Thursday 19th November

Before even leaving the UK, I had an appointment booked in the Bank of Montreal to set up my account so that I could be paid over here. I'd arranged it for 11am to make sure I had time to get out of bed, however last nights escapades meant that i was not so refreshed as needed, and nor was anyone else. I'd been offered a guide for the day, but by the time I was up, had deciphered how to get a cold shower as hot was too complicated and breakfasted (yeah strange as it is I am currently eating breakfast out here!) it was nearly 11am and my guide was no where near ready to leave. With a hand written map in my pocket, I set out alone to find the bank and surprisingly arrived only 5 mins late for my appointment. The bank was deserted, and having asked for who i needed to see i was parked in a seat to watch the 3 other customers who came in while i was waiting. I couldn't quite tell if i was waiting to get me back because i had arrived late or because the accounts advisor was busy, but eventually I was called to the office and less than 20 mins later i was out of there, with a bank card, some money deposited and dismayed by the charge on insurance and other basic functions - like withdrawing money! Still, I was now able to be paid, and proceeded to wander the town to get my bearings.

I found many places which might be important - the hospital, the fire station, the police station.... and by the time i headed back I had a fair idea of where places were. At least well enough to find the supermarket where i randomly bumped into all my housemates. Once home, it was finally time to unpack. Despite my heroic efforts to throw out  half my wardrobe before leaving, i discovered I still had far too many clothes. Just as I finished, my laptop binged and through the wonders of Skype - Mum and Dad got the guided tour of the house. Contact with home out the way, we all got dressed up for the weekly special in town. 25 cent bbq chicken wings at the pub, followed by Bingo! With prizes of 20 bucks up for grabs and bingo boards starting at a buck a board it was a cheap night out with a high potential for a good return. The downside to it was that the bingo is held at the local legionnaires club - and as a sign of respect there is a strict no hats rule. Disaster! Thankfully all the housemates had mostly laughed it through their system by now so it was only the rest of Banff that had to endure it! And considering that the venue was packed to capacity, it was a good thing we were sat in the corner. Only Sarah managed to win any money this week, better luck next week!