Originally Posted by brizzle

I find it dull too. Everything is very insular and inward looking. People I knew in the UK used to talk about anything and everything under the sun. Here conversation and debate seems so limited. Anything that happens outside the city or province (or at a stretch N. America), may as well be taking place on a different planet. Yes, it's a decent, pleasant place with nice scenery, but it seems such a backwater at times where the status quo must be maintained at all costs. Things like entrepeneurship, enterprise, innovation and different thinking seem stifled at every turn. I feel as though everything is going on elsewhere and life has stopped here.

Originally Posted by jad n rich

Thankfully we have done so many years in the ultimate bland land, North America now looks very exciting.

Originally Posted by Jules Europe

There are many on the Canada forum that refer to Canada as the ultimate big bland land, having seen Canada I don`t agree with this as I feel it has a lot to offer etc. But if you don`t know Canada, you may reach the same conclusion as these people.

Originally Posted by Yes-can-do

I don't find it bland at all - Nova Scotians and Newfoundlanders are certainly very upbeat and friendly - must be all that Scottish and Irish blood in them .

Aside from family, it's all to do with who are in your circle of friends surely. That's what make life happy and exciting wherever in the world you live.

Immigrants have to put themselves out there and network, network, network. It's the fastest way to feel part of your new community and find like-minded friends. It can be quite daunting but has to be done because building a social network doesn't come handed to you on plate. You soon reap the rewards of all the effort you put in

Originally Posted by Jules Europe

I was actually referring to the anti-Canada brigade on the Canadian forum and not the majority of people on there. Personally I love Canada and wouldn`t hesitate to live there.

Totally agree with the fact that immigrants really need to put thmselves out, as this is all part of the immigration procedure and half the fun.

Originally Posted by Yes-can-do

Originally Posted by Sunshine Girl

I can only speak for myself insofar as to what I have come to realise is important for us is our family, friends, familiarity, and employment.
Both myself and OH have overcome serious health issues in the 5 years or so that we have been in Canada, and that sense of vunerability when you are very alone makes me glad that I have learnt the lessons I have whilst we can still return 'home'

Originally Posted by jad n rich

You think your confused from UK, went to australia, now have lodged application to get into Canada. However know that will take a long time, so started looking at York again too, I love that place, and as you say, UK is pretty exciting compared to many places... Not that many there appreciate it.

I dont know where we will end up, wont be australia but the choice between York and Canada is tough.

Will probably end up with citizenship for Aus, Canada and UK then each time I am bored I can move between all of them

Originally Posted by Sunshine Girl

I can only speak for myself insofar as to what I have come to realise is important for us is our family, friends, familiarity, and employment.
Both myself and OH have overcome serious health issues in the 5 years or so that we have been in Canada, and that sense of vunerability when you are very alone makes me glad that I have learnt the lessons I have whilst we can still return 'home'

Originally Posted by iaink

That is 100% the truth. I see the original poster has reached 4 months and is increasingly homesick.... Do people not look into culture shock and homesickness as part of the emmigrating process? It should really be a compulsory part of the curriculum. Around about that time the initial honeymoon is over, the adrenaline rush of finally getting here long gone, but for most people if you stick at it, then in time, like another 6 months, things will start to fall in place and feel familiar, and then you can make a rational decision about how you feel.

Making any decision in the first year or two is really asking for trouble in the long term.

Originally Posted by Rixy

Just PR but is it worth waiting till November next year just apply which take another 6 months. All to be miserable here?

Originally Posted by brizzle

Indeed, count me in !! What area do you live in ?

For me, although IMO some things are better here (overall it's cleaner, nicer parks, good recreation etc for kids), and some worse (endless urban sprawl, fewer job prospects, rubbish tv etc). Overall most things balance out in comparison to the UK. But I don't feel at home here at all.


I find it dull too. Everything is very insular and inward looking. People I knew in the UK used to talk about anything and everything under the sun. Here conversation and debate seems so limited. Anything that happens outside the city or province (or at a stretch N. America), may as well be taking place on a different planet. Yes, it's a decent, pleasant place with nice scenery, but it seems such a backwater at times where the status quo must be maintained at all costs. Things like entrepeneurship, enterprise, innovation and different thinking seem stifled at every turn.

I feel as though everything is going on elsewhere and life has stopped here. It's hard to clarify, but in the UK, I felt part of something and close to what is happening in the world. Now I feel like I've retired to somewhere quiet, boring, and where not very much of interest ever happens.

Originally Posted by pinkkristen

We spent 5 weeks trying to find accomdation that would suit us, but after desperation landed in complete suburbia without any charactor (or people!) The streets are filled with houses and houses and more houses but nobody around. I am a stay at home mum so it makes it feel like a ghost time at times!!