Tales from Regina

Moving away from Mumbai where I was born and bred was never going to be easy. However It was an exciting idea to battle out in sub-zero temperatures trying to survive under odd circumstances. And Regina or ‘Ra-gy-na’ like the people call it here has given me plenty of reasons to smile.
 
To start with Regina is the capital of of Saskatchewan, a province of Canada. The temperature in this prairie country could be freezing under -40C in the peak season. However when I landed it was -5C and considered pleasant by local standards. Rest assured nothing could prepare you for this climate, not even the warm clothes that were bought off the shelves of the Indian supermarkets as I found out later. I had to bring a Westbeach coat that provided the comfort I was looking for.

There’s nothing much to explore in this cold season in Regina because everything’s covered under snow. It’s also difficult to walk on the streets when the wind chill factor is low (or should I say high). So although one might be an avid walker in Mumbai, being adventurous in this season in Regina could mean a nasty frost bite or exhaustion. Ice gets deposited on any part of the body that remains exposed to the cold wind while you’re taking a stroll. Feet even though wrapped in woolen socks turn numb and ache. All sidewalks and roads that are covered with snow will make walking a very challenging task. It’s not surprising that most people around here own a car while others take the Regina Transit bus service for commuting. Cab services are also available and just a call away if you can afford the fares. But wait until the summer turns up. The locals keep talking a lot about the season when they go mountain biking or trekking. I am eagerly awaiting the the sun to bring me the comfort of its warmth.
 
Regina is full of nice people as I found out much earlier than I expected. My first contact in this city was Surjit, a security officer at the 711 store on Broad Street. I met Syed later originally from Pakistan and introduced by a friend from the project who gave me and my teammate a ride in his Honda around the city. On another evening a Regina Transit lady driver helped me find a bus to take me to Downtown from the Eastern parts of the city. She took a pamphlet out and marked the bus timings for me ensuring I am not left out in the cold literally. Then 2 youngsters became fast friends at the McDonald’s outlet – one from Afghanistan the other from Azerbaijan. However that is nothing as compared to the smiles and greetings that I receive everyday from countless strangers on the streets and in the elevators. Friendliness is like a way of life for these wonderful people.
 
Food is another thing that one enjoys in Regina. In fact this city is well-known for it’s wide variety of restaurants. There’s a food court in the Cornwall Centre mall quite adjacent to my office which caters to every taste bud on this planet. My favorites include Manchu Wok and their Garden Plate dish, the Opa from Greece with their delicious Veggie Pita wraps cooked in Olive oil and also Edo from Japan who serve one of the best Udon Noodle soups I have tasted so far. It’s difficult to finish the bowl but that’s pretty much lunch for me. Veggie food is not difficult to find but be assured that soups would use meat broths as I found out later in one of the city restaurants. Be a little flexible on the eggs too if you enjoy eating out too often. Not to mention how addicted I have become to the Hot Chocolate and Cafe Mocha from Tim Hortons. It’s far easier to compare anything with India and get away but Canada could be exciting too if you learn to adapt yourself to it’s environment and the society. The good thing about this country is you can make friends as easily as getting freezed in the wind chill. There’s a lot to be shared about Regina and I think I haven’t actually. It’s getting interesting now as I start to dig my feet into the frozen earth of Regina.