iPhone 4 Arrives in Canada

This morning I dragged my exhausted bum out of bed much earlier than I'm used to to stand in line for an iPhone 4. While my American friends have been bragging about FaceTime for a while, Canada just got the phones today. I arrived at the Sherway Gardens Mall in Toronto around 7 am and quickly saw the line of people curving around the sidewalk. We hopped in line, and while my friends held my place, I walked to the front of the line to find out just how long people had been waiting.

Apple people are freaks and I can say this because in the last 2 years I have become one of them. The folks at the front of the line had been camped out since last night! Nobody was really in a talkative mood so I headed back to my spot. There were about 200 people infront of me but Apple employees who were milling about outside assured us that if we were patient we would be going home with the coveted phone today.

About half an hour into my wait I was approached by the adorable Tbooth employee Nicole Labreche. She was wearing a bright stylish pink dress and cute shoes, making her stand out next to the line made up primarily of casually dressed geek chic guys. She asked if I was planning on getting a new activation or just buying the phone. I told her I just moved back to town and was looking for a whole new phone plan. She told me that if I came with her, she could sell me the phone right away. No line. I was skeptical at first feeling like I was dealing with an iPhone scalper. Would she pull me aside to rob me of my cash and passport or worse, my great spot? I decided to be adventurous and go with her.

We passed the large group of folks waiting outside the mall and walked into the Tbooth store. She asked me questions about what I would primarily be using the phone for and then suggested I go with a Fido plan. They apparently have the best international text messaging plans. Then just like that I was purchasing my iPhone 4 around 8 am! The store was virtually empty while they set my phone up for me other than the occasional customer coming in asking if they had any iPhone 4s left. I had snagged the last Fido one! I enjoyed chit chatting with the friendly and helpful Tbooth store employees while they set up my phone and then leisurely strolled back to my friends in line, proudly showing off my new phone. Many asked to hold it and to try the new features. Folks at the front of the line angrily asked what time I lined up. When I said with a smirk that I showed up at 7:30 but skipped the line entirely, I was met with scowls.

Not everyone was grumpy though. I met Shiva who was happy to chat about all things Apple and also complimented me on my Smurf shirt. He suggested we get married once he reaches the end of the line. Sadly, my friends dragged me off way before he had his phone. Shiva, if you're out there...let's FaceTime!

Leora Israel
		About the author:
		A veteran in the social media space, Leora has worked as a professional blogger, editor, online strategist, and more. You'll often find her in front and behind the camera as a nightlife photographer and web personality. She has also spoken at such conferences as SXSW and Blog World Expo.
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