12 months on
May 7th 2006 | 10:40 pm
#16
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 72
Re: 12 months on
Originally Posted by andy_sheila
We arrived here 12 months ago (May 3rd) and when i look back over that time and reflect on what we have left behind, what we had, and what we have now, the difference is staggering.
In the UK:
We both had jobs and a slightly higher than average income but were getting deeper in debt every day.
We never felt our kids were safe when out playing.
We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
We were sick of no-go areas for white people in asian areas.
We were sick of a nurse (Sheila) in uniform getting her car stoned and spat on by asians, just for doing her job in "there" area. If this makes me sound raceist, too damn right i am, but only towards the ignorant ones that do the above. A cliche i know, but i worked with, worked for, and knew a lot of asians that were ok.
We were in rented accomodation with no prospects of owning our own home.
We had old bangers for cars, $1000 max.
In Canada
We have 2 houses (mortgaged but one is a triplex and our tenants cover both mortgages)
We have 2 cars, an 06 Equinox and a 98 Windstar.
We have 2 jobs, soon to be 3, 2 of them well paid.
We can let the kids go outside to play without having to worry.
We are at least a thousand miles from any no-go areas.
The youth around here show respect and are generally polite.
In uniform, Sheila is respected wherever she goes.
Compare the 2 places and figure for yourself which place is best for us.................
We miss our family and friends but we have made some new (very good ) friends, I (Andy) miss England but not enough to want to go back, i am and always will be English, i am extremely patriotic and proud to have been born and raised in the best country in the world but despite it's many good points, it's the few bad points that drove us here.
When we moved over, we had tremendous help from family and couldn't have done it without them so we did have it easier than most, however we arrived with 4 suitcases and about $6000 and have worked hard to get where we are and what we have.
Just my opinions of the last 12 months that might help some people to put into perspective what they had then/have now
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all your invaluable help and above all, thanks to the in-laws.
In the UK:
We both had jobs and a slightly higher than average income but were getting deeper in debt every day.
We never felt our kids were safe when out playing.
We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
We were sick of no-go areas for white people in asian areas.
We were sick of a nurse (Sheila) in uniform getting her car stoned and spat on by asians, just for doing her job in "there" area. If this makes me sound raceist, too damn right i am, but only towards the ignorant ones that do the above. A cliche i know, but i worked with, worked for, and knew a lot of asians that were ok.
We were in rented accomodation with no prospects of owning our own home.
We had old bangers for cars, $1000 max.
In Canada
We have 2 houses (mortgaged but one is a triplex and our tenants cover both mortgages)
We have 2 cars, an 06 Equinox and a 98 Windstar.
We have 2 jobs, soon to be 3, 2 of them well paid.
We can let the kids go outside to play without having to worry.
We are at least a thousand miles from any no-go areas.
The youth around here show respect and are generally polite.
In uniform, Sheila is respected wherever she goes.
Compare the 2 places and figure for yourself which place is best for us.................
We miss our family and friends but we have made some new (very good ) friends, I (Andy) miss England but not enough to want to go back, i am and always will be English, i am extremely patriotic and proud to have been born and raised in the best country in the world but despite it's many good points, it's the few bad points that drove us here.
When we moved over, we had tremendous help from family and couldn't have done it without them so we did have it easier than most, however we arrived with 4 suitcases and about $6000 and have worked hard to get where we are and what we have.
Just my opinions of the last 12 months that might help some people to put into perspective what they had then/have now
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all your invaluable help and above all, thanks to the in-laws.
I just wanted to congratulate you on your first anniversary in Canada. I started using this site about 15 months ago (or so) and have been following your voyage. I am from Canada originally and have lived in Scotland for the past 9 years with my Scottish husband of 3 years on May 15th. He loved Canada the first time we visited together and after 9 months of emigration proceedings we are officially moving on Saturday!!
Can't believe that our day is finally here.We are moving to Ontario but will be coming to Nova Scotia to see my parents first. They are also in the process of returning to Ontario and we have tied in our move with theres. We will be arriving in Ontario at the end of May and are hoping for a smooth transition into life there. It has been a while for me but I miss home and although my husband will always be Scottish he is excited about being a Canadian resident and maybe someday a citizen.
