Arrived
#1
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Vancouver (!)
Posts: 389
Arrived
So I arrived here late Sunday, long queues at immigration so it took over 2 hours to get out of the airport. Spent yesterday trying to stay awake and today I plan on looking at an apartment and going to the bank. Not sure if RBC is the best, I had a job finding a branch yesterday. Been feeling a little homesick already, which is not like me, so it proves that this is probably going to be the hardest thing I have ever done and if I make it, who knows.
#2
Re: Arrived
Welcome - and good luck with everything. Feeling a bit tired, jet-lagged and lost is a common starting point. Things will improve over the next few days
#3
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Vancouver (!)
Posts: 389
Re: Arrived
Thank you, trying to stay as positive as possible. Not sure if a call home will make things worse or better but going to do it any way.
#4
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: Arrived
Welcome to Vancouver.
There is nothing wrong with RBC as a bank - probably as many branches as any other. Where are you looking for an apartment?
There is nothing wrong with RBC as a bank - probably as many branches as any other. Where are you looking for an apartment?
#5
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2005
Location: Carleton Place, ON
Posts: 133
Re: Arrived
Good luck and welcome to Canada!
Shock and the feelings of isolation, confusion and loneliness seem to be quite common emotions among expats, so be reassured that you're not alone.
We found that once we arrived there was so much to do - health cards, SIN numbers, finding a place to live, jobs, etc - that we didn't really have time to be homesick. Now that we've settled down a bit, we're busy trying to make friends, join things and do all the activities we used to do back in the UK - anything to make us feel less alone in such an enormous country.
It's important to remember that you have completely changed your whole lifestyle, so it's perfectly normal to feel a little out of place. Also remember that you, like everybody else, used to have bad days in the UK, and just because you're in Canada it won't all be fabulous all the time. Such is life, and it's nothing to worry about.
Still, at least here you can go to Tim Hortons...
Shock and the feelings of isolation, confusion and loneliness seem to be quite common emotions among expats, so be reassured that you're not alone.
We found that once we arrived there was so much to do - health cards, SIN numbers, finding a place to live, jobs, etc - that we didn't really have time to be homesick. Now that we've settled down a bit, we're busy trying to make friends, join things and do all the activities we used to do back in the UK - anything to make us feel less alone in such an enormous country.
It's important to remember that you have completely changed your whole lifestyle, so it's perfectly normal to feel a little out of place. Also remember that you, like everybody else, used to have bad days in the UK, and just because you're in Canada it won't all be fabulous all the time. Such is life, and it's nothing to worry about.
Still, at least here you can go to Tim Hortons...
#7
Banned
Joined: Jul 2009
Location: The City by the Mall
Posts: 862
Re: Arrived
So I arrived here late Sunday, long queues at immigration so it took over 2 hours to get out of the airport. Spent yesterday trying to stay awake and today I plan on looking at an apartment and going to the bank. Not sure if RBC is the best, I had a job finding a branch yesterday. Been feeling a little homesick already, which is not like me, so it proves that this is probably going to be the hardest thing I have ever done and if I make it, who knows.
You sound like you're doing fine. I was like an hysterical 8 year old my first day here and that's not like me either - honest!
#8
Account Closed
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 175
Re: Arrived
So I arrived here late Sunday, long queues at immigration so it took over 2 hours to get out of the airport. Spent yesterday trying to stay awake and today I plan on looking at an apartment and going to the bank. Not sure if RBC is the best, I had a job finding a branch yesterday. Been feeling a little homesick already, which is not like me, so it proves that this is probably going to be the hardest thing I have ever done and if I make it, who knows.
Stay positive and enjoy the start of your new life..
Top Cat
#9
swoops
Joined: Sep 2004
Location: Fall River, NS
Posts: 322
Re: Arrived
Best of luck in your new adventure ga1lf!
#10
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,054
Re: Arrived
let's see, you jumped on a plane, flew to the other side of beyond, no apartment, no friends, don't know your way around..... what you are feeling is normal, it's call apprehension. Feel free to pm if you need any help settling.
welcome to Canada
welcome to Canada
Last edited by dboy; Dec 31st 2009 at 11:59 pm.
#11
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 288
Re: Arrived
Hope you get settled soon we will be arriving in Vancouver in July. Please keep us posted.
#12
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: By the Ocean, NS
Posts: 270
Re: Arrived
Hi Ga1lf. Good to see you have made it. I'm sure you will soon start to find your feet. Hope 2010 will be a great year.
#13
Re: Arrived
Oh gosh I remember last year when we were waiting for our meds (!!) where did the months go?
Glad to see you have arrived at last - as for us - we have now been in Canada for almost 6 months. We have had a variety of trials and tribulations but we definately have no regrets. Currently back in UK for an unplanned Christmas visit, looking forward to coming 'home' on Jan 7th.
Good luck to you, I will be thinking of you...
Lorraine G XX
Glad to see you have arrived at last - as for us - we have now been in Canada for almost 6 months. We have had a variety of trials and tribulations but we definately have no regrets. Currently back in UK for an unplanned Christmas visit, looking forward to coming 'home' on Jan 7th.
Good luck to you, I will be thinking of you...
Lorraine G XX
#14
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Location: By the Ocean, NS
Posts: 270
Re: Arrived
Strange, but exciting isn't it. We will move in the summer to NS (after exam time and when the house has hopefully sold). Hope all goes well for you too Lorraine. Going 'home next week eh?
#15
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Thread Starter
Joined: Jan 2009
Location: Vancouver (!)
Posts: 389
Re: Arrived
Well, the first two days were hard and I don't know how I managed not to get on a plane home. Instead I called home and it was just nice to talk to someone and using the net has been a little lifesaver also. I went out to a bar last night, to see in the first new year in Vancouver and so now I have a little hangover! I also managed to get an apartment yesterday and should be picking up the keys on Monday. I will stay in the hotel until the 15th, as this gives me time to get things for it. So now time to start getting the important things done, like SIN, Medical, PR Card and Bank Account.......oh and a job!