Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
Apr 14th 2014, 9:17 pm
#106
Banned
Joined: Apr 2009
Location: SW Ontario
Posts: 19,879
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
I think it boils down to this: Canada is not the UK. Canada is Canada. People are bored because Canada is not the UK.
Moving to Canada without appreciating the cultural, economic, social, geographical, and historical differences for what they are, rather than what they are not, is key.
Rather than criticize Canada for its differences, understand why those differences from the UK exist. Once you understand why the differences exist, and then accept those differences for what they are, you can adapt, and the differences no longer seem a nuisance or an annoyance.
There's also a lot of ignorance about Canada, and it seems that many fail to truly understand the the societal aspects of Canada before moving, or that this differs from region to region, even within a province.
I think many of the Canadian/UK cultural differences can often be explained from Canada's continental scale vs. the UK's tiny geography, and Canada's tiny population strewn across a vast continent compared to the population density of the UK. Other differences can explained by Canada's natural resource extraction economy and extreme climate, and its short colonial history compared to the UK's thousands of years of modern history. This is a massive oversimplification of course, but all plays a role in these two countries' differences.
One topic that comes to mind are the footpaths in the UK countryside. There is a reason these exist in the UK and not in Canada. Again, it can be explained by the factors mentioned above.
On paper, Canada may seem similar somewhat to the UK, but when you move, you'll discover that the people are different, they think differently, they value different things, they socialize differently, they acquire jobs differently, they plan their cities differently, they build their buildings differently, they shop differently, they eat differently, they style their hair differently, they listen to different music, they consume different media, they socialize differently, and so on.
There used to be a regular to the BE forum, Judy_in_Calgary, a true gem and a wise woman. She used to say, "look at Canada through an anthropological lens". In fact, it may be written in the Wiki under "culture shock". Either way, all I know is that if you look at Canada from your UK-tinted glasses, comparing it to how it is or how it isn't like the UK, but instead start understanding Canada in its own context, you'll likely be a whole lot happier.
Moving to Canada without appreciating the cultural, economic, social, geographical, and historical differences for what they are, rather than what they are not, is key.
Rather than criticize Canada for its differences, understand why those differences from the UK exist. Once you understand why the differences exist, and then accept those differences for what they are, you can adapt, and the differences no longer seem a nuisance or an annoyance.
There's also a lot of ignorance about Canada, and it seems that many fail to truly understand the the societal aspects of Canada before moving, or that this differs from region to region, even within a province.
I think many of the Canadian/UK cultural differences can often be explained from Canada's continental scale vs. the UK's tiny geography, and Canada's tiny population strewn across a vast continent compared to the population density of the UK. Other differences can explained by Canada's natural resource extraction economy and extreme climate, and its short colonial history compared to the UK's thousands of years of modern history. This is a massive oversimplification of course, but all plays a role in these two countries' differences.
One topic that comes to mind are the footpaths in the UK countryside. There is a reason these exist in the UK and not in Canada. Again, it can be explained by the factors mentioned above.
On paper, Canada may seem similar somewhat to the UK, but when you move, you'll discover that the people are different, they think differently, they value different things, they socialize differently, they acquire jobs differently, they plan their cities differently, they build their buildings differently, they shop differently, they eat differently, they style their hair differently, they listen to different music, they consume different media, they socialize differently, and so on.
There used to be a regular to the BE forum, Judy_in_Calgary, a true gem and a wise woman. She used to say, "look at Canada through an anthropological lens". In fact, it may be written in the Wiki under "culture shock". Either way, all I know is that if you look at Canada from your UK-tinted glasses, comparing it to how it is or how it isn't like the UK, but instead start understanding Canada in its own context, you'll likely be a whole lot happier.
I couldn't agree more.
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Culture_Shock-Canada
http://britishexpats.com/wiki/Fitting_into_Canada
Open and accepting attitude
Your transition will be smoother if you have an open mind and accept that day to day things are done differently in Canada.
As anthropologist Wade Davis said, “The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit."
You're an anthropologist
Actually the reference to an anthropologist is a useful one.
You can make things more fun if you view yourself as an anthropologist studying the customs of the native tribe.
Then every request for a double double and a box of timbits can, instead of being a boring nuisance, be an interesting field observation.
Your transition will be smoother if you have an open mind and accept that day to day things are done differently in Canada.
As anthropologist Wade Davis said, “The world in which you were born is just one model of reality. Other cultures are not failed attempts at being you; they are unique manifestations of the human spirit."
You're an anthropologist
Actually the reference to an anthropologist is a useful one.
