by Katie Graham

This semester I am studying in the heart of downtown Ottawa, the capital of Canada and the home of the University of Ottawa. My first week has been full of exploring, new experiences, and freezing temperatures!

My journey here was a bit rough, but nothing I couldn’t manage. Leaving New Zealand alone for the first time was nerve-racking, but I was up for the challenge. The first plane ride from Auckland to Vancouver could have been better. I couldn’t sleep and it was so bumpy my stomach was really not appreciating the joyride, but I found the solution to all my problems. It made them all vanish away: Haribo Starmix Gummies. These sweets were the saviour of that plane trip, and I’m definitely getting more for the plane trip back!

When I finally made it to Ottawa, I was exhausted. Still, the excitement of being in a new city in a new country gave me the energy to navigate out and to my accommodation.

My best tip for jet lag is to shower as soon as possible. The water made me feel better, and I got to wash off the gross plane germs. I had about 3 before collapsing on the bed, and I slept for about 14 hours after that. Another tip that works for me is getting out in the fresh air (even if it is -10, haha) and walking around. This woke me up and distracted me from the jet lag; plus, I found a grocery store and bought some fresh fruit. This is my 3rd jet lag tip: fresh fruit. It helped a lot, but it might just be me being a human fruit bat.

Lastly, when going to bed, fight the sleep demons for as long as possible so you get into local time quicker. 🤙