I read through your list, and although we don't have kids yet, I believe that we will have a very simular list very shortly.
Anyway, don't mean to babble on, it is just so exciting and positive to read messages like yours.
Thanks to you and everybody else on this site for the helpful info when I wasn't sure where else to look.
Cheers! Fiona
May 7th 2006 | 10:53 pm
#17
Thread Starter
Class 1 Driver and Nurse
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,498
From: Kentville, N.S.
Re: 12 months on
Hi Fiona
Welcome back, hope you have a good life back here and drop in if you are in the valley area when you get here.
Welcome back, hope you have a good life back here and drop in if you are in the valley area when you get here.
Originally Posted by Fiona Shearer
Hi there!
I just wanted to congratulate you on your first anniversary in Canada. I started using this site about 15 months ago (or so) and have been following your voyage. I am from Canada originally and have lived in Scotland for the past 9 years with my Scottish husband of 3 years on May 15th. He loved Canada the first time we visited together and after 9 months of emigration proceedings we are officially moving on Saturday!! Can't believe that our day is finally here.
We are moving to Ontario but will be coming to Nova Scotia to see my parents first. They are also in the process of returning to Ontario and we have tied in our move with theres. We will be arriving in Ontario at the end of May and are hoping for a smooth transition into life there. It has been a while for me but I miss home and although my husband will always be Scottish he is excited about being a Canadian resident and maybe someday a citizen.
I read through your list, and although we don't have kids yet, I believe that we will have a very simular list very shortly.
Anyway, don't mean to babble on, it is just so exciting and positive to read messages like yours.
Thanks to you and everybody else on this site for the helpful info when I wasn't sure where else to look.
Cheers! Fiona
I just wanted to congratulate you on your first anniversary in Canada. I started using this site about 15 months ago (or so) and have been following your voyage. I am from Canada originally and have lived in Scotland for the past 9 years with my Scottish husband of 3 years on May 15th. He loved Canada the first time we visited together and after 9 months of emigration proceedings we are officially moving on Saturday!!
Can't believe that our day is finally here.We are moving to Ontario but will be coming to Nova Scotia to see my parents first. They are also in the process of returning to Ontario and we have tied in our move with theres. We will be arriving in Ontario at the end of May and are hoping for a smooth transition into life there. It has been a while for me but I miss home and although my husband will always be Scottish he is excited about being a Canadian resident and maybe someday a citizen.
I read through your list, and although we don't have kids yet, I believe that we will have a very simular list very shortly.
Anyway, don't mean to babble on, it is just so exciting and positive to read messages like yours.
Thanks to you and everybody else on this site for the helpful info when I wasn't sure where else to look.
Cheers! Fiona
May 7th 2006 | 11:47 pm
#18
AntiWinge Freedom fighter
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,137
From: Kelowna BC
Re: 12 months on
Glad things are going well.
So nice to read positive posts about people over on this side making a go of things indstead of moaning all the time about the shampoo being better back in England!
One year already? Time flies eh?
So nice to read positive posts about people over on this side making a go of things indstead of moaning all the time about the shampoo being better back in England!
One year already? Time flies eh?
May 8th 2006 | 2:52 am
#19
sticky beaking
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,156
From: Sherwood Park,Alberta
Re: 12 months on
We too are approaching our first anniversary here............and what a year.
We left a reasonably comfortable and happy (ish) life in the UK, for our new adventure here in Alberta, and after 12 months we are starting to settle and making it "home". We have seen and done some wonderful things, have more time as a family, more fresh air and sunshine, a beautiful home and friendly people around us....................but they are NOT family......which is the really hard part.
We have had an easy time of it really compared to many people who post on here, and we feel we have gained more than we have lost.
Homesickness has reared its little head on only a small number of occasions, but if we really stop and think about the reality of going back to the UK, we quickly realise that we aren't ready for that yet............and the more we settle, the more we wonder if we'll ever go back...................who knows.
We like living here..............we like what Canada has given us and it would take some serious thinking about to give this up. Our children will hopefully have more opportunity as they get older, and for me personally, I am looking forward to all the new places we have still to see and the new experiences we have yet to try out. We are happy bunnies .............
