I has arrived...

So here I am in Ontario, enjoying the chill, fog and rain. My nose is running but I suppose that's the temperature change from a pleasant 25C in Dubai to a chilly 7C in Toronto.

The flight was long and definitely a loooong way from my business-class trip this summer. But going on an Emirates A380 economy seat is still better than the other jets they have. More leg room being one - I wasn't giving the passenger in-front of me a head massage every time they leaned back. Definitely more storage space for bags, although this black woman two seats ahead of me was being a douche and dumping her stuff in my allocated over-head locker. Luckily, I just had a handbag, jacket and my boots so I could afford to give her the space. But she just barged through, dumped her stuff and squashed my really nice jacket and boots. I was too tired to really argue so I threw her a dirty look and sat down. I slept quite soundly for the first half of the flight as I hadn't slept in over 30 hours. I caught up on some movies for the remainder and time flew. Although note to self: Never wear skin-tight leather boots while flying. My feet swell and even though they are normally quite comfy, the shoes become toe-crushers while flying.

I was quite nervous when I landed as I'd been through American customs and immigration and was expecting the same type of lengthy and grueling procedures. Although to be fair, I've never had any problems going through US border patrol each time I visit. But being my first time in Canada and going through many hoops getting a visit visa, I was a teensy-bit nervous. They were unfounded and it was a breeze. Extremely friendly immigration officers and staff who were very helpful.

I finally got my bags and met Sam. We caught up on so much as we traveled from bus to bus and I got to see quite a bit of the Ontario landscape, albeit at night. We've been friends for over 10 years and counting and it's so good to visit my school friends on their home turf. It makes me feel a little more grown-up, not to mention it feels good keeping in touch with folks I've grown up with. Probably another reason why I want to leave Dubai - all my friends and near and dear are in North America.

Anyhow, seeing how tired I was, we just landed up at home and chilled. Although we hardly got any sleep. It was so much fun catching up on the past few years that we probably didn't conk off until sunrise. I don't mind - I feel absolutely alive and charged up.

And I finally tried poutine! Not the most authentic one, but a pretty good version. Sam gave it an 8/10. The gravy makes all the difference. So does the cheddar cheese curds, or 'squeaky cheese'.

So now I'm off the shower, refresh and head to the nearby mall for some shopping and catching "New Moon". More later.