G77

The last few days, in two different shops I've heard Brit accents - quite rare for here I think, in fact, I only know of two other people on this forum from the area. So, just wondered, when you come across another Brit - do you strike up a conversation with them, or run past not wanting to be reminded of the motherland?

Almost Canadian

I keep my mouth shut. I have no desire not to be reminded of the UK, it's the bitching and whining that I don't want to hear. On the whole, I find them way too negative

G77

Although by virtue of them being here, wouldn't they have a similar view, so less likely to whinge?

dbd33

I usually proposition them. I find the British have enjoyably slack morals.


One must be nimble though, they're a violent people, usually under the influence of booze and drugs, and may react badly.

BristolUK

I have come across two. One was a manager or buyer or something in Superstore. He was deep in a conversation and I hung around 'looking' in the freezer cabinets until he finished. At an appropriate moment I said something along the lines of it being nice to hear another Brit. He smiled and then treated me as if I wasn't there.

The second one was in the post office queue. She had just moved here from BC. I told her about this site. I don't know if she joined.

acer rose

I know a few Brits who are unaware of the existence of this forum and have varying degrees of accent (some would be impossible to spot from accent as they came to Vancouver as children 30+ years ago) so I don't think this board is representative of all the Brits I come across in Vancouver. I don't actively avoid Brits (members or not of this board) but neither do I actively seek Brits out. Except fellow passengers on flights, I tend to interact with people I have interests rather than nationality in common with.

Tracie107

Oh I've met quite a lot of Brits in the supermarket. They approach me as they hear me chatting away to my son. I always get into long conversations with them, one even gave me a free family pass for the swimming pool where she worked! I find it fascinating to hear that many of these Brits have lived here for 40 or 50 years, stressing how much they miss England.

The other Brits are at my son's pre-school - yes we have playdates & coffee mornings but I spend more time with the canadian mums/neighbours then I do them.

The4BellsLondon

I have chatted to a english couple we met at a party the other day - only others have heard have been in the mall - but too hectic to talk - and still a bit blinded by everyting - me that is!!

Almost Canadian

Unfortunately, no.

Until I moved here, I could never understand the "Whinging POHM" reference. Now I do.

Of course, not all are like this but, unfortunately, I have met enough that are not to wish to tempt fate.

As another poster has said, I prefer to mix with those that have similar interests, rather than those with whom I have a common birthplace.

I also find that, on the whole, even though they state that they hate the fact that the UK has become a drunken cesspit, they all still seek to get legless at any excuse. I have seen enough pavement pizzas to last me a lifetime. I am amazed at how many Europeans (Germans, Italians, etc) we count amongst our closet friends.

Summer BBQ time is always "international" at our house

G77

Perhaps he's heard about your flyer scouring philosophy

JonboyE

There is only one Brit I meet with on a regular basis, but she has been here for 45 years. I was introduced to another a few years ago, but he was a Millwall supporter so obviously I ignored him.

Otherwise I tend to run at the sound of a British accent.

Tracie107

I would've said that Millwall supporter was my husband but we've only been here 8 months

dbd33

It's what we are, it's what makes us British, is it not?

G77

Part of at least - I must admit I'm fairly partial to a drink myself

wbexpat

I don't go out of my way to say anything and I don't go out of my way to be quiet.
To me they are just people and to be quite honest they wouldn't give me the time of day in the UK so I don't see what being in Canada has to do with it.

In fact of the Brits / Brit-Canadians that have clocked on to me roughly a quarter have been idiots. Either too familiar, punchy with a drink inside them, or a bit Johnny and Tabitha (you know the sort). You can take some people out of the UK but you cant take the UK out of some people, mores the pity.

That said I have met a few expats here that I like. But not enough to make me seek them out for sure.


I actually prefer to mix with the Canadians. Hence moving here.