We left a reasonably comfortable and happy (ish) life in the UK, for our new adventure here in Alberta, and after 12 months we are starting to settle and making it "home". We have seen and done some wonderful things, have more time as a family, more fresh air and sunshine, a beautiful home and friendly people around us....................but they are NOT family......which is the really hard part.
We have had an easy time of it really compared to many people who post on here, and we feel we have gained more than we have lost.
Homesickness has reared its little head on only a small number of occasions, but if we really stop and think about the reality of going back to the UK, we quickly realise that we aren't ready for that yet............and the more we settle, the more we wonder if we'll ever go back...................who knows.
We like living here..............we like what Canada has given us and it would take some serious thinking about to give this up. Our children will hopefully have more opportunity as they get older, and for me personally, I am looking forward to all the new places we have still to see and the new experiences we have yet to try out. We are happy bunnies .............
May 8th 2006 | 4:31 am
#20
Forum Regular
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 131
From: Halifax, NS
Re: 12 months on
Originally Posted by andy_sheila
We arrived here 12 months ago (May 3rd) and when i look back over that time and reflect on what we have left behind, what we had, and what we have now, the difference is staggering.
In the UK:
We both had jobs and a slightly higher than average income but were getting deeper in debt every day.
We never felt our kids were safe when out playing.
We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
We were sick of no-go areas for white people in asian areas.
We were sick of a nurse (Sheila) in uniform getting her car stoned and spat on by asians, just for doing her job in "there" area. If this makes me sound raceist, too damn right i am, but only towards the ignorant ones that do the above. A cliche i know, but i worked with, worked for, and knew a lot of asians that were ok.
We were in rented accomodation with no prospects of owning our own home.
We had old bangers for cars, $1000 max.
In Canada
We have 2 houses (mortgaged but one is a triplex and our tenants cover both mortgages)
We have 2 cars, an 06 Equinox and a 98 Windstar.
We have 2 jobs, soon to be 3, 2 of them well paid.
We can let the kids go outside to play without having to worry.
We are at least a thousand miles from any no-go areas.
The youth around here show respect and are generally polite.
In uniform, Sheila is respected wherever she goes.
Compare the 2 places and figure for yourself which place is best for us.................
We miss our family and friends but we have made some new (very good ) friends, I (Andy) miss England but not enough to want to go back, i am and always will be English, i am extremely patriotic and proud to have been born and raised in the best country in the world but despite it's many good points, it's the few bad points that drove us here.
When we moved over, we had tremendous help from family and couldn't have done it without them so we did have it easier than most, however we arrived with 4 suitcases and about $6000 and have worked hard to get where we are and what we have.
Just my opinions of the last 12 months that might help some people to put into perspective what they had then/have now
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all your invaluable help and above all, thanks to the in-laws.
In the UK:
We both had jobs and a slightly higher than average income but were getting deeper in debt every day.
We never felt our kids were safe when out playing.
We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
We were sick of no-go areas for white people in asian areas.
We were sick of a nurse (Sheila) in uniform getting her car stoned and spat on by asians, just for doing her job in "there" area. If this makes me sound raceist, too damn right i am, but only towards the ignorant ones that do the above. A cliche i know, but i worked with, worked for, and knew a lot of asians that were ok.
We were in rented accomodation with no prospects of owning our own home.
We had old bangers for cars, $1000 max.
In Canada
We have 2 houses (mortgaged but one is a triplex and our tenants cover both mortgages)
We have 2 cars, an 06 Equinox and a 98 Windstar.
We have 2 jobs, soon to be 3, 2 of them well paid.
We can let the kids go outside to play without having to worry.
We are at least a thousand miles from any no-go areas.
The youth around here show respect and are generally polite.
In uniform, Sheila is respected wherever she goes.
Compare the 2 places and figure for yourself which place is best for us.................
We miss our family and friends but we have made some new (very good ) friends, I (Andy) miss England but not enough to want to go back, i am and always will be English, i am extremely patriotic and proud to have been born and raised in the best country in the world but despite it's many good points, it's the few bad points that drove us here.
When we moved over, we had tremendous help from family and couldn't have done it without them so we did have it easier than most, however we arrived with 4 suitcases and about $6000 and have worked hard to get where we are and what we have.
