Reasons to not stay in MN!

Its said that people who come to Minnesota, stay in Minnesota; but if you are looking for reasons to move out, here are 24 not so good ones...

http://blog.estately.com/2014/10/24-reasons-you-should-never-live-in-minnesota/

Of course all you need is the really good one... the Minnesota cold!

Subway goes greener

Subway has been always associated  with green, what with all the veggies and all. Now it's removed the plastic carry bags and replaced with brown bags. Definitely a good initiative for the environment. Plus they ask before giving it which is also nice. Now if it could reduce the no of tissues they hand out each time:)

Crabapple fruits foretelling winter

Fall is a good time in Minnesota for nature lovers. The leaves are in myriad colors and creates a glorious view. North Minnesota is busy time for tourists, especially places like Duluth and Lutzen along Highway 61. This year however the colors have been disappointing. We visited Duluth, Split Rock Light House and Gooseberry Falls last weekend. The weather was good and prediction was for peak fall colors. Friends who had visited previous weeks had said that the colors are yet to come out in full glory so we were kind of hoping that it will be peak at this time. Unfortunately fall colors seem to be washout this year. We had visited Stillwater couple of weeks back and visited the Arboretum also this week- all over the trees are either bare or still green. You can see a handful in reds and yellows and many have already lost their leaves.

While we were visiting the Split Rock Light house, the guide mentioned that the berries this year are still plentiful on the trees. Apparently the birds went away too soon before they could eat it all and somehow that's an indication for a hard winter. Let's wait and see!
 

Getting Driver License while in visa extension.. Yes you CAN!


Having a car and being able to drive in US is as important as food and water, especially in smaller cities with limited public transportation. It is strongly recommended to get a car and driving license within a month of moving- otherwise you are basically handicapped.

But by the time I realized this, gave the written exam and perfected my right side driving skills my I-94 had expired and the extension approval was expected to take at least another 6 months! Apparently one of the main documents a new immigrant will need to apply for drivers license is a valid I94 :(

https://dps.mn.gov/divisions/dvs/forms-documents/Documents/IdentificationRequirements_English.pdf

With the infamous Minnesota winter just around the corner I was running from pillar to post -frantically googling, checking with friends, driving instructors hoping to find a way out but all said you will not be able to apply for a new driving license till you get a the extension approved. Then I wrote to DMV to on a lark and was happy to see their prompt reply - Yes you can! just need the original copy of notification of receipt (form I-797C)... and TADAAA.. I got my new Minnesota Driving license :).

Minnesota Nice- A cold place with a warm heart!

 

Minnesota nice is the stereotypical behavior of people born and raised in Minnesota to be courteous, reserved, and mild-mannered.

 

Its been 4 months since coming to Minnesota and it certainly seems to be true. The people have been warm and friendly inspite of the freezing winters.