After having arrived yesterday, I met up with another exchange student from Maastricht in order to take the metro downtown. I did not know him before, but this is exactly what the exchange does to you, it makes you meet new people and personalities. When we got to the city center, we just wandered around the neighborhood without having a certain plan where to go. 

In the first picture, you can see the Gooderham building. It is one of the most renowned buildings in Toronto, primarily due to its age and architecture. We did not really try to find it. In fact, we actually walked past it and did not realize that we were passing it because the city is just so busy!

The second day in Canada – Time to visit my new university for the next few months!

As I mentioned above, I have the pleasure of attending Osgoode Hall Law School in Toronto. It has always been my dream to study in North America, particularly at a distinguished institution. The first picture reflects the entrance of the faculty. The building is absolutely gorgeous, particularly due to the fact that almost every inch of the outside facade is covered by leaves. It is modern and has looks a little bit like Maastricht’s Faculty of Law as it also hosts many “smaller” tutorial rooms.

The third day in Canada is very special. Today, all first-year students (including the Exchange Students) are visiting the old faculty building. Back in the days, Osgoode Hall Law School was not part of any other institution as it is now (nowadays, it is affiliated with York University, the Campus the Law School is located on). The old building, which now constitutes the seat of the Ontario Law Society, the Ontario Court of Appeal and the Superior Court of Ontario, is a beautiful ancient mansion located in the heart of downtown Toronto.

The first picture reflects the Osgoode Library. Whereas it was used as a regular library for all students enrolled at the law school back in the days, it now serves the law clerks of the courts as a melting pot for research.

The biggest highlight and, by far, the most impressive experience is reflected in the following pictures. 

The Student society, a governing body within the faculty, organized a private boat tour for all exchange and first year students. After receiving the invitation, we could not believe that we were actually able to take part in a yacht tour over Lake Ontario (amazing views guaranteed!).

Unfortunately, I (we) did not know that this constituted a black-tie event. Therefore, as every other student arrived in a suit and tie or in a long dress, which actually made the trip even more special, the exchange students arrived in casual clothing (oops). Nevertheless, the experience was phenomenal.

During the first weekend of my term in Canada, a few of the exchange students and I decided to explore the surroundings of Toronto. 

In the morning, we went to well-known part of the city, called Scarborough Bluffs. Located right at Lake Ontario, the beaches and cliffs provide for a very nice alternative to the city life. 

The first picture was taken on top of a cliff, facing Lake Ontario. The water is very clear, making it perfect to take great shots of the Greater Toronto’s nature. We almost spend the entire day at the park, had a picknick and relaxed in the sun.