Landing experience
 

Well, despite putting off the perspective move, we decided to go ahead and land anyway, just in case we wake up one morning and decide let give Canada a go (within a resonable period of course).

Got to Pearson airport on Oct 23. The guy at the immigration counter asked us the reason for our visit, to which I replied, we wish to land. He was extremely friendly and decided to shake my hand and said 'welcome to Canada', and directed us to the immigration desk.

We were seen straigth away by an immigration officer. We did not get asked to provide proof of funds but more how much access to funds do you have.

Now I have these holes going through my visa saying 'cancelled' backwards in english and arabic. The officer did ask about these and I explained this was because CHC in Abu Dhabi decided to stick my visa back to back with my DUbai residency visa. I also produced a fax to CHC London asking for advice. She explained as far as she was concerned there was no information that adversely affected my visa. So morale of the story is if you have holes in your visa, you should be OK.

Only sticking point was trying to work out the height of our 15 month old daughter. Visas were received in March, so she has got a bit taller since then.

Next we went over to customs and produced the goods to follow list. THey never asked for accompanying goods. All in all the whole thing probably took less than an hour.

Next got a taxi to Chelsea Delta hotel, where we stayed for 6 nights. (Most of the taxis are Ford Taurus, a car which I have a soft spot for. In Dubai they are all Camrys). Quite reasonable hotel and catered for kids too. Could have done with a fridge though for the babys milk, but we had to make do with putting it out on the balcony.

Couldn't help noticing how easy is was to get around Toronto, even with a push chair/stroller. All the payments have crossovers at corners and the drivers were always patient. People were always helpful in providing directions if we looked lost. You wont get that in London. Also most of the subway stations had lift/elevators.

Also you definately get more for your money. Swiss Chalet for example we all ate for $30, but the quality and quantity of food was superb. mmmmmmmmm.

Even the fast food pizza place on Yonge st was nice. The other good thing was all the food places seemed to do soup, which our daughter have for lunch.

We even managed a trip to Honest Ed's for cheap bedding and crockery. We also stocked up on Grape flavour Bubblicious bubblegum and Aunt Jemimas pancake mixture and syrup. I only thing I forgot was rainx.

Well, at least we've completed the landing now, so Canada still remains an option over the next year or so.

Good luck to all those still contemplating or waiting.