Our first year in Calgary.
Jun 7th 2007 | 3:02 am
#1
Thread Starter
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,480
From: Calgary
Our first year in Calgary.
After deliberately making ourselves homeless and jobless, we arrived in Calgary with just a couple of suit cases a year ago today. Stepping off the plane and into our new lives we felt a little trepidatious but excited about what lay ahead. The first few days we rushed about in a bit of a daze, a bit of jet lag and a bit of amazement we were actually here in Canada ; oh and exhausted after an endless round of farewell parties in London. I think the magnitude of what we had done hit home on the first night when I was going to sleep, I thought "OMG what have we done! We have nothing but a bit of cash in bank and the clothes in the suitcase and don't know anyone in the whole of Canada other than each other, " a daunting thought. 
For accommodation, we were lucky and found a great little place to rent in Kensington, walking distance to down town. We found finding employment easy and did not encounter any problems with our UK qualifications, I found a job in three weeks and my husband found a job in five weeks . However, I will be transferring my qualifications in the future, to the Canadian equivalent. Calgary job market was definitely booming and there seems a lot on offer, so we were VERY lucky. I have a view of the mountains from my office and I am fortunate to work with a really friendly bunch of people, who made me feel welcome from the start.
The first year has definitely flown by. The first few months I had the usual immigrant moan, about the not finding certain products, the overall culture shock and hankering after a good curry, but I soon got over it. Every place has it faults.
We spent the summer 06 exploring the new city and marvelled at the mountains that lay just 50 mins drive away. We were pleasantly surprised by the heat that the summer brought and equally impressed with thunderstorms that followed. We have hiked up mountains, white water rafted and drove down dirt tracks exploring the endless wilderness, that the Rockies has to offer. When September arrived we moved into our first house. Then the snow arrived and we hit the slopes. What a season, we have managed to get up to the slopes most weekends bar a few, due to injury. The Alberta blue skies and those mountains have just looked spectacular
and have left me speechless on many occasion (which is a rare thing). 
I have found the Canadians a generally friendly bunch, but have found it easier to form relationships with those that have moved to Calgary, as they understand what its like. As time moves on it also becomes easier to relate, I think I am becoming more "Canadianised". We have also met a few Brits off here, a great bunch to hang out with, thanks you lot.
Has it all been worth it? For me personally it has been a rewarding year. Stepping out of that comfortable box I called my life and stepping into the unknown has been a good mental exercise . The past 12 months have been refreshing and I have learnt and experienced a lot.
Leaving the rat race of London has meant we are less stressed and altogether much happier people.
We are both thankful that we have been so fortunate, as we have read many story about peoples struggles.
What does does the future hold, who knows we are enjoying the here and now.
This site is a great source of information, it has its ups and downs, but I really do hope it keeps going. GOOD LUCK to all about to make the leap
For accommodation, we were lucky and found a great little place to rent in Kensington, walking distance to down town. We found finding employment easy and did not encounter any problems with our UK qualifications, I found a job in three weeks and my husband found a job in five weeks . However, I will be transferring my qualifications in the future, to the Canadian equivalent. Calgary job market was definitely booming and there seems a lot on offer, so we were VERY lucky. I have a view of the mountains from my office and I am fortunate to work with a really friendly bunch of people, who made me feel welcome from the start.
The first year has definitely flown by. The first few months I had the usual immigrant moan, about the not finding certain products, the overall culture shock and hankering after a good curry, but I soon got over it. Every place has it faults.
We spent the summer 06 exploring the new city and marvelled at the mountains that lay just 50 mins drive away. We were pleasantly surprised by the heat that the summer brought and equally impressed with thunderstorms that followed. We have hiked up mountains, white water rafted and drove down dirt tracks exploring the endless wilderness, that the Rockies has to offer. When September arrived we moved into our first house. Then the snow arrived and we hit the slopes. What a season, we have managed to get up to the slopes most weekends bar a few, due to injury. The Alberta blue skies and those mountains have just looked spectacular
and have left me speechless on many occasion (which is a rare thing). I have found the Canadians a generally friendly bunch, but have found it easier to form relationships with those that have moved to Calgary, as they understand what its like. As time moves on it also becomes easier to relate, I think I am becoming more "Canadianised". We have also met a few Brits off here, a great bunch to hang out with, thanks you lot.
