Standing in front of a busy LCBO meant attracting all kind of weirdos. I was known as the “flower girl” and people would stop by and talk to me about their life, their kids, their problems. Without buying flowers, of course. People would first speak to me in all kind of foreign languages : Russian, Lebanese, Italian, Spanish, Greek… I guess I did look like an immigrant !

I knew Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Buddhism, Hinduism – and that was about it. I was – and I still am – clueless about Pentecostalism, Anglicanism, Baptists, Methodists, Lutheran, Presbyterian, Pentecostal/Charismatic, Episcopalian/Anglican, Seventh-Day Adventist, Born Again etc. And what the hell is “The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints” ? A bunch of people who believe they will eventually end up in Heaven cause they have the longest religion name ever ???

See, I grew up in France in what North Americans call an heritage building. I mean, you would probably take a picture of it. Six storey, white façade, balconies, big wooden door leading to an inside courtyard, wooden stairs.

–I swear to god, you’re not speaking French. We’re all American here, we don’t understand your stupid language.
– Let’s speak Chinese !
– Not when we’re drunk ! Speak English or get out !
Since I don’t want to get out, I speak English. Let’s avoid a diplomatic breakdown.
During morning classes, we have to stand our ground in the u-shaped classroom. The French on one side and the Americans on the other. The teacher is Chinese but he translates non-stop in broken English. We don’t speak Shakespeare’s language. We do …

See, back in France, it was quite simple. I had a small black & white TV with a broken antenna I had to trap between a pile of books and the edge of the couch in order to get a clear reception. I only watched TV when : 1) I was copying Chinese lessons 2) I was drawing 3) I was plucking my eyebrows.Well, yeah. What was I supposed to do ? Watch it ??