Random Observations

Here are some random observations, some of which compare NYC and Winnipeg.

• It snowed a little today. It's October 8.

• Here, Thanksgiving is October 12. (I expect EVERYTHING to be closed.)
  

• Free bus transfers in Winnipeg only last an hour (as opposed to two hours in NYC), so you can't use that crafty Manhattan tactic of squeezing two trips onto one transfer (no taking the Lexington Avenue bus downtown and then going back up on the 6 train).

• NYC was built for pedestrians. Winnipeg was built for cars; according to Wikipedia, there's a municipal law which mandates that all new buildings contain large amounts of parking between the sidewalk and the building itself.
  

• At Staples stores in NYC, the printer ink is located behind the cash register. Winnipeg Staples stores apparently have more faith in their customers' honesty, so you can pick up your own ink in the ink aisle.

• Canadian banks hold onto your funds forever when you deposit a check (especially if it's a U.S. check). I deposited such a check on Sept. 30 and the funds were listed as being held until Oct. 23.

• Conveniently, Winnipeg post offices are located at the drug store. So you can send your Canadian pharmaceuticals to your U.S. relatives.
  

• In NYC, a cashier can't wait to get rid of you. In Winnipeg, a cashier will ask you for your phone number. He isn't trying to pick you up, though. He wants to know if you are a member of the store's "club" (this happens almost everywhere - pharmacy, grocery, health food store, etc.). Then, when you say you're not a member, you are asked which charity you would like to donate to. Even French fry places get into the act - the "New York" fries vendor at the Polo Park Mall sports a sign that says, "Help prevent childhood cancer." Somehow, I doubt stuffing your kid's face with French fries will help with this.