Chapter 2…. The Airport Experience!
Dear folks, welcome back!
So, we have finally landed. As I was counting my steps, I was extremely hopeful of the opportunities coming my way. I checked on my phone to see if the battery is good enough to let me call my friend who would be coming to pick me up? Well, yeah. Here comes something you need to note down.
Why you need connections/friends in Canada or any new country at this time?
Let’s recall your first day to school and the rush in your eyes to see your parent/guardian when you step out of that school gate? For once, just assume if no one had come to pick you up there? Sad, right? Come on, you have to agree here even if you are beyond the needs of relationships in life (I assume you wouldn’t be, my reader). Here we need someone who comes with an experience somewhat longer than ours because to put it in the easiest phrase — YOU HAVE MOVED TO A NEW COUNTRY!
As someone who had lived with complete strangers during college days, who accompanied her manager for meetings with people after knowing them only through their Linkedin profiles, I would say my heart was beaming with the satisfaction that amidst these steps and stares, someone is there to welcome me. I am not saying you need that but I am sure you are going to love that. Start this now! I am sure as you read this, you can recall a few names on whom you can rely. Otherwise, I am here; your new reliable friend. As I get more familiar with the lifestyle here, more knowledge is coming your way but as of now, this blog piece helped you gain a friend/guide (If you are not very open to befriending someone based upon their writing style). Let me know If I can help anyway once you land here.
We are inside the Airport!
Nice infrastructure. Lit. Well maintained. Big. Quiet. Safe. The adjectives have done their job. Let’s get to the details.
Self-Declaration: The initial step is about self-declaration. All you need is your passport and a document which proves that you are in the country on legal grounds only. The steps are easy and as immigrants, we all are thankful to the airport staff and security for their kind behavior at every step. All you need is a courage to ask and these people welcome you with warm heart. Keep on following their steps and you will be done with the job in no time.
Document Verification: Keep your necessary documents ready which shall be checked by the immigration officers. Be ready to be the part of a queue depending upon the number of people landing that day with you. Mine was a longer one, so consider these tips:
Ø Tip 1: The anxiety of such a travel is understandable but carry only what is asked. Do not carry resume/CV/school mark sheets/college degrees/certificates/licenses/entire portfolio unless specified. I saw people around me carrying portfolio bags to show one document. Be cautious but only where it is necessary.
Ø Tip 2: Keep your water bottle handy, do use washroom if necessary and don’t be afraid of missing your position in the line as the people are courteous here.
Ø Tip 3: Follow the instructions of the security carefully and reach where you are supposed to reach.
All the required formalities were smoothly done in my case and I moved outside the airport giving way to others. The wind, the newness, the fear, the search, the satisfaction, the fragrance of Starbucks coffee, the logos of Rogers & Fido embraced me as I touched my nose turning red in cold with one hand; while my other hand was waving towards my friend who came to pick me up. Her hidden smile behind that black mask was more promising than the beauty of roses in her hand.
The cab and the driver greeted me and we are inside the car. Fasten your seat belt readers; we are on the roads of Canada now.
More of it coming up…..
Take away from here — Why friends/connections are necessary? What to expect once you land in Canada? Details with respect to airport formalities.
