Ah Lethbridge. The city of intense winds, fires and policemen. This is my second year living in the big city, and let me tell you; when you come from living in a true blue-out in the country small town Lethbridge does have the “big city” feel.

Yes it’s not New York, or even Calgary and many people say its more like a big town then a small city; but after living in a community made up of farmers and ranchers, and the nearest store is located half an hour away, coming here is like moving to a completely different world.

 I have learned many important things in my short time here. To help out my fellow country peers, I have some advice to help the transition be as smooth as possible.

 1. Locking doors. This isn’t something that crosses your mind when you’re out in the middle of nowhere and you are related to over half of your neighbors. However locking your house when you leave and not keeping your keys in your car is important, you never know what these crazy city people will do.

 2.  Do not freak out whenever you pass a policeman. I know it is ingrained into us at a young age to panic whenever a cop is near. This is because most of us who start driving younger than the suggested age, tend to forget what seatbelts are and always have more bodies in vehicles then seats. What can we say? When you drive 90% of the time on dirt roads, the rules are different.

3. Don’t go for walks alone at night on Halloween. Okay this should be obvious but I am guilty as charged.

4. Learn to drive in the city without dying – I have almost mastered this. Just remember to pay attention to lights, sometimes they turn red and people get really mad when you fly through them. Also, remember people use street numbers to give directions, instead of landmarks like turn at the big tree by the third dirt road.

5. Lastly, try to remember the general population is a little bit different then back at home. Be aware of who is around you before telling any hunting or rodeo stories. Some people get a little offended if they think their pet is in danger.

 If you follow these tips you will do just fine. Next thing you know you will be wearing LULU lemon clothes and know what a veggie burger tastes like. Well, hopefully you don’t go that far…