I've just spent a good bit of the day reading through the forums - I could spend hours more! I moved here from Belfast in 1988. I've been here now longer than I ever lived in Belfast, but still get the heartstrings pulled! This forum is great!

I came over in the nanny program (now defunct) for a year. Stayed for two more years then decided I was sick of Canada - I was going home! Then, I was set up on a blind date with a guy.....we've been married 16 years this year and have two boys, 14 and 11.

I've read through the going back forum - which is what brought me here. One of my brothers recently passed away, my passport was expired and I couldn't get home for the funeral - which brought up all the guilt I used to feel for leaving home in the first place. All of my family still lived in Belfast. A few years ago I went through the old "I wanna move home!". I went home for a week to check things out. There were riots three nights of the week on my sister’s usually sleepy street and a bomb scare at the school I was looking at for the boys. Needless to say - by day 4 I was ready to run right back! I know other places in the world are different, but my boys really do have more opportunities here than they would in Belfast. I'm getting that pull-back because we lost my brother (unexpectedly) and my parents are getting up there in age, but after reading some of the things said, it really makes you think.

I've lived in Ottawa the whole time I've been in Canada - wouldn't live anywhere else, although I haven't gone out East yet and I'm told I'd love it there, very like home but still in Canada! We visit other cities but are always happy to get back.

Welcome to all the new expats coming over!

Hope to post more on here - it's nice to hang out with people from home. In real life we know one expat couple that are planning on returning soon to open a B&B in Scotland - we'll miss them when they go.

In any event, I'm heading home in February to see everyone. I already have my order for "REAL" soda bread from the husband and chocolates for the expats!!

So I've been here 20 years and am only applying for my citizenship this year. It's about time. I thought I was bad until a friend at work told me his mom moved here from Ireland 50 years ago and still is not a citizen.

Sorry it got long! Just had to say hello and explain who I was!
Sharon.

Hi sharon

and welcome to the forum....hope it is the first of many posts

Hi Sharon, nice story. Don't feel bad - it took me 33 years to get citizenship! Finally did it last year.

I remember that nanny programme, and met several girls who came from England intent on finding someone to marry so they could stay. A few did that. It was easier in those days, I think.

Anyway, welcome to the forum.

Hi

Welcome to BE, sure you are going to be able to provide lots of great info and support to people looking to make the move

Good luck with the Citizenship

Welcome to BE and good luck!