Hi Guys,
I moved to Toronto a little under a month ago and so far all is going well. The city is much nicer than I expected and a welcome change to londonium!! I keep expecting people to push me out of the way to get on a train or something similar. Compared to londoners the canadians are very polite.
I was wondering if you seasoned expats could lend me some advice on making friends when you move abroad. I have a few buddies in the office however as the new boss I need to keep some distance. Although I am settling in well I would quite like a drinking buddy and someone to have a laugh with. Any tips, suggestions or stories of how you did it would be most welcome....

Try www.meetup.com apparently they meet up once a month in the Toronto area and a whole mix of people go.

Raine

Try growing your network by

1) Attending public business meetings (chamber of commerce, business presentations, associations etc.)

2) Join a gym, exercise club, sports club etc.

3) Join a recreational or hobby club such as theatre, music, writing broup.

This method is indirect and allows you to be selective and foster friendships. Meetups are more direct and may result in desparation.

I suppose you could try joining the Elks - if you have 'em there or the Rotary - I have no idea if you can along to these things and say Hi i wanna be in your gang or wether you have to be asked to join 'em. We have made a lot of friends just by going along to local events and just by striking up conversation - because they don't all look at you as though they're going to stab you just because you've said 'hello'..........It does take a bit of getting used to!

Whereabouts in TO are you? I live downtown and am somewhat familiar with the city's licenced establishments.

Had a look at this website. For TO lots and lots of groups

For New Glasgow NS - eeeekkk! I'll either have to be a Ninja/Vampire/Witch/Punk/Druid/Lucifarian or own a beagle lol

Maybe I'll just have to do it the old fashion way, get a job and be a volunteer in the community!