For a company that isn't so particular with the exterior, CN really does a good job with the inside of the building (pictures to come). The front doors open up to a large foyer with marble floors and a giant silver CN logo etched into the black wall. A security desk is positioned to greet guests coming from the outside and a connected pedestrian hub. And despite having eight elevators (at least), there is still a short wait time during the morning rush. I've visited two other floors and they seem entirely identical with row upon row of cubicles carrying a consistent and matching color scheme that gives a nice feel but causes a few deja vu moments. A gym facility and public cafeteria on the second floor makes choosing a lunch venue an easy choice. I haven't really toured the Edmonton CN Tower but they are building a new one by YellowHead Trail and 97th Street and should be moving there within a year.
During these two days, I've spent the majority of my time learning about CN's industry and meeting new people. And from watching and interacting with others, I've had the opportunity to learn how a culture filled with bilinguals and monolinguals mesh together. As one who knows a language other than English, I've been taught not to speak in front of others in a language they may not understand. And for that same reason, my family makes an effort to speak English whenever we have guests - even if it means a less efficient form of communication. But there's none of that here. People communicate in whichever is the most efficient language. Subconsciously, everyone gets labeled (forgive the negative connotation) and people will weave between English and French depending on who they are speaking to regardless of present company.
Other than work and eating, I didn't spend too time exploring the city. It's been gloomy and windy for the past two days so I'll wait until there's a break.