Winged metal

kyra 022
Originally uploaded by Kyra Savolainen

Rideshare

This afternoon, I posted the following to Craigslist:

On Sunday morning (July 8) I'm driving to the University of Montreal. I've got space for one passenger and a few extra bags. I'd ask that we split the cost of gas. Luckily, I'm driving a Chevrolet Cavalier which is an exceptionally fuel efficient car.

This is a one way trip in a non-smoking car. There is AC and a CD player.

Please get in touch with through craigslist if you're interested.

Thanks!

Kyra

The following is one the responses I received this evening:

Would you be willing to take someone with a cage of guinea pigs to Cornwall - 45 minutes before Montreal? I'd pay at least $30.

Sincerely,

xx

Now, I don't know much about guinea pigs, or the standard sizing of rodent containers, but doesn't a cage full of the critters make you wonder just a little? I got a smile out of it.

HOWTO: Spend less in Montréal: Internet

In three days I leave for Montréal. Ahead of me lie five weeks at the Université de Montréal, studying french, paid for by a government bursary. Free education is a wonderful thing. And a lucky thing - the program wouldn't have been an option for me had I been required to pay for it.

Still, there are some fees involved in the experience for which I find my budget totally unprepared. This summer I have played the part of the Grasshopper, stupidly enough. (And not just any grasshopper - I've been the sort who buys a lot of beer and doesn't pay her parking tickets until they've all doubled. And who manages to lose paper money in a way that consistently raises her blood pressure at the thought of it, but gives great cheer to the drunks hanging out at Queen and Roncesvalles at dawn.)

So, roughly 72 hours before I'm to make my way east to la belle province, I'm scrambling to find as many ways as possible in which to spend as much money as I have, which is none.

Since internet access at the place I'll be staying costs $70 per month (!?! does their connection perform at the speed of light?), my browsing will be done on a café-roving, 'connect when I can' basis. This, hopefully, will be facilitated by an organization named Île Sans Fil (wireless island).

As stated on their website, "Île Sans Fil is a non-profit community group devoted to providing free public wireless internet access to mobile users in public spaces throughout Montréal, Canada." If you'd like to read more, check out the Montreal Mirror's article.

Internet, check.

Clouds of Canada Day

Had an excellent weekend with Constance and my extended family. True to Savolainen-Zrichuk form on Lake Fortesque, CK and I polished off a two-four (plus a promotional, extra four) of Canadian and a twelve pack of Steamwhistle between us. (Being not animals, all the beer were interspersed with strong ceasars, rest assured.)

Sitting on the dock, when the rain had dried, my legs peddled the black water underneath and I thought of the days when my dad would lean against the canoe to my left and Dana would be somewhere nearby, safe in the forest. In my mind, Joni Mitchell sung "A Case of You" and Constance asked what I was thinking about.