tyrian

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

KJM

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

Silverkat

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.

dbd33

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

Mikey B

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.

PeterF

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

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

I did the same

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

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 but I like the beers.

welcome

tyrian

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

PeterF

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