It's the final issue of the Interrobang for this school year, and honestly, it's gone by so fast. It seems like yesterday was the first day of class and it's already the end of a fruitful year. While I've been writing about all these different Canadian things that catch my eye, surely a number of you must be wondering some of the things that Canada has taught me. She's taught me a lot, all in such a short time.

10. Hockey is life: I'd be livid with myself if hockey wasn't on this list. I grew up watching the very limited hockey that ESPN would broadcast back in India. I fell in love with the Anaheim Ducks and NHL 2002 back in the day, but to actually live in the country where it's considered a pastime in the winter has been unreal, in a word.

9. Poutine is heavenly: French fries with cheese and gravy: poutine. I still remember my first poutine, which I had at Oasis back in October, and I've been hooked on the stuff ever since. Now, it's been brought to my attention that too much poutine isn't the best thing ever, mainly because it's so fattening and unhealthy, but let's be frank here, it's delicious. And because it is delicious, I'm going to make the exception every so often. Mmm, gravy...

8. 12°C is warm weather: Back in Calcutta, India, our winters would touch 12°C. Sometimes, if we got lucky, it would drop to 9°C or so. It used to be freezing cold back then. The other day when my dad called and I told him 15°C was warm, he gasped.

7. The Toronto Maple Leafs are really awful, aren't they: Sorry, Leafs fans, but you know I had to. I knew you guys never made the playoffs since the lockout; I never knew it's been such a long, unfruitful run. It's tough on you guys, I can empathize, but this is something that I came across only after coming to the Great White North. Buck up, lads, you'll be playoff-bound soon. Or not.

6. The Arkells are brilliant: Amazing band, the Arkells. And they're Canadian. I'd never heard about them, and now they fill up my iPod. I'd say coming to Canada has really opened my eyes to a lot of great music that you would never ever hear of if you stayed in India. I'm disappointed with myself for not going to the Arkells show in London a few months back, but I plan to see them when they return to London. Until then, my iPod has to work overtime.

5. Without Tim Hortons, this country would be static: You really didn't think I'd forget Tim Hortons, did you? Without Tim Hortons, there is no Canada (if you permit me to exaggerate just a little bit). It's true, though; Timmies are in every part of the country I've seen. Now, to grab a doubledouble and roll up the rim...

4. Nickelback is not everyone's cup of tea: Honestly, this one surprised me to a degree. I grew up listening to Nickelback, and when I came to Canada, I discover that they are despised in some parts of the country. I haven't been able to decipher the reason so far, but rest assured I will try to put this mystery behind me.

3. Shovelling snow is a better workout than you'd get at GoodLife: For starters, I've never ever hit a gym in my life, so don't count on me being an expert. What I can tell you is that shovelling snow is not fun. Every morning, in those sub-zero conditions, you go out and burn those calories. I did it for the first time ever this winter and it wasn't pleasant. And you know what the best part is? You get to do it all over again the next day.

2. Bilingualism is in: This is one thing that's impressed me so far. I've never been to Quebec, but I hear it's a lot more French biased. Ignoring that fact, everything I've seen is bilingual. I see it as promoting cultural diversity, which I believe is a great thing. French-Canadian or English- Canadian is still Canadian, and that is the main thing. Merci.

1. ‘Eh' is a word: Hilarious as this may seem, this is a word I've observed numerous people use, whether on the bus or in the halls of Fanshawe. The word seems to be a conjunction finding its way into many sentences, although I've seen it as a standalone word numerous times. And you know what the funniest bit is? I use it myself. Weird, eh?

To sum up, it's been a great year in Canada and at Fanshawe. I've made so many friends and met new people. I love this country, to tell you frankly: the culture, the food, the people. I'm glad my dad let me come to college here in Canada. It's definitely one of the best decisions I've made in life. The country has grown on me and I can't wait to be back next year.
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