Things We've Noticed

We've been here a week now, and although not very long, we have definitely noticed some interesting things in Kamloops. I have compiled a small list of the things that have shocked us, made us wonder, puzzled us, or just seemed strange compared to Vancouver. Hope you enjoy.

1. Pedestrians will cross at any one spot along the street with no warning, even if there is a pedestrian walkway very close by. They will march right into the road not look once to oncoming traffic, and people stop. You have to drive expecting to stop at any one moment. It's not just a couple of pedestrians, so far it's every pedestrian we've seen. No body looks and crosses where they please.
2. Cars do not stop for emergency vehicles. I was driving 2 times now where an emergency vehicle came up from behind and I was the only one stopping, although a truck in front of me one time decided to stop momentarily after the ambulance had past. Not really sure what that was about, maybe he wanted to fit in with me. We found out last night that if there are 2 lanes, technically, vehicles will continue their course but on the right lane while the emergency vehicle pass on the left. I didn't notice that but next time I'll look more carefully. Still a mystery to me however.
3. People are beyond friendly. I cannot leave my house with a time limit because I do not know who might stop me just to chat or ask for advice, or need a helping hand. It's wonderful as long as you're not in a rush or you'd never get anything done. This isn't a bad thing just something to get adjusted to.
4. We already know more about our neighbors than we ever did at any of our previous homes. Got to know the couple beside us (a cute older couple that tend to their garden, and she has Alzheimer's. Very friendly and sweet. Came right into our backyard to introduce themselves), the neighbors on the other side invited us to a party the day we were moving (mind you it was loud and went for quite a while. We past however to rest and hang out), and other neighbors around us including our landlords, retired, and young families.
5. People here will pretty much open their door to anyone, at least in our experience. There's no sense of security which is beautiful and yet bizarre to us. People leave their doors unlocked and I lock everything. With Pete's job, all he does is mention he's there for the water meter installation and they tell him to come right in, no checking any id, etc... In fact he's had a few funny incidents. One where he knocked and a women came out on the balcony above and told him just come around the back the door's unlocked everything you need is there. Didn't confirm who he was or why he was there or anything. Open door. Our Telus guy tried to open our door to yell in (we had the screen door closed but our door open, although the screen door was locked so Kylun wouldn't push it open). But this is normal here. Something to definitely adjust to.
6. Along with #5 Pete also encountered several situations where he knocked at doors and a kid came to the door and proceeded to tell him how they were home alone. No one there just them. This blew my mind. No sense of fear of what could happen (guess if nothing happens why would there be). He had one incident where he knocked and had a boy come running down from upstairs in a towel wrapped around (just jumped out of the shower to answer the door), and proceeded to mention how no one was home. Then when Pete realized his parents weren't home he left to come back another time and heard the kid run back up stairs and get into the shower. Who would make that effort in Vancouver just to answer the door?
7. And following #6 the number of people who come to the door in their bathrobe, or towels. Pete's encounter again not mine.
8. Okay the driving is so bizarre. People are either driving at 20km or speeding up to 80km. There is no consistency in speed anywhere in Kamloops. Just be ready to put your brakes on at any point in case the person in front wants to stop or suddenly slows down, just because. :)
9. People don't honk their horn. Also found out last night that's a big no-no. You do not honk your horn at anybody because you never know who's in the car in front of you. The other day I accidently stalled the car just as the light turned green, and as I re started the car I was shocked not to get an upsetting honk right behind me. In Vancouver I would've been honked at, cursed, and yelled at beyond belief (believe me it's happened a couple of times).
10. People don't pass here. If there is a car stopped at a light waiting to turn left and by chance there's any space on the right for vehicles behind to pass, I guarantee you will miss the light because people don't pass here. They just sit patiently and wait for the left turner to turn before continuing on. A little confusing for us. Let's keep traffic moving. Obviously these people have never experienced severe traffic jams. :)
11. Downtown is closed on Sundays. It's wonderful and so refreshing but something to get used to. I went for a stroll thinking I'll do some window shopping see what's in our neighborhood and the street was deserted except for those in restaurants and bars. Everything's closed. This is going to take a little adjusting to but fully welcomed. 

I think that's it for now although I'm sure there will be many more added to the list. Hope you enjoyed.