Has it all been worth it? For me personally it has been a rewarding year. Stepping out of that comfortable box I called my life and stepping into the unknown has been a good mental exercise . The past 12 months have been refreshing and I have learnt and experienced a lot.
Leaving the rat race of London has meant we are less stressed and altogether much happier people.
We are both thankful that we have been so fortunate, as we have read many story about peoples struggles.
What does does the future hold, who knows we are enjoying the here and now.
This site is a great source of information, it has its ups and downs, but I really do hope it keeps going. GOOD LUCK to all about to make the leap
Jun 7th 2007 | 3:35 am
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 526
From: Okotoks, Alberta
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
Hi
I enjoyed reading your post and hearing about what a good year you have had. It is encouraging to those of us still to arrive!
Lisa
I enjoyed reading your post and hearing about what a good year you have had. It is encouraging to those of us still to arrive!
Lisa
Jun 7th 2007 | 4:14 am
#3
Account Closed
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 288
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
Great post, glad to hear its all working out so well and you are enjoying life. Makes all the waiting worthwhile.
Jun 7th 2007 | 4:21 am
#4
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 272
From: Down South
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
After deliberately making ourselves homeless and jobless, we arrived in Calgary with just a couple of suit cases a year ago today. Stepping off the plane and into our new lives we felt a little trepidatious but excited about what lay ahead. The first few days we rushed about in a bit of a daze, a bit of jet lag and a bit of amazement we were actually here in Canada ; oh and exhausted after an endless round of farewell parties in London. I think the magnitude of what we had done hit home on the first night when I was going to sleep, I thought "OMG what have we done! We have nothing but a bit of cash in bank and the clothes in the suitcase and don't know anyone in the whole of Canada other than each other, " a daunting thought.
For accommodation, we were lucky and found a great little place to rent in Kensington, walking distance to down town. We found finding employment easy and did not encounter any problems with our UK qualifications, I found a job in three weeks and my husband found a job in five weeks . However, I will be transferring my qualifications in the future, to the Canadian equivalent. Calgary job market was definitely booming and there seems a lot on offer, so we were VERY lucky. I have a view of the mountains from my office and I am fortunate to work with a really friendly bunch of people, who made me feel welcome from the start.
The first year has definitely flown by. The first few months I had the usual immigrant moan, about the not finding certain products, the overall culture shock and hankering after a good curry, but I soon got over it. Every place has it faults.
We spent the summer 06 exploring the new city and marvelled at the mountains that lay just 50 mins drive away. We were pleasantly surprised by the heat that the summer brought and equally impressed with thunderstorms that followed. We have hiked up mountains, white water rafted and drove down dirt tracks exploring the endless wilderness, that the Rockies has to offer. When September arrived we moved into our first house. Then the snow arrived and we hit the slopes. What a season, we have managed to get up to the slopes most weekends bar a few, due to injury. The Alberta blue skies and those mountains have just looked spectacular and have left me speechless on many occasion (which is a rare thing).
I have found the Canadians a generally friendly bunch, but have found it easier to form relationships with those that have moved to Calgary, as they understand what its like. As time moves on it also becomes easier to relate, I think I am becoming more "Canadianised". We have also met a few Brits off here, a great bunch to hang out with, thanks you lot.
Has it all been worth it? For me personally it has been a rewarding year. Stepping out of that comfortable box I called my life and stepping into the unknown has been a good mental exercise . The past 12 months have been refreshing and I have learnt and experienced a lot.
Leaving the rat race of London has meant we are less stressed and altogether much happier people.
We are both thankful that we have been so fortunate, as we have read many story about peoples struggles.
What does does the future hold, who knows we are enjoying the here and now.
This site is a great source of information, it has its ups and downs, but I really do hope it keeps going. GOOD LUCK to all about to make the leap
For accommodation, we were lucky and found a great little place to rent in Kensington, walking distance to down town. We found finding employment easy and did not encounter any problems with our UK qualifications, I found a job in three weeks and my husband found a job in five weeks . However, I will be transferring my qualifications in the future, to the Canadian equivalent. Calgary job market was definitely booming and there seems a lot on offer, so we were VERY lucky. I have a view of the mountains from my office and I am fortunate to work with a really friendly bunch of people, who made me feel welcome from the start.
The first year