You can make things more fun if you view yourself as an anthropologist studying the customs of the native tribe.
Then every request for a double double and a box of timbits can, instead of being a boring nuisance, be an interesting field observation.
Apr 14th 2014, 9:18 pm
#107
Oscar nominated
Joined: Jan 2008
Location: Moncton, NB, CANADA
Posts: 50,755
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
Looking for an AWESOME home in the beautiful province of Nova Scotia? Our brand new home complete with far reaching water views could be just what you are looking for
http://propertyguys.com/property/index/id/77033
http://propertyguys.com/property/index/id/77033
Apr 14th 2014, 9:25 pm
#108
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Ontario
Posts: 6,609
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
I struggle to understand the 'we couldn't be outside in the UK because of the weather' I see occasionally on here. We're outside every weekend, no matter what the weathers doing. Do people really not go for a walk or a bike ride just because it's raining? 
I also struggle to see why anybody would pay £135 for Legoland tickets when you can get them for free using Clubcard or Nectar points, or at least get free child & half price adult tickets on one of their frequent promotions. We used to have annual passes as it's only 15 mins from us, never paid a penny to go there though. Every day out we do is either free or heavily discounted (cinema tickets for £1 each tomorrow morning as a prime example).
Heck, in October we're spending a week in Morocco for free courtesy of Clubcard points, you be amazed what you can get with them!
I've only been to NS once and it seemed very nice, but can't imagine there's any more 'outdoorsy' stuff I'd do there than in the UK, or that taking the family out would be cheaper, particularly given the price of eating out there.
There are many arguments for NS I'm sure, but those two aren't convincing me somehow.
I also struggle to see why anybody would pay £135 for Legoland tickets when you can get them for free using Clubcard or Nectar points, or at least get free child & half price adult tickets on one of their frequent promotions. We used to have annual passes as it's only 15 mins from us, never paid a penny to go there though. Every day out we do is either free or heavily discounted (cinema tickets for £1 each tomorrow morning as a prime example).
Heck, in October we're spending a week in Morocco for free courtesy of Clubcard points, you be amazed what you can get with them!
I've only been to NS once and it seemed very nice, but can't imagine there's any more 'outdoorsy' stuff I'd do there than in the UK, or that taking the family out would be cheaper, particularly given the price of eating out there.
There are many arguments for NS I'm sure, but those two aren't convincing me somehow.
Apr 14th 2014, 9:26 pm
#109
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2012
Posts: 223
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
Interesting thread.
As we are currently planning our move to NS, I am always interested in peoples personal experiences of the place, why they were drawn there, and ultimately, what drives them away.
A few of the OP's points are the very same reasons we are leaving Alberta, and as it seems from some of the replies, how a lot of the expats feel about where they currently live.
So, is the problem us expats, who are looking for something that doesn't exist? Or is it just Canada that is boring?
A couple of replies mentioned New Zealand being the same. So it must be the British attitude that's the problem? We do have a long history of traveling to foreign lands and trying to make them as much like Britain as possible. Perhaps we are just never content. We are well known as a race of complainers who love to have something to moan about. How else can so many, living is very different parts of a country so large and diverse, have the same feelings of boredom and complain of having nothing to do.
We are still planning to give NS a go, but my wife and I have decided to give it 2 years, and if either of us have issues or haven't settled, then we move on. That is part of the problem for us here in Calgary, after 6 years, we've been here too long. The first 4 years were great, then we got in a rut and are now bored sh*tless.
Who knows, maybe we will find our paradise in Nova Scotia, we shall just have to find out for ourselves.
Or, perhaps, we have just all got the travel bug, and after making the move from the UK, we just need to keep moving? After all, for us anyway, this is the 5th country we have lived in!
As we are currently planning our move to NS, I am always interested in peoples personal experiences of the place, why they were drawn there, and ultimately, what drives them away.
A few of the OP's points are the very same reasons we are leaving Alberta, and as it seems from some of the replies, how a lot of the expats feel about where they currently live.
So, is the problem us expats, who are looking for something that doesn't exist? Or is it just Canada that is boring?
A couple of replies mentioned New Zealand being the same. So it must be the British attitude that's the problem? We do have a long history of traveling to foreign lands and trying to make them as much like Britain as possible. Perhaps we are just never content. We are well known as a race of complainers who love to have something to moan about. How else can so many, living is very different parts of a country so large and diverse, have the same feelings of boredom and complain of having nothing to do.
