Originally Posted by Lemonfish (Post 9686954)

Agreed. But again, its where you choose to live. I am not dying of boredom yet after four years, but then I`m not living on Hunt Club or Stittsville.

Its kind of like moving to some new build suburb in the UK in the middle of nowhere and saying a whole city is boring.

Back to the OP, sorry you're having a tough time. A few days is too early to start making big decisions though IMHO.

Originally Posted by dollface (Post 9686957)

Not really - Ottawa isn't that big of a city. We initially lived in Westboro then the Glebe for a couple of months before opting to buy elsewhere - so I think I have lived in various parts of the city and can safely say - it wasn't for me.

Originally Posted by Lemonfish (Post 9686960)

Fair enough.

We really liked Vancouver when we went for a recce and seriously considered it for my transfer from the UK. Every time I go, there's a wow factor flying in through the mountains.

I was concerned by high housing costs vs. wages, which is why we didn't go for it. Wouldn't rule it out one day though.

Originally Posted by dollface (Post 9686961)

but then again I think the education system is 2nd rate.

Originally Posted by dollface (Post 9686961)

Where in the UK were you located? I miss all sorts of stuff about the UK - never really settled here (as in Canada) good for kids but then again I think the education system is 2nd rate.

Originally Posted by Lemonfish (Post 9686969)

Grew up in London, have lived in Manchester, Brighton and Brussels among other places.

Its probably proximity to Europe I miss most, for holidays.

I missed more things earlier on when I was here, but we've been lucky in meeting friends I think. Doesn't replace those strong earlier friendships in the UK of course. And we miss our families a lot.

We just had our first child, and think that's helping us settle in more too. OH goes to various parent drop-ins, mother-baby things at the library etc. There's a good sense of community where we are which helps - neighbours having street parties in the summer, barbecues, inviting us over for Thanksgiving etc.

I agree that Ottawa isn't for everyone. People can be reserved, the place can shut down a bit during winter, and I find the length of the winter a real trial. Its also not for those who like to go truly wild on the weekends.

What do you miss about the UK?

Originally Posted by dbd33 (Post 9686968)

I'm not Canada's greatest fan but this is a criticism that doesn't ring true to me. I think the academic opportunities afforded my children here, the bac, tutoring for their SATs, an atmosphere where attendance at university was assumed and status depended on being in with a chance at a name school, were as good as one could hope from a 100% state funded school system. No complaints on that score.

Originally Posted by dollface (Post 9686985)

We made good friends in Ottawa, don't get me wrong. Pool parties, various seasonal get togethers, skiing at Tremblant and the Gatineau hills are beautiful. I will always remain in touch with our Ottawa friends, many from UK infact. When the kids were younger I did all the Mommy/Tot groups, library , get together play date stuff too. Something for me was always missing.

Like you, I miss the close proximity to Europe, family, friends, shops, bars/restaurants, countryside and architcture. I also miss the humour.

Originally Posted by dollface (Post 9686987)

Mine are in grades 4 & 5 I find their way of teaching, where they are in relation to their peers in various other countries (at that grade level and my kids are bright)is sub standard.

Originally Posted by RRhodes (Post 9683481)

Its only been 8 days but 8 days of 'what have I done' so far! We cant seem to find anywhere in Ottawa that we would want to live. Its either just full of houses crammed in together (Orleans, Kanata, Barrhaven etc) or just too remote to live in if you need to work. We are applying for jobs and expect that we would have to work in the city (if we can get jobs that is) - hence the need to live commutable distance (hate the rush hour traffic already) and the cost of parking / transport is extreem. We miss the UK!!

I dont think I can take much more of driving to areas and finding them without parks / trees or any amenities etc but surely I have to give it longer than a week right????

I hate the fact I traded quaint green Britain for a concrete and weatherboard existence. I knew the exchange rate wasnt great (my PR visa was running out so decided it was now or never to give it a try) but wasnt banking on just how expensive everything is. I mean $6 for a beer and $9 for cereal!!

Anyone else in Ottawa cant settle or moved somewhere that I may like? Without jobs we are stuck living with my brother who loves Orleans but then he hasnt lived in the UK for many many years so probably just got used to it. At this stage I would happily leave today!

Are there any areas we havent tried that maybe have more space / parks / forests etc and that you can actually get jobs nearby? We dont have to live near the centre but need jobs to enable us to move. Yesterday we went to Kemptville but I didnt even get out of the car! HELP!!

Originally Posted by iaink (Post 9683597)

$9 for cerial? Whats that all about?

Originally Posted by Novocastrian (Post 9686993)

Can you prove that?

Originally Posted by RRhodes (Post 9687011)

Hmm well so far the gym would be $880, the dentist $200, groceries for a week $140 in Ottawa. In Canada the gym was 300, dentist 30 and the groceries 40pounds. We didnt live in London or anywhere near in the UK so things were cheap - except stamp duty!!!

Do you think I would settle if I gave it longer or just make do because I would have nothing to go back to?

Originally Posted by Lord Vader (Post 9686998)

An interesting comparison of consumer prices, housing prices, etc between countries. http://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living...United+Kingdom