Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by humanist
(Post 11851535)
Why the emphasis on travelling anyway, does it give you extra kudos or bragging rights to be able to reel off a list of exotic locations you've visited? It's a bit like the page on FB where you can pin all the different countries you've visited in a boastful attempt to cover the entire world.
I'm a greenie, so when someone talk about flying around the world the first thing I think of is how can that selfish bugger sleep at night with a carbon footprint that big! Then again I'm a total hypocrite as I did a bit of travelling before kids came along, but I do feel guilty about it .....that makes it ok, right? Fact is, if you like zipping off on the weekend to a different country to soak up some culture, speak a different language, see some nice architecture and eat an interesting meal, don't come to Canada! Unless you continually fly back and forth to Quebec City of course. Ignorance is bliss. Travel can leave you wanting more. That's how many of us ended up here. |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by snoopdawg
(Post 11851014)
Given the beauty of it's surroundings, your comment says more about you than Vancouver.
I have more than enough money to move back IF I wanted, but after 6 1/2 years I don't. I love the mountains, I love the ocean, I love the beauty of the gulf islands. I love the Okanagan, the incredible lakes, the wineries, the amazing "champagne" snow that I've never encountered on any skiing trip in Europe. I love watching ospreys from my living room, watching 6 bald eagles jousting mere feet in front of my deck (yesterday), looking out for bears in my garden, listening to owls and coyotes at night, even watching out for cougars whilst walking the dog. I love raccoons , marmots and chipmunks. I love the ever changing beautiful birds in my garden with the changes of seasons. I love listening to crickets and frogs at night in summer. We're not all here for "culture"/ nightlife. I've lived in London and hated every second. I've loved living in rural Scotland, North Norfolk, rural Worcestershire even rural Greater Manchester- yes such a place exists. But where I live now feels "wilder" if that makes sense. Canadians that I've met have fairly strong political views. The trips they go on cover most of the globe including Antarctica.Yes there are those who only go to Mexico but how many Brits stick to Spain? My job here is far more enjoyable than the UK, my kids are happy and I think even the dog would give a paws up if asked. Each to his/ her own, but to suggest that expats only stay because they lack that courage to go back to the UK is ridiculous. Maybe, just maybe some of us love Canada!:p Then I read what you wrote. What a beautiful life you must lead, I'm envious! Thank you for writing this as it brought back all of the excitement I lost while reading through all of these pages! Whilst I like most enjoy cities for a day, the thought of living in one for me is horrible. I have visited London and whilst I enjoyed the visits, I am definitely happy I don't life there. The thought of seeing all that wildlife and being so close to the mountains and wilderness sounds great to me! |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Shakyuk
(Post 11851555)
I do appreciate the poster for posting her view. Contrasting views help those of us considering the move and highlight things we may not like. However I was finding it quite depressing to read!
Then I read what you wrote. What a beautiful life you must lead, I'm envious! Thank you for writing this as it brought back all of the excitement I lost while reading through all of these pages! Whilst I like most enjoy cities for a day, the thought of living in one for me is horrible. I have visited London and whilst I enjoyed the visits, I am definitely happy I don't life there. The thought of seeing all that wildlife and being so close to the mountains and wilderness sounds great to me! |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Tirytory
(Post 11851564)
They get black widows in their garden too mindđł
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Is it ok to only be mildly disappointed?
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Shakyuk
(Post 11851555)
I do appreciate the poster for posting her view. Contrasting views help those of us considering the move and highlight things we may not like. However I was finding it quite depressing to read!
Then I read what you wrote. What a beautiful life you must lead, I'm envious! Thank you for writing this as it brought back all of the excitement I lost while reading through all of these pages! Whilst I like most enjoy cities for a day, the thought of living in one for me is horrible. I have visited London and whilst I enjoyed the visits, I am definitely happy I don't life there. The thought of seeing all that wildlife and being so close to the mountains and wilderness sounds great to me! |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by humanist
(Post 11851535)
Why the emphasis on travelling anyway, does it give you extra kudos or bragging rights to be able to reel off a list of exotic locations you've visited? It's a bit like the page on FB where you can pin all the different countries you've visited in a boastful attempt to cover the entire world.
I'm a greenie, so when someone talks about flying around the world the first thing I think of is how can that selfish bugger sleep at night with a carbon footprint that big! Then again I'm a total hypocrite as I did a bit of travelling before kids came along, but I do feel guilty about it .....that makes it ok, right? Fact is, if you like zipping off on the weekend to a different country to soak up some culture, speak a different language, see some nice architecture and eat an interesting meal, don't come to Canada! Unless you continually fly back and forth to Quebec City of course. |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11851596)
I think youâll find the romantic view of tranquil solitude in the âthe wildernessâ here something less than Wordsworthesque. Most of it is inaccessible, either by the nature of the terrain or the fact that you arenât allowed on it. What youâll find are well-worn trails where every other naffer is walking their dog or youâll be corralled on some poxy campsite next to some inconsiderate nafferâs noisy pissâup.
