My third week in Waterloo
 

Hi Folks,

So I've been in Waterloo for three weeks now. Got all the necessary stuff sorted - social insurance number, bank account, driving license, car (2001 Kia Rio) and car insurance ($2000 - yikes!).

I'm renting a basement apartment (I'm sure I'll eventually turn pale because of the lack of sunlight) with all bills included for $750/month (just signed a 12 month lease today. It's certainly cheaper than the studio flat I was renting in the UK (in a commuter town close to London)

Having gone to several supermarkets (Zehrs, Shoppers drug Mart), I haven't noticed that food's any cheaper. It's about the same price, and in ome cases more expensive (like tinned tuna). I noticed a distinct lack of own-brand products as well.

I'm suprised how relaxed my workplace is (high-tech industry office environment). On my first day I dressed in a shirt and tie - and everyone stared! Since then I've reverted to the company issue uniform - t-shirt and jeans.

Tim Hortons seems to be a Canadian institution. People from the office go for a "Timmy's" several times a day. They're certainly cheap and the quality's good, but I'm not sure if I want to make Timbits a regular part of my diet!

Went to Waterloo Park yesterday in the lovely warm sunshine (must have been 28 to 30 celcius). It was beautifully clean and litter free! A spectrum of people from all over the world were just mingling and wandering, and having picnics. There was plenty of parking inside the boundaries of the park (even though I went at the busiest time of the day).

Later that night at about 11pm I went into downtown Kitchener. That was completely different. Certainly less salubrious. I started talking to this one guy who, having learned I was new to the area, warned me to stay at the other side of downtown lest I get mugged.

Looks like I'm here for the next year at least. I think I've made the right decision. Don't think I could have stood my previous job for another year.

Tyrian

Re: My third week in Waterloo
 

It sounds to me that your life is sorted may you continue to have happiness.:)

Re: My third week in Waterloo
 

Very interesting to read !
You give a good insight to life in Waterloo & Kitchener tyrian, this is the kind of stuff we like to read.
:thumbsup:

Re: My third week in Waterloo
 

Loblaws/Zehrs own brands are President's Choice and No Name. There's every kind of PC branded product; bread, phones, curry, car insurance.

Re: My third week in Waterloo
 

Generally food from the grocery store is fairly similar, where you can save is going to stuff like M&M meat shops or boxed meats and buying meat in a big pack - way cheaper than the UK then. Steaks and such are way cheaper that way. Also I find soft drinks like coke/sprite a lot cheaper but obv some things are more expensive so its knowing what to buy to balance it out.

Its eating out where you save a ton of cash!

If you want no name cheapo stuff then there are a fair few no frills supermarkets around Ontario that have that sort of stuff and some of its not bad.

Re: My third week in Waterloo
 

I had problems as couldn't get a loan, so bought a 'cheap and cheerful' soccer mum's van.

We came from Ealing last year :)

You also cannot get larger tins of tuna in oil, only water :mad:

President's choice (you blind!! :p) ALSO NO BEER !! I spent 10 minutes walking up and down the aisles when i first came!!

I did the same :thumbsup:

I'm in a minority for not likeing Tim Hortons I think.

Used to walk there regular as i brought two dogs.... both had from pups about 10 years, both died within a year of getting here :sad_smile:

I stay away, but over the weekend they had a ribs and beer festival in Victoria Park, just off the King Street, I'm a vegetarian :sneaky: but I like the beers.

welcome

Re: My third week in Waterloo
 

I must be...I've only just noticed it! Serves me right for walking around with my head in stars ;)

Re: My third week in Waterloo
 

But have you found te important things, like where all the bars are?