Even though I have only been here 4 days, I have to say it has been quite an interesting experience living in the house at 476 Wilbrod St, Ottawa.
I have at least 15 housemates, and they come from many different parts of the world. There is a good mix of personalities and genders, which make for interesting group dynamics. Most are younger than me, and all except one are attending Le Cordon Bleu (LCB). The owner of the house lives here too. Regardless of how different we are, food brings us together. We share this passion together. Our conversations and activities revolve around it.
The owner DF, an LCB alumnus, makes sure we adhere to a set of house rules, and she enforces them. For instance, everyone has to clean up after themselves, everyone is in charge of cleaning one particular area/aspect of the house each week -- there is a roster on the refrigerator in the dining room. If someone messes up the house and does not clean up, then s/he gets fined. There are video cameras in the kitchen and dining rooms to prove who left the mess, thereby allowing the owner to enforce the rules.
Fortunately, DF also gives us enough (physical and psychological) space to be ourselves, to have fun, to relax, to socialise, etc.
It does not mean there have not been any problems, but issues or problems do get resolved. The roster system put in place by DF ensures that we can at least function as a household, even when under a great deal of pressure and stress (e.g. during exam time).
The House is well-equipped with all the mod con. Furthermore, we have all the necessary specialist tools and equipment to practise what we have learnt from LCB, which is great. Before I came here, I was worried about how I was going to get all the equipment and enough practice to pass the exams. But now I am reassured.
