Embracing the Unexpected: Our First Day in Hamilton

Unexpected Discoveries

Today marked the beginning of a new chapter as we embarked on our journey as Hamilton residents. To my surprise, what I thought was a Monday turned out to be a serendipitous Sunday, gifting us an extra day of experiences in this vibrant community.

Community Charms

The day began with the lively energy of a neighborhood yard sale, a delightful introduction to the local hustle and bustle. Our gracious host family decided on a whim to declutter and set up a lemonade stand, adding a touch of whimsy to the day's proceedings. The children eagerly took charge of the lemonade station, while the rest of us busied ourselves with organizing tables and arranging items for sale.

Amidst the array of treasures waiting to find new homes, there was a sense of camaraderie and community spirit that filled the air. I love all things impromptu. And this was as sporadic and laid-back as it could be. Conversations flowed easily as we interacted with neighbors and passersby, sharing stories and laughter over cups of refreshing mint and hibiscus lemonade. Which Kendra, my new house friend had made from scratch.

Sweet Surprises

The day continued to unfold with delightful surprises as the ice cream truck made its way into our neighborhood, gracing us with its colorful and loud presence. Luna eagerly tried her very first snow cone, a delightful concoction of ice drizzled with rainbow-colored syrup. It was an instant hit, eliciting smiles and giggles as she savored the ice. Though, in all honesty, I think she prefers the simplicity of plain ice but the experience is what she will remember

Exploration and Connections

After a few hours of mingling with neighbors and assisting with the yard sale, I decided to take a moment for myself. Entrusting Luna to the care of our gracious host family, I borrowed a bicycle and set off on a solo adventure. My mission? To explore the surrounding area in search of my internship hospital and to check out gymnastics places for Luna.

As I pedaled through the winding streets of Hamilton, the warm breeze brushing against my skin, I couldn't help but marvel at the sense of freedom and discovery that enveloped me. I biked up a long hill and found a nice neighborhood with bike lanes, and regular potholes as part of the charm. I found a gymnastics hall that was closed and decided to bike to the other end of town to check out a place I’ve emailed with. World Class Gymnastics in Hamilton is the place we are going to choose. The staff was friendly, the location convenient, and the hall had everything a gymnast could ever imagine wanting. They even invited her to come to the last week of regular practice having her first practice on Tuesday. If the expected heatwave won't cancel everything that is.

Simple Pleasures

Once back at the house, I asked the kids if they wanted to go to a playground and got recommended a splash park not far away. Splash parks are a thing here. Hot cities without easy access to beaches mean that splash parks become little getaway heavens. Water to play with on a warm day, the temperatures are getting close to 30°C, is pretty much all you need. We spent a few fun filled hours at the park before the 3 kids hopped on their bikes and scooters to go back home. Back at the house we all decided to go across the street to the grocery street. Luna found the vegan marshmallows that she was looking for and was set for the evening bonfire. 

Each moment of our first day in Hamilton revealed layers of charm and possibility, leaving us eager to uncover more of what this vibrant community has to offer.

Tips of the Day: 

• Discovering a New City by Bicycle

Exploring a new city can be a delightful adventure, and one of the best ways to do it is by bicycle. Bicycling allows you to move at a leisurely pace, giving you time to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of your surroundings. It's fast enough to cover more ground than walking, yet slow enough to truly experience the local culture. Plus, it's an eco-friendly and healthy way to travel. So, grab a bike and start pedaling your way through your new city!

• Engage with Local Organizations

One of the best ways to immerse yourself in a new community is by engaging with local organizations. Whether it's volunteering at a community event, joining a local club, or participating in neighborhood activities, getting involved helps you meet new people and understand the heartbeat of the area. You'll find that becoming part of local initiatives not only enriches your experience but also fosters a sense of belonging. So, reach out and become an active member of your new community!