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by jock_mcbile
(Post 11850988)
Generally speaking, Canadians are more reserved than Brits, Americans, Aussies, etc. Doesn't mean there aren't exceptions. You know, it's not an insult to be called introverted.
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by I am I said
(Post 11851619)
It depends on how much effort you are willing to put into it. Even in Algonquin Park, a couple short portages last summer and we saw almost no one. If you want to be next to your car, I agree with you.
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11851634)
Out west here, if you're moving off the trail by much I'd recommend taking along a handy little S&W 460 snub nose, just in case you run into anything grumpy and hungry. :lol:
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by humanist
(Post 11851535)
Why the emphasis on travelling anyway, does it give you extra kudos or bragging rights to be able to reel off a list of exotic locations you've visited? It's a bit like the page on FB where you can pin all the different countries you've visited in a boastful attempt to cover the entire world.
I'm a greenie, so when someone talks about flying around the world the first thing I think of is how can that selfish bugger sleep at night with a carbon footprint that big! Then again I'm a total hypocrite as I did a bit of travelling before kids came along, but I do feel guilty about it .....that makes it ok, right? Fact is, if you like zipping off on the weekend to a different country to soak up some culture, speak a different language, see some nice architecture and eat an interesting meal, don't come to Canada! Unless you continually fly back and forth to Quebec City of course. |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Alan2005
(Post 11851587)
Is it ok to only be mildly disappointed?
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
1 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11851634)
Out west here, if you're moving off the trail by much I'd recommend taking along a handy little S&W 460 snub nose, just in case you run into anything grumpy and hungry. :lol:
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
be Haylee32 (I think the OP) just isn't very good at making friends. If the people around you don't like you, that's bound to colour your view on a place.
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 11850972)
With respect, nobody is criticising the OP for having an opinion - everyone is entitled to one, including yourself - nor was I criticising her when I mentioned about her first post being negative, I was genuinely curious as it's not that common for people to join a forum purely to vent their dislike of a place... however, she is perfectly free to do so!
I think for every unhappy camper that posts there's probably another 50 that are perfectly happy and don't even know BE exists to post their response - they are too busy enjoying their lives. Canada isn't for everyone - there is no 'one size fits all' - and a lot of expats have a choice whether to stay or not (I say a lot because for some it isn't feasible to leave). The OP has exercised that choice and everybody wishes her well in her move back to the UK - or where-ever she ends up living. :) Ok if its a leap of faith move for a job, then ok, but why quit your job, sell up and move here if you miss those things? I enjoy doing the things here that i would never have the chance to do in the UK, i enjoy outdoor stuff and Canada is one of the best places in the world to do that, due to its differing geography and defined seasons climate, it keeps me happy for now, maybe when i cant do those things anymore or they become less appealing due to age, the UK may start calling to me again. Who knows! I think age is the only thing that will change this outlook, both physcially and phychologically |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Another thing about Canadians is their utter hypocrisy. When I'm out with them I get constantly chastised for using the term c*** but they throw around the word fanny without the slightest restraint. They even name their children it. There's one little kid at HID's school called Fanny Hare. That's got to elicit some giggles at register time. :lol:
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
I also like having a bigger house since now I've got space for snooker table.
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11851675)
There's one little kid at HID's school called Fanny Hare. That's got to elicit some giggles at register time. :lol:
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Alan2005
(Post 11851681)
I can think of worse second names for the poor girl.
In case Oink doesn't already know, fanny to North Americans in back-bottom, not front-bottom. Even then, it's a lousy name to give to someone withe surname Hare. |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Souvy
(Post 11851695)
In case Oink doesn't already know, fanny to North Americans in back-bottom, not front-bottom.
