After deliberately making ourselves homeless and jobless, we arrived in Calgary with just a couple of suitcases a year ago. Stepping off the plane and into our new lives we felt a little trepidation, but excited about what lay ahead. The first few days we rushed about in a bit of a daze and amazement that we were actually here in Canada. I think the magnitude of what we had done hit home on the first night when I was going to sleep, I thought "OMG what have we done! We have nothing but a bit of cash in bank and the clothes in the suitcase and don't know anyone in the whole of Canada other than each other, " a daunting thought.

For accommodation, we were lucky and found a great little place to rent in Kensington within walking distance to downtown. We found finding employment easy and did not encounter any problems with our UK qualifications, I found a job in three weeks and my husband found a job in five weeks . However, I will be transferring my qualifications in the future, to the Canadian equivalent. The Calgary job market was definitely booming and there seems a lot on offer, so we were VERY lucky. I have a view of the mountains from my office and I am fortunate to work with a really friendly bunch of people, who made me feel welcome from the start.

The first year has definitely flown by. The first few months I had the usual immigrant moan, about the not finding certain products, the overall culture shock and hankering after a good curry, but I soon got over it. Every place has it faults.

We spent the summer of 06 exploring the new city and marvelled at the mountains that lay just 50 mins drive away. We were pleasantly surprised by the heat that the summer brought and equally impressed with thunderstorms that followed. We have hiked up mountains, white water rafted and drove down dirt tracks exploring the endless wilderness, that the Rockies has to offer. When September arrived we moved into our first house. Then the snow arrived and we hit the slopes. What a season, we have managed to get up to the slopes most weekends bar a few, due to injury. The Alberta blue skies and those mountains have just looked spectacular and have left me speechless on many occasion (which is a rare thing).

I have found the Canadians a generally friendly bunch, but have found it easier to form relationships with those that have moved to Calgary, as they understand what its like. As time moves on it also becomes easier to relate, I think I am becoming more "Canadianised". We have also met a few Brits from this site, a great bunch to hang out with, thanks you lot.

Has it all been worth it? For me personally it has been a rewarding year. Stepping out of that comfortable box I called my life and stepping into the unknown has been a good mental exercise. The past 12 months have been refreshing and I have learnt and experienced a lot.

Leaving the rat race of London has meant we are less stressed and altogether much happier people. We are both thankful that we have been so fortunate, as we have read many story about peoples struggles. What does does the future hold? Who knows, we are enjoying the here and now.

GOOD LUCK to all about to make the leap