We are still planning to give NS a go, but my wife and I have decided to give it 2 years, and if either of us have issues or haven't settled, then we move on. That is part of the problem for us here in Calgary, after 6 years, we've been here too long. The first 4 years were great, then we got in a rut and are now bored sh*tless.
Who knows, maybe we will find our paradise in Nova Scotia, we shall just have to find out for ourselves.
Or, perhaps, we have just all got the travel bug, and after making the move from the UK, we just need to keep moving? After all, for us anyway, this is the 5th country we have lived in!
Last edited by AlmostThere12; Apr 14th 2014 at 9:27 pm. Reason: typo
Apr 14th 2014, 10:20 pm
#110
Scottish Canuck
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Auld Scotia > Nova Scotia > Calgary
Posts: 3,703
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
I think it boils down to this: Canada is not the UK. Canada is Canada. People are bored because Canada is not the UK.
Moving to Canada without appreciating the cultural, economic, social, geographical, and historical differences for what they are, rather than what they are not, is key.
Rather than criticize Canada for its differences, understand why those differences from the UK exist. Once you understand why the differences exist, and then accept those differences for what they are, you can adapt, and the differences no longer seem a nuisance or an annoyance.
There's also a lot of ignorance about Canada, and it seems that many fail to truly understand the the societal aspects of Canada before moving, or that this differs from region to region, even within a province.
I think many of the Canadian/UK cultural differences can often be explained from Canada's continental scale vs. the UK's tiny geography, and Canada's tiny population strewn across a vast continent compared to the population density of the UK. Other differences can explained by Canada's natural resource extraction economy and extreme climate, and its short colonial history compared to the UK's thousands of years of modern history. This is a massive oversimplification of course, but all plays a role in these two countries' differences.
One topic that comes to mind are the footpaths in the UK countryside. There is a reason these exist in the UK and not in Canada. Again, it can be explained by the factors mentioned above.
On paper, Canada may seem similar somewhat to the UK, but when you move, you'll discover that the people are different, they think differently, they value different things, they socialize differently, they acquire jobs differently, they plan their cities differently, they build their buildings differently, they shop differently, they eat differently, they style their hair differently, they listen to different music, they consume different media, they socialize differently, and so on.
There used to be a regular to the BE forum, Judy_in_Calgary, a true gem and a wise woman. She used to say, "look at Canada through an anthropological lens". In fact, it may be written in the Wiki under "culture shock". Either way, all I know is that if you look at Canada from "UK-tinted glasses", comparing it to how it is or how it isn't like the UK, but instead start understanding Canada in its own context, you'll likely be a whole lot happier.
Moving to Canada without appreciating the cultural, economic, social, geographical, and historical differences for what they are, rather than what they are not, is key.
Rather than criticize Canada for its differences, understand why those differences from the UK exist. Once you understand why the differences exist, and then accept those differences for what they are, you can adapt, and the differences no longer seem a nuisance or an annoyance.
There's also a lot of ignorance about Canada, and it seems that many fail to truly understand the the societal aspects of Canada before moving, or that this differs from region to region, even within a province.
I think many of the Canadian/UK cultural differences can often be explained from Canada's continental scale vs. the UK's tiny geography, and Canada's tiny population strewn across a vast continent compared to the population density of the UK. Other differences can explained by Canada's natural resource extraction economy and extreme climate, and its short colonial history compared to the UK's thousands of years of modern history. This is a massive oversimplification of course, but all plays a role in these two countries' differences.
One topic that comes to mind are the footpaths in the UK countryside. There is a reason these exist in the UK and not in Canada. Again, it can be explained by the factors mentioned above.
On paper, Canada may seem similar somewhat to the UK, but when you move, you'll discover that the people are different, they think differently, they value different things, they socialize differently, they acquire jobs differently, they plan their cities differently, they build their buildings differently, they shop differently, they eat differently, they style their hair differently, they listen to different music, they consume different media, they socialize differently, and so on.
There used to be a regular to the BE forum, Judy_in_Calgary, a true gem and a wise woman. She used to say, "look at Canada through an anthropological lens". In fact, it may be written in the Wiki under "culture shock". Either way, all I know is that if you look at Canada from "UK-tinted glasses", comparing it to how it is or how it isn't like the UK, but instead start understanding Canada in its own context, you'll likely be a whole lot happier.
Apr 14th 2014, 10:21 pm
#111
Account Closed
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 0
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
What a shame.