So what did this British group mean: |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Novocastrian
(Post 11851060)
And @snoopdawg, I've never been to the Okanagan. Ever heard of the seven year itch? With one puppy at high school , and 2.5 years to grad, I'm staying put- oh and mediocrity- youngest pup aims for 100% in his provincial maths 10 this am- he got 100% in his mock exam- and aims for 100% as his final grade. He aims for similar in other subjects. And NO we are definitely not pushy parents- he just aims high! If and when I move ( it's inevitable as I seem to have gypsy blood)- I quite fancy a gulf island for a bit or Vancouver Island- as long as I can look out over the ocean. Yes we have black widows- not in the garden, in our garage and around the outside of the house. They are "beautiful", fascinating but I'm a bit scared of them so they have to go before they invade the house. The garden probably has Northern Pacific rattlesnakes- but they are scared of humans and we have only seen them in the park next to us.They are endangered and have been here infinitely longer than I have , so we would never harm them. The bears in the garden are interested in our grapes only! As for wilderness- we back onto 4209 hectares of a beautiful Provincial park- with in turn backs onto more wilderness than I would ever want. Even the well travelled paths can be very quiet or empty especially in winter- the big hungry furry things are asleep high up in the hills then, so cougars are the main worry- I'm aware that I may not see them until I'm up close and personal with one, so if I'm on my own- not often, I carry a ski pole as my dangerous weapon! My youngest once had to snowboard past a hungry bear that had decided to make a den between ski slopes! Don't get that in Meribel! For all the beauty around me, I'm still 13 minutes from work- maybe 15 from Crappy Tire, Superstore, The Bay and all the other wonders of urban life. 30-35 from a great airport. We have a thriving theatres, even ballets visiting and hopefully a new art gallery. So Shakyuk- come on over- there appears to be plenty leaving so there's lots of room:rofl: |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by I am I said
(Post 11851700)
I am pretty sure he knows. Not only is it back, it is politer than saying, say, 'bum'.
So what did this British group mean: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G4qrEOCNr3g |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by snoopdawg
(Post 11851704)
Yup but with 6 months to go, my moisturisers working well :p
With one puppy at high school , and 2.5 years to grad, I'm staying put- oh and mediocrity- youngest pup aims for 100% in his provincial maths 10 this am- he got 100% in his mock exam- and aims for 100% as his final grade. He aims for similar in other subjects. And NO we are definitely not pushy parents- he just aims high! If and when I move ( it's inevitable as I seem to have gypsy blood)- I quite fancy a gulf island for a bit or Vancouver Island- as long as I can look out over the ocean. Yes we have black widows- not in the garden, in our garage and around the outside of the house. They are "beautiful", fascinating but I'm a bit scared of them so they have to go before they invade the house. The garden probably has Northern Pacific rattlesnakes- but they are scared of humans and we have only seen them in the park next to us.They are endangered and have been here infinitely longer than I have , so we would never harm them. The bears in the garden are interested in our grapes only! As for wilderness- we back onto 4209 hectares of a beautiful Provincial park- with in turn backs onto more wilderness than I would ever want. Even the well travelled paths can be very quiet or empty especially in winter- the big hungry furry things are asleep high up in the hills then, so cougars are the main worry- I'm aware that I may not see them until I'm up close and personal with one, so if I'm on my own- not often, I carry a ski pole as my dangerous weapon! My youngest once had to snowboard past a hungry bear that had decided to make a den between ski slopes! Don't get that in Meribel! For all the beauty around me, I'm still 13 minutes from work- maybe 15 from Crappy Tire, Superstore, The Bay and all the other wonders of urban life. 30-35 from a great airport. We have a thriving theatres, even ballets visiting and hopefully a new art gallery. So Shakyuk- come on over- there appears to be plenty leaving so there's lots of room:rofl: |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Paul_Shepherd
(Post 11851673)
One of the main complaints i hear about Canada on here is a the lack of culture history and architecture, i dont understand why people decided to move here if thats what they are going to really miss, a couple of reccies here can tell you that.
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Tirytory
(Post 11851715)
I'm fixated on your black widows Snoopdawg... You've sold it well, maybe we'll move. Room for one more doctor?;)
We just don't have room in our office unfortunately for more docs.:( |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Shakyuk
(Post 11851555)
I do appreciate the poster for posting her view. Contrasting views help those of us considering the move and highlight things we may not like. However I was finding it quite depressing to read!
... To go along with snoopdogâs post, we have been here just short of 17 years and have not regretted the move for a moment, despite not having the exotic wildlife in our back yard that she does. We have settled into our little corner of Metro Vancouver and have no intention of leaving. We have plenty of friends and acquaintances. In general we like the society here and the people we interact with on a daily basis. We are involved with local sports and arts. We feel part of the community here in a way that is unlikely to ever have happened if we had stayed in the UK. And all the awesome (sorry!) wilderness is mere minutes away. I know a lot of Brits in Vancouver. Yes, there is a surfeit of whingy whiney ones (nowhere is perfect) but the overwhelming majority seem to live happy and contented lives here. You might not like it, but the only way you will find out is if you give it a go. |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
I always wonder what people actually mean when they state there is a lack of "culture"... Were they the sort of people who were always at the latest art gallery/theatre/book reading? Is that what "they" miss?
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11851596)
I think youâll find the romantic view of tranquil solitude in the âthe wildernessâ here something less than Wordsworthesque. Most of it is inaccessible, either by the nature of the terrain or the fact that you arenât allowed on it. What youâll find are well-worn trails where every other naffer is walking their dog or youâll be corralled on some poxy campsite next to some inconsiderate nafferâs noisy pissâup.
