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Montreal. Less than two weeks ago I was enjoying plus 30 degrees in Lima, Lisa was swimming with Jeremy and tuques were for buying, not wearing! Today in Montreal it was -15, and I was back in class! It has been a bit of a whirlwind last four months, and the last week has been no exception.
In Montreal I am living very close to the Atwater metro station with some undergrad students (friends of a friend of a friend of my brother's). It's a pretty good location. Five minutes to the metro, three stops and then five minutes to campus.
My Apartment building in Montreal. First floor on the far left.
Apartment front steps
On campus I definitely feel like a first year all over again. No idea where I am going, millions of forms to fill out, lost most of the time, etc. The campus itself is really nice. Very different from UVic. I leave the metro right in downtown Montreal (skyscrapers), two blocks later and I am on campus (which is basically city blocks made up of nice looking old buildings).
The mechanical engineering building.
For any of you who are interested, I am taking three courses this semester (Aircraft Performance/Stability, Advanced Dynamics, Fluid Structure Interactions). They look like they are going to be tough. Plus there is the added pressure of being a grad student, now I sort of have to do well I guess (less than B- is a fail!). I can already see the benefit of attending a different school for a Master's degree. It is good to be thrown off the deep-end again. At Uvic I knew my way around, I knew the courses, the profs, the school etc. Having new profs, a new atmosphere and a new approach are definitely helping the motivation.
The engineering department here is pretty impressive. I spent the afternoon in the engineering library today. It's comparable (maybe half as big) as Uvic's main library!
Ok, so how could I mention Montreal without hockey. Check this out:
In the summer it's a soccer field.
Alright. It remains to be seen if I will keep updating this site or not. Not sure if I have anything interesting to say. Also, I am expecting most of you to come visit Montreal as soon as possible! Keep in touch, Alistair.
Posted by Alistair Howard at January 5, 2005 05:10 AM
It is a very nice-looking campus. Looks like a lot of history. You should totally take up ice hockey on that sweet little rink. Hockey after class, ride the new bike trainer at night.
There will be tons for you to update. Like, where are the pictures of campus ladies?
Posted by: Jeff Werner at January 6, 2005 01:56 AM
Hi Alistair! Sounds like an exciting adventure you're on. Very cool. And by the way, IT'S SNOWING HERE!!!! I'm sure you'll get sick of the white stuff, but for us West Coasters, it's fun.
Posted by: Sandra at January 6, 2005 12:19 PM
Wow, its a huge change from Vic.
Seems like there would be some great winter activities to take part in. Planning any trips to Quebec or Ottawa?
Posted by: sarah at January 6, 2005 12:47 PM
Montreal sounds great! How does the metro compare to some of the others we were on in Sept? no crazy tunnels like Kiev I guess....I hope classes are going well for you!
Posted by: Jeanine at January 7, 2005 11:44 AM
Hey Al,
Sounds like Montreal is treating you well. I know what you mean about forms and being lost, it's all so very confusing. For those that care, Vegas is good and I'll try and get an email out soon.
Posted by: Dan at January 9, 2005 07:18 AM
I dont know why you decided to go back to school, it definately sucks.
Looks like there is plenty of room in front of your desk for the TAXC and lots of long hours indoor pain.
Posted by: Malcolm at January 12, 2005 06:55 AM