A New Friend
Monday I was standing on the platform at the Ajax Go station. A man came up to me and asked how he knew which track was the train to Union Station. Try as I might, I couldn't find a number anywhere. I pointed to which track it would be and said I know because, well, that is where it always comes. Some lady was nice enough to point out a number one directly above my head. Seems they _are_ labeled. Cool. He said he needed to learn the system because today was his first day in Canada.
I stood there silently waiting for the train for a minute. First day in a new country. I wonder what that must be like. I consider ignoring the chance encounter and either reading my magazine or writing on my laptop as I had planned to do. No, I thought. How often do you get the chance to talk to a new Canadian?
I asked him where he was from. He instantly light up and seemed happy to share. "Guess", he said. "And don't guess China". So hard to tell. Clearly he was Asian, but he spoke English well, and didn't seem to have a British accent. "Somewhere in Europe," I guessed. "No," he laughs. "Malaysia. Do you know where that is?" he asks, clearly preparing to explain to me.
"Yes, I do, are you from the city Kuala Lumpur or out in the country?" I ask. I think he was surprised I not only knew the country but could name its largest city. He was from the city.
The train came and we sat next to each other. We chatted the whole way about his life and Canadiana. Turns out he was in telecommunication back in Malaysia. He was in Ajax seeking a job at a supplier he used to work with. Small world.
He spoke the language very well. He had some funny stories about local terms though. Like when the customs agent told him he was "All Set" and he asked what he was set for, or what it was that was set.
He was amazed at the multicultural nature of Toronto, even compared to his brothers home town of Chicago. He was surprised to overhear his native language on his first day.
He was interested in what Canadians do for past times, what areas of the city are better to live in and which are good to stay away from. He and his family decided to rent for a year before they decided where to buy a house. He wasn't happy about the recent rise in value of the Canadian dollar. :-)
At the end of a most enjoyable Go train ride, he passed me a home made business card, and invited me to stop by if I was ever in the area. What a nice guy.
Some days a train ride is just a commute, and sometimes you meet a new friend from half way around the world. I love Toronto.