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by jock_mcbile
(Post 11851727)
Your son's academic achievements likely won't impress the usual suspects here, since to them excelling in a Canadian school is like having the thinnest waistline among hotdog-eating contestants. Oh and ignore all those dozens of surveys and studies showing Canadian students leagues higher than British students in reading and math. They are clearly flawed or the researchers were paid off by Kevin O'Leary.
Ditto the theatre and ballet in your interior BC city. Apparently those things are inferior in Canada. It's never explained to is how or why, they just are. Just because :) Btw your property sounds magnificent. Our local production of " Little Shop of Horrors" was the best I've seen- not high brow but incredibly enjoyable. Our "property"- was a bit of a dump with an amazing view- we bought it for the view and proximity to wildlife and have slowly renovated- we'll never get all our money back- we lack the boat dock!! But it's worth it to sometimes wake up to the sound of eagles ( ospreys in the summer) outside my bedroom! |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Oink
(Post 11851675)
There's one little kid at HID's school called Fanny Hare. That's got to elicit some giggles at register time. :lol:
Funnily enough, that name is mentioned in this article but I'm sure there is more than one Annette Curtain: BBC NEWS | UK | 'Most unfortunate names' revealed |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Tirytory
(Post 11851738)
I always wonder what people actually mean when they state there is a lack of "culture"... Were they the sort of people who were always at the latest art gallery/theatre/book reading? Is that what "they" miss?
So as JSmth321 said - what is it? I think First Nations here in BC would be offended by the accusations of no history- and their "culture" is quite beautiful I think, although each to his/her own- if you are ever in BC- I really do recommend a visit to the museum in Victoria. |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Culture? Toronto has museums. You can also eat poutine and drink local beer. Plenty of culture in Montreal and Quebec City too. You can go to ice hockey games and play curling. You can skate. But if culture is really just old buildings built before Columbus set foot in the New World, then no wonder they are disappointed. What is culture in the UK anyway? Shakespeare and really old pubs? Or Chinese and Indian restaurants?
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by snoopdawg
(Post 11851722)
Agreed although there is history and even "culture" if we look for it. The Royal BC Museum in Victoria is a fascinating place , it's not huge but is full of BC's history.
It's not the culture that bothers me here or the lack of history. Toronto is architecturally a very ugly place with very little thought or planning going into construction. The naff thing about travel here is that you are for a city break restricted primarily to the US. It's fine on occasion or with the strong dollar but if you really want to shake it up you have quite a distance to fly. |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Tirytory
(Post 11851738)
I always wonder what people actually mean when they state there is a lack of "culture"... Were they the sort of people who were always at the latest art gallery/theatre/book reading? Is that what "they" miss?
Im British don't you know and I think this wasteland called Canada lacks some culture old chap. Next year when Canada celebrates 150 yrs of Confederation we should also throw in an apology and promise to do more on this culture thingy that we keep getting reminded of. We can apologize for not having buildings like the Tower of London that were built in 1078 nor our abundance of castles that were built to defend our country from invading Europeans. Sorry old chap no William Shakespeare born here in 1564. No William Tate born in 1747 Sorry we had no breweries making beer since 1758 and still operating today. So what have Canadians contributed to culture at home or abroad Mmmmm Poutine springs to mind Insulin, Superman, Sonar, Imax, Trivial Pursuit, Cardiac Pacemaker, Alkaline Batteries, Granted some of the above are not culture per se but give us time and we will get there. |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by Former Lancastrian
(Post 11851821)
So what have Canadians contributed to culture at home or abroad Mmmmm Poutine springs to mind The Quebecois just gave it a fancy name. |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
I think it's mostly down to architecture.
Looking out of my office window here in NE Toronto I have to say the multitude of buildings I can see look drab, boring and purely functional. Then again the godforsaken industrial estate where I used to work in Stevenage was even worse. But at least most cities and towns in the UK have some kind of old town you can visit. |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Originally Posted by JamesM
(Post 11851814)
Best museum in Canada in my humble opinion (that every one is entitled too).
It's not the culture that bothers me here or the lack of history. Toronto is architecturally a very ugly place with very little thought or planning going into construction. The naff thing about travel here is that you are for a city break restricted primarily to the US. It's fine on occasion or with the strong dollar but if you really want to shake it up you have quite a distance to fly. |
Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
It debates like this one that makes me miss certain posters. :(
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Re: Is anyone else massively disappointed in Canada?
Cultural Attractions | Live With Culture
https://www.tripadvisor.ca/Attractio...o_Ontario.html Nothing to do in Toronto though it seems! :sarcasm: |
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