From a population of 49,468 to a small francophone town up north with a population of 8,196. I’ve lived here for about a year and a half now and oh boy have I had some special experiences! Although I didn’t move out of the country, I still had a culture shock. Moving out to live by myself was already a big adjustment, but it came with all these little surprises and made my journey here interesting and worth telling. Every community has its quirks and I’ve decided to share the changes I’ve experienced during my time here.

1. Everyone is related somehow. Seriously, once I texted my friend telling her about this cute boy that started talking to me, just for her to be like “Oh yeah, that’s my cousin’s uncle’s son!” And let me tell you, it has happened on several occasions so, I’ve concluded everyone you befriend is related to one of your friends somehow.

2. You see at least 5 people you know when you go grocery shopping. You just need a carton of eggs? You think it’ll take you 5 minutes? Nope. Also, dress nice because you’re about to see your professor, your friends’ parents, your Dr. and basically everyone you’ve ever met here!

3. Everyone knows everything. You thought you could discreetly leave his house at 5 am? No. There’s at least 3 people who work at 5 am and most likely saw you which then decided to tell at least one friend so now that makes 6 people who already know who probably decided to tell at least one person each and now well, the whole town thinks you’re dating him.

4. You can talk to the owner of just about any place in town. You received bad service and would like to speak to the manager? Don’t worry, the owners are most likely there right now and would be happy to speak to you!

5. The constant smiles. In small communities, everyone is just SO nice. At first, I was always confused. Why is she smiling at me? Do I know her? Nope. The people here are just extra kind.

Living in a small community sure does have its perks, but it was a big change. Through all the ups and downs, it’s something I don’t regret and I’ve also gotten very attached to it. Would I move back to a bigger city? Probably not just yet, I’m not ready to give up all the smiles and all the compassionate people. I’ve created a home away from home. I like to say the community here adopted me as their very own.