Just my opinions of the last 12 months that might help some people to put into perspective what they had then/have now
Thanks to everyone on this forum for all your invaluable help and above all, thanks to the in-laws.
Thanks for a great posting. Always interesting to see how people are getting on. The time certainly seems to fly by - I can't quite believe we have already been here 5 months. Look forward to posting a similar review on our year anniversary.
Deborah
May 8th 2006 | 4:46 am
#21
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 76
Re: 12 months on
Really glad every things working out. I hope Canada is going to be a good to me when I arrive in Halifax in June as its been for you.
Best wishes for continued prosperity.
Best wishes for continued prosperity.
May 8th 2006 | 5:01 am
#22
BE Forum Addict
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,309
From: M'cr-Red Deer-M'cr-??
Re: 12 months on
Andy & Sheila,
Congratulations to you both on your 1st anniversary. It's so refreshing to see couples make success of their immigration through blood, sweat and tears. We too arrived back here with just $12,000 and all our lives in 4 suitcases and boxes. We are still climbing back up that success ladder and hope to have our own house again next year, but for the time being, we're just glad to be back in Canada and not have to live in Greater Manchester anymore.
Well done, and wish you many more happy anniversaries in the future!
Jaycee
Congratulations to you both on your 1st anniversary. It's so refreshing to see couples make success of their immigration through blood, sweat and tears. We too arrived back here with just $12,000 and all our lives in 4 suitcases and boxes. We are still climbing back up that success ladder and hope to have our own house again next year, but for the time being, we're just glad to be back in Canada and not have to live in Greater Manchester anymore.
Well done, and wish you many more happy anniversaries in the future!
Jaycee
May 8th 2006 | 5:12 am
#23
http://dundasheritagefarm
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 53
From: Prince Edward Island
Re: 12 months on
Originally Posted by alberta_jaycee
Andy & Sheila,
Congratulations to you both on your 1st anniversary. It's so refreshing to see couples make success of their immigration through blood, sweat and tears. We too arrived back here with just $12,000 and all our lives in 4 suitcases and boxes. We are still climbing back up that success ladder and hope to have our own house again next year, but for the time being, we're just glad to be back in Canada and not have to live in Greater Manchester anymore.
Well done, and wish you many more happy anniversaries in the future!
Jaycee
Congratulations to you both on your 1st anniversary. It's so refreshing to see couples make success of their immigration through blood, sweat and tears. We too arrived back here with just $12,000 and all our lives in 4 suitcases and boxes. We are still climbing back up that success ladder and hope to have our own house again next year, but for the time being, we're just glad to be back in Canada and not have to live in Greater Manchester anymore.
Well done, and wish you many more happy anniversaries in the future!
Jaycee
We settled in PEI and bought a farm within 6 wks of landing ,even tho we were headed for Alberta!
We wouldn't change a thing and have not given UK a second thought, except to thank heaven that we are not there, especially lately!
We keep and promote rare breeds livestock and follow old fashioned methods with a few mod cons.
to see our farm, check out our web site....
http://dundasheritagefarm.com
May 8th 2006 | 6:52 am
#24
Mans
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 343
From: Oakville
Re: 12 months on
Happy Anniversary....Great story and i'm sure thing will get better and easier over the years for you and your family
Rgds
Mans
Rgds
Mans
May 8th 2006 | 7:02 am
#25
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 686
From: Alberta
Re: 12 months on
Great posts!!!
My wife and I have been here in NB for nearly 18 months in total.
We have NO regrets - life here is like the 60`s with mod-cons!!!
We both know that if we went to the UK, we would already feel overwhelmed by the fact that everyone is on top of each other.
We plan to return for a visit in early 2007 - a week back there will be too long away from our new home and friends, in Canada!
My wife and I have been here in NB for nearly 18 months in total.
We have NO regrets - life here is like the 60`s with mod-cons!!!
We both know that if we went to the UK, we would already feel overwhelmed by the fact that everyone is on top of each other.
We plan to return for a visit in early 2007 - a week back there will be too long away from our new home and friends, in Canada!
May 8th 2006 | 7:41 am
#26
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 102
Re: 12 months on
What a cheerful post! Glad to hear its going so well.
