Même quand l'oiseau marche on sent qu'il a des ailes.
Antoine-Marin LEMIERRE


Day 37

am (Hot)

pm (Hot)

Rides = nil
Arrival = Vancouver
KM travelled = nil
$ spent = $17.00 (Big meal with Laurie)
Time passed on the road = nil
km walked = 4


Yesterday I resolved to carry my own weight, but before sleeping, I decided to go ahead with the plan to gather the free money available, just this once. So today I was like a bird. I woke up at 6:30 in the morning to be sure of being the first in line to get the worm at Ministry of Human Resources. I did not want to be squashed again. My case worker welcomed me and invited me to take a seat. She closed the door behind us and sat at her desk. She looked me straight in the eyes and started to ask a series of questions. The interrogation lasted well over 45 minutes. I did not expect that kind of scrutiny. We talked about my present situation and she wanted to know what I was doing before coming to Vancouver. She wanted to know why I was here, what brought me to the west, who I was hanging out with, etc. She kept taking notes. All of a sudden she closed my file, left her desk and left the office. I was there by myself, all sweaty from all of those questions. It was like a reprieve but it did not take long before my mind started to wander. Where did she go? Would she come back with the Police? Maybe she went to the washroom. Maybe she would come back with more questions, more icy stares. Maybe there was a mirror in this office and she went to the other side to observe me. Maybe she is talking with co-workers and getting some instructions on how to handle me. I was expecting the worst when the door swung open. She walked in with authority. Her pace was quick and sharp. She said, "Here are your documents. Go the counter and they will take care of you. We are giving you a bus fare and money for meals." I took the piece of paper, said thank you and walked out. I could not believe that I had won the jackpot. Pierre was right, this was easy money! When I left the Ministry I stretched my wings and flew away.

pm
I went back to Laurie's apartment. The painting was finally over. Now the decoration had started. I helped him to install waves of hay on the ceiling of the living room. It looked pretty cool and it smelled nice. To thank him for his hospitality, I invited him for a meal in Chinatown. Tomorrow morning, I leave for the States!



- Daniel



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