I do like that things are divided up between the provinces because I think with such a big country each area is going to know what's best for it's people, but I see no reason why tax can't be equal then distributed between the provinces based on their population needs
I do like that things are divided up between the provinces because I think with such a big country each area is going to know what's best for it's people, but I see no reason why tax can't be equal then distributed between the provinces based on their population needs
Apr 14th 2014, 10:28 pm
#112
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 1,371
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
Don't underestimate the continental scale of Canada. It's easier to think of national unity in Canada functioning more like the unity of the European Union rather than at a European country level. Canada's provinces often function like separate countries, and it makes sense: Canada is geographically larger than Europe, with its own distinct regional economies and histories.
Last edited by Lychee; Apr 14th 2014 at 10:33 pm.
Apr 14th 2014, 10:34 pm
#114
Happy
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,942
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
I struggle to understand the 'we couldn't be outside in the UK because of the weather' I see occasionally on here. We're outside every weekend, no matter what the weathers doing. Do people really not go for a walk or a bike ride just because it's raining?
I also struggle to see why anybody would pay £135 for Legoland tickets when you can get them for free using Clubcard or Nectar points, or at least get free child & half price adult tickets on one of their frequent promotions. We used to have annual passes as it's only 15 mins from us, never paid a penny to go there though. Every day out we do is either free or heavily discounted (cinema tickets for £1 each tomorrow morning as a prime example).
Heck, in October we're spending a week in Morocco for free courtesy of Clubcard points, you be amazed what you can get with them!
I've only been to NS once and it seemed very nice, but can't imagine there's any more 'outdoorsy' stuff I'd do there than in the UK, or that taking the family out would be cheaper, particularly given the price of eating out there.
There are many arguments for NS I'm sure, but those two aren't convincing me somehow.
I also struggle to see why anybody would pay £135 for Legoland tickets when you can get them for free using Clubcard or Nectar points, or at least get free child & half price adult tickets on one of their frequent promotions. We used to have annual passes as it's only 15 mins from us, never paid a penny to go there though. Every day out we do is either free or heavily discounted (cinema tickets for £1 each tomorrow morning as a prime example).
Heck, in October we're spending a week in Morocco for free courtesy of Clubcard points, you be amazed what you can get with them!
I've only been to NS once and it seemed very nice, but can't imagine there's any more 'outdoorsy' stuff I'd do there than in the UK, or that taking the family out would be cheaper, particularly given the price of eating out there.
There are many arguments for NS I'm sure, but those two aren't convincing me somehow.
Apr 14th 2014, 10:50 pm
#115
Scottish Canuck
Joined: Aug 2006
Location: Auld Scotia > Nova Scotia > Calgary
Posts: 3,703
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
As a dog owner, I dislike rain big time
Apr 14th 2014, 10:50 pm
#116
Joined: Feb 2006
Location: Red Deer, Alberta
Posts: 10,612
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
I don't think there is anything wrong with moving on, if the place you move to isn't quite right. Some people are happy to stay in the village they were born in, doing the job their parents did, some people want more. Some people love their new adoptive homes, some don't, some return to where they moved from as they realise what they wanted was there all along or maybe the spouse was doing ut to please their OH but couldn't live with it, some try another area for a multitude of reasons.
For quite a few years we were really happy here, after my parents in laws sudden deaths, my OH struggled mentally and his frustration with the length of winter grew and grew to the point where we both know we have to move on, the thought of being old in Alberta scares me. The depths of peoples feelings are hard to portray on a forum. For us our dreams when we emigrated have not been fulfilled, they are just taking longer to realise. We have realised they won't happen in Alberta where everyone thinks because you live in Alberta you have oil money. After a bit of googling, Red Deer now has a average house price of $400k, whereas in 2005 it was around $250k wages haven't gone up at the same rate.
For quite a few years we were really happy here, after my parents in laws sudden deaths, my OH struggled mentally and his frustration with the length of winter grew and grew to the point where we both know we have to move on, the thought of being old in Alberta scares me. The depths of peoples feelings are hard to portray on a forum. For us our dreams when we emigrated have not been fulfilled, they are just taking longer to realise. We have realised they won't happen in Alberta where everyone thinks because you live in Alberta you have oil money. After a bit of googling, Red Deer now has a average house price of $400k, whereas in 2005 it was around $250k wages haven't gone up at the same rate.
Apr 14th 2014, 10:52 pm
#117
Nova Scotia
Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Alberta, Canada
Posts: 621
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
I don't think there is anything wrong with moving on, if the place you move to isn't quite right. Some people are happy to stay in the village they were born in, doing the job their parents did, some people want more. Some people love their new adoptive homes, some don't, some return to where they moved from as they realise what they wanted was there all along or maybe the spouse was doing ut to please their OH but couldn't live with it, some try another area for a multitude of reasons.