May 8th 2006 | 7:55 am
#27
Forum Regular
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 170
From: Guelph, Canada
Re: 12 months on
Wow - your post was brilliant - you put into simple words what it has all meant and I'm sure you echoed the sentiments of many. (Got a wee lump in my throat when I read it.)
We come out in August to no family and no jobs. I know it will be difficult but to hear stories like yours help us to focus and remind us why we are doing it.
The best of luck to you and your family.
Mrs Madmac
We come out in August to no family and no jobs. I know it will be difficult but to hear stories like yours help us to focus and remind us why we are doing it.
The best of luck to you and your family.
Mrs Madmac
May 8th 2006 | 8:05 am
#28
smokes, let's go
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 184
From: Toronto
Re: 12 months on
Well done on your 'difficult' first year going well - should be a breeze from now! 
May 8th 2006 | 9:07 am
#29
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,071
From: Nova Scotia
Re: 12 months on
Hey Andy
Wonderful to hear all is going well with you and Sheila...how does she like her job at Valley Regional? Sorry I missed the meet up at Easter but I have heard lots of stories from it....
How are the houses selling over in the Valley.
Wonderful to hear all is going well with you and Sheila...how does she like her job at Valley Regional? Sorry I missed the meet up at Easter but I have heard lots of stories from it....
How are the houses selling over in the Valley.
May 8th 2006 | 11:48 pm
#30
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 545
From: Formerly Montreal now Oxfordshire, UK
Re: 12 months on
[QUOTE=silver birch]
Hmm
I just picked up this mornings Montreal Gazette, I'm just on page 3 and already 2 home invasions (with guns), 1 body found in the St Lawrence, and a 17 year old fighting for his life in hospital after being stabbed.
I saw the most violent and worst incidence of road rage here I have ever witnessed here in Montreal. The guy was getting beaten to a pulp and the police were nowhere to be seen.
As for not being crowded here (in Canada), try either the Decarie Expressway or the Jaques Cartier bridge at 8am, thats enough to give the M25 a run for its money anyday.
Get real it's no different from the UK
Jonathan
Originally Posted by andy_sheila
We were sick of the yob culture thats taking over the UK.
Me too, only it isn't just youths. Yesterday, my 5 year old son and I were sworn at by a thug while walking down the street in our (usually quiet) village. He had parked across the pavement and I clipped his wing mirror as I brushed past. No damage, but he got out of the car and started having a go at me! That is what I want to get away from - people who think their car has more right to be on the pavement than my child, who feel it is OK to shout and swear at a woman and child on the street when it is they who are breaking the law, the complete lack of respect that people in this country have towards other people. And before anyone pipes up with a "rose tinted spectacles" comment, I know there are problems in Canada like anywhere, but at least there is space - half the population of the UK in the second largest country in the world - bring it on!
Glad it is going OK for you - hope to join you soon you soon
(Blimey I sound like a grumpy old woman!)
Me too, only it isn't just youths. Yesterday, my 5 year old son and I were sworn at by a thug while walking down the street in our (usually quiet) village. He had parked across the pavement and I clipped his wing mirror as I brushed past. No damage, but he got out of the car and started having a go at me! That is what I want to get away from - people who think their car has more right to be on the pavement than my child, who feel it is OK to shout and swear at a woman and child on the street when it is they who are breaking the law, the complete lack of respect that people in this country have towards other people. And before anyone pipes up with a "rose tinted spectacles" comment, I know there are problems in Canada like anywhere, but at least there is space - half the population of the UK in the second largest country in the world - bring it on!
Glad it is going OK for you - hope to join you soon you soon
(Blimey I sound like a grumpy old woman!)
I just picked up this mornings Montreal Gazette, I'm just on page 3 and already 2 home invasions (with guns), 1 body found in the St Lawrence, and a 17 year old fighting for his life in hospital after being stabbed.
I saw the most violent and worst incidence of road rage here I have ever witnessed here in Montreal. The guy was getting beaten to a pulp and the police were nowhere to be seen.
As for not being crowded here (in Canada), try either the Decarie Expressway or the Jaques Cartier bridge at 8am, thats enough to give the M25 a run for its money anyday.
Get real it's no different from the UK
Jonathan
