Monday, August 30

Northern Culture Shock




So I made it to Kuujjuaq, and I think I'm feeling a bit culture shocked. It doesn't feel like Canada at all here. It's cold and drab, and feels like late November. We went grocery shopping and everything was wilted or already expired (anyone have any great recipes that can be made out of canned food?!). 
I feel homesick already!  Day one is always hard, I guess. I'm sure it will get better.
Deep breath.... 24 more days to go!

20 comments:

Ren- Lady Of The Arts said...

You can do it!

Fit With Flash said...

sounds crazy! you've got this though, a month is nothing! enjoy it. : )

Bekah Mae said...

Wow. I'll be honest. I didn't even know that people LIVED all the way that far north in Canada. I seriously thought it was inhabitable. I feel ignorant for admitting this. And on the interwebs, too!

Poppies and Sunshine said...

I hope some sunshine and warmth find it's way there so it's not so drab!

Gabby / Gypsy*Diaries said...

Hang in there babe! And if you need some distractions... come and check out my IHOD jewelry/accessories giveaway! :)
xxx

http://gypsy-diaries.blogspot.com/

Anonymous said...

What is that writing??? Oh you remind me of those films where some NY exec gets sent to the middle of nowhere and they have trouble adjusting at first but then... they love it! Hey, it's an experience and four weeks isn't that long. Think positive! Good luck!

k said...

what in the world...what language is all of that??? you can do it!

Amanda Kemp said...

Good morning!!!!

Just wait until you meet all of the people ... I know you will leave this experience wanting more!

Take care!

and flowers pick themselves said...

can't wait to hear more about your travels. take care!

xo Alison

Diana Mieczan said...

Ohhh I bet it will gett better...I know it will..just hang in there:)
Kisses,sweetie and see you soon:)
Hugs

Elizabeth said...

I am a new viewer of your blog. So brave of you guys to be pursuing your dreams in a far away spot - and doing it together!!!


Don't know what kind of canned food you can get there but here's something I do:

1 can kidney beans (or white beans or black beans)
1 can of one of which ever bean you didn't choose already!
1 can corn
1 can black olives (crush with your hand)
1/2 cup bottle salsa
Possibly some salt and pepper

mix together and enjoy

When I make this at home I add chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and diced jicama but it sounds like you may not have the option.

Melissa Blake said...

I'm just in awe of you right now. Your travels sound SO exciting!! Be sure to post lots of photos!!

fresh365 said...

What an adventure! You are right, it looks so different from the canada I've seen (Montreal, Quebec City, Victoria...). Can't wait to hear all about it!

Punctuation Mark said...

serious culture shock!!!check out sandra lee's recipes... a lot of her stuff is canned... hope it gets better for you!

Blogs said...

glad you made it safe:) I get home sick real fast too...it sucks! expired food..ughhh! it doesn't sound good! i bet your staving for some reaaaaal food. take care and be safe! xoxo

Elle Sees said...

never heard of the village!
i've been to Quebec before, but never here. is language a barrier?

Regan said...

Wow! That language/writing is crazy!

Anonymous said...

Hi Vanessa,
Thinking about your eating plight -- one of my favorite recipes for leftover Thanksgiving turkey has canned food as its foundation: 3 cans black beans + 4 c broth (can you find bouillon?), 1 T olive oil to saute 2 med onions + red or green pepper + 2 cloves garlic + 2 tsp ground cumin + 1 can diced tomatoes. Add 2 c diced cooked meat, And cilantro and jalapeno peppers if desired. Makes a lot.
Good luck! Rosemary

Anonymous said...

My sister made the following recipe for a family picnic, and I couldn't stop eating it -- it's similar to Elizabeth's above: Rinse, drain and mix together 1 can black beans, 1 can yellow corn, 1 can white corn. Add 1 c hopped celery, 1-3/4 c chopped bell pepper, 1/3 c chopped red onion, 1 small can black olives, sliced. For dressing mix: 1/4 c dry red wine, 1/3 c olive oil, 2 Tbsp lime juice, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1/2 c fresh cilantro.
I'm sure you can tweak, substitute or skip an ingredient or two and it will still be wonderful. Bon apetite! Rosemary

Lady Grey said...

thank you, Rosemary, I'm going to try that! I actually found a small store here that has some decent veggies (the very basics), so I should be able to find all that stuff!
: )
oxo