For quite a few years we were really happy here, after my parents in laws sudden deaths, my OH struggled mentally and his frustration with the length of winter grew and grew to the point where we both know we have to move on, the thought of being old in Alberta scares me. The depths of peoples feelings are hard to portray on a forum. For us our dreams when we emigrated have not been fulfilled, they are just taking longer to realise. We have realised they won't happen in Alberta where everyone thinks because you live in Alberta you have oil money. After a bit of googling, Red Deer now has a average house price of $400k, whereas in 2005 it was around $250k wages haven't gone up at the same rate.
For quite a few years we were really happy here, after my parents in laws sudden deaths, my OH struggled mentally and his frustration with the length of winter grew and grew to the point where we both know we have to move on, the thought of being old in Alberta scares me. The depths of peoples feelings are hard to portray on a forum. For us our dreams when we emigrated have not been fulfilled, they are just taking longer to realise. We have realised they won't happen in Alberta where everyone thinks because you live in Alberta you have oil money. After a bit of googling, Red Deer now has a average house price of $400k, whereas in 2005 it was around $250k wages haven't gone up at the same rate.
Apr 14th 2014, 10:52 pm
#118
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Nov 2013
Location: ontario
Posts: 79
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
I don't think there is anything wrong with moving on, if the place you move to isn't quite right. Some people are happy to stay in the village they were born in, doing the job their parents did, some people want more. Some people love their new adoptive homes, some don't, some return to where they moved from as they realise what they wanted was there all along or maybe the spouse was doing ut to please their OH but couldn't live with it, some try another area for a multitude of reasons.
For quite a few years we were really happy here, after my parents in laws sudden deaths, my OH struggled mentally and his frustration with the length of winter grew and grew to the point where we both know we have to move on, the thought of being old in Alberta scares me. The depths of peoples feelings are hard to portray on a forum. For us our dreams when we emigrated have not been fulfilled, they are just taking longer to realise. We have realised they won't happen in Alberta where everyone thinks because you live in Alberta you have oil money. After a bit of googling, Red Deer now has a average house price of $400k, whereas in 2005 it was around $250k wages haven't gone up at the same rate.
For quite a few years we were really happy here, after my parents in laws sudden deaths, my OH struggled mentally and his frustration with the length of winter grew and grew to the point where we both know we have to move on, the thought of being old in Alberta scares me. The depths of peoples feelings are hard to portray on a forum. For us our dreams when we emigrated have not been fulfilled, they are just taking longer to realise. We have realised they won't happen in Alberta where everyone thinks because you live in Alberta you have oil money. After a bit of googling, Red Deer now has a average house price of $400k, whereas in 2005 it was around $250k wages haven't gone up at the same rate.
Apr 14th 2014, 10:55 pm
#119
Happy
Joined: Feb 2009
Location: Nova Scotia
Posts: 2,942
Re: Nova Scotia is sucking the life out of me!
I don't think there is anything wrong with moving on, if the place you move to isn't quite right. Some people are happy to stay in the village they were born in, doing the job their parents did, some people want more. Some people love their new adoptive homes, some don't, some return to where they moved from as they realise what they wanted was there all along or maybe the spouse was doing ut to please their OH but couldn't live with it, some try another area for a multitude of reasons.
For quite a few years we were really happy here, after my parents in laws sudden deaths, my OH struggled mentally and his frustration with the length of winter grew and grew to the point where we both know we have to move on, the thought of being old in Alberta scares me. The depths of peoples feelings are hard to portray on a forum. For us our dreams when we emigrated have not been fulfilled, they are just taking longer to realise. We have realised they won't happen in Alberta where everyone thinks because you live in Alberta you have oil money. After a bit of googling, Red Deer now has a average house price of $400k, whereas in 2005 it was around $250k wages haven't gone up at the same rate.
For quite a few years we were really happy here, after my parents in laws sudden deaths, my OH struggled mentally and his frustration with the length of winter grew and grew to the point where we both know we have to move on, the thought of being old in Alberta scares me. The depths of peoples feelings are hard to portray on a forum. For us our dreams when we emigrated have not been fulfilled, they are just taking longer to realise. We have realised they won't happen in Alberta where everyone thinks because you live in Alberta you have oil money. After a bit of googling, Red Deer now has a average house price of $400k, whereas in 2005 it was around $250k wages haven't gone up at the same rate.
Apr 14th 2014, 10:57 pm
#120
Born again atheist
Joined: Jul 2005
Location: Europe (to be specified).
Posts: 30,259
