states Haryana and Punjab. It is also called the city beautiful. Is has been named after an ancient temple Chandi Mandir. There are so many things which make it a unique city. It was designed first and developed later.

    It was designed by a French architect. The residential area away from commercial hubs. There are many place to see in Chandigarh such as Rose Garden, Rock Garden, Sukhna Lake, Mini Zoo.

    I have seen all these places. The Rock Garden is made by Nek Chand. It is made of trash. It’s made of trash. It is very big tourist attraction now in Chandigarh. 17th Sector is a shopper’ paradise. This city is active culturally, academically and commercially.

    The traffic moves very smoothly. The roads and public places are well maintained. Local bus service is also very good. It is a city full of life at all hours of the day and night. One day I would like to settle there.

    Red Car on the Road, Los Angeles, United States

    Traveling makes me so happy! I love spending time learning new things about different cultures, exploring new places, and attending historical or famous cities or countries. I recently visited Los Angeles (L.A.) and I can give you some advice about 3 things you should do.

    The first thing to do would be to visit famous landmarks such as the Hollywood sign, Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, and Hollywood Boulevard. All these spots are very well-known and interesting to see in real life rather than on TV and in pictures.

    The second thing is to see nature. There are many beaches including Venice Beach, Santa Monica Beach or Malibu. There are also beautiful national parks like Sequoia and Kings Canyon. These parks are home to the giant sequoia trees, including General Sherman which is the largest tree on earth by volume!

    The third thing to visit is one of the many attractions. My first recommendation is the Griffith Observatory where you can explore panoramic views of the city and the Hollywood sign. Next would be, The Getty Center which offers world-class art, stunning architecture, and serene gardens. Finally Universal Studios Hollywood is one of L.A.’s most popular places - I recommended the Studio Tour & Harry Potter attraction.

    Los Angeles is a great place to visit because it has something for everybody!