Page 25 of A Lot to Unpack
My favourite spot so far is probably Peggy’s Cove. I was at the Yorkshire coast only a matter of days ago – a sight I’ve seen so many times – but this is something else. The iconic lighthouse sits atop rugged granite cliffs. There was something almost cinematic about the way the waves crashed against the rocks. It was so dramatic, violent even, in a way that reminded me just how brutal Mother Nature can be when she feels like it.
But then I also enjoyed exploring Halifax, visiting the Halifax Citadel National Historic Site. The views from the star-shaped fortress were so different to Peggy’s Cove, but equally as beautiful. You got the most amazing panoramic views of the city and the harbour from the ramparts.
I’m sure I say this everywhere I go, but the only thing I find more exciting than exploring the area is exploring the menus, and Canada is not disappointing when it comes to cuisine. Personal favourites so far include the freshest lobster rolls I’ve ever eaten, blueberry grunt – which tastes a billion times better than it sounds – and of course poutine. Everywhere I go, I swear, it’s always the cheese that gets me.
The only thing I don’t love – and this is a me thing, for sure – is the cold late November weather. Oh my God, I’ve never felt cold like it. I don’t think the mercury has risen above 5°C the whole time I’ve been here – and it’s definitely dropping below zero. Luckily the locals are used to it, they’re equipped for it, so indoors I feel fine. But then I step outside, into the icy winds, and it’s like my breath is stolen from me.
Of course, the warmth from the locals goes some way to fighting the chill – quite literally, in some ways, as a very nice lady let me borrow her extra (yes, extra) scarf on one of my trips.
And now I’m back in my hotel. I’ve eaten, I’m relaxing, I’ve checked my phone a million times to make sure Paige hasn’t asked me for anything. I do have a message from MrLoveByte though. We’ve been swapping a few messages, here and there. It’s kind of nice, having some company, someone to talk to in an app other than Matcher – which I only use for work. I cannot stress that enough.
MrLoveByte
Still loving the job?
NewGirl
Still not doing much…
I know we’re in different time zones but I reply right away. He must be a night owl, because we always seem to time it right.
MrLoveByte
Best kind of job, surely?
And he’s up! Great, that gives me some company while I sit with my back to the radiator, trying to thaw myself out.
NewGirl
Maybe. Hey, I have a question for you. Have you ever actually used Matcher? Or does working on it put you off?
I wait patiently for him to reply, hoping I haven’t overstepped the mark.
MrLoveByte
Are you not even going to ask me how my day is going? Haha! Straight to the hard questions. Yeah, I’ve used it. Off and on. Mostly off.
NewGirl
Interesting…
I wonder why that is.
MrLoveByte
I go through phases where I use it. I download it, match with a few people, chat… maybe go on a date. Then I inevitably delete it and swear I’m done and I’m never bothering with it again… but a month later I’ll find myself downloading it again. I tell myself it’s for research. User perspective. UX insight. Field testing. Whatever it is I need to hear to feel better about it haha!
NewGirl
Haha! Have you figured out why that is?
MrLoveByte
I guess… everyone wants to meet someone, right? Even the people who run the app that helps people meet people.
NewGirl
That’s true. So, do you make work notes while you swipe, or can you keep the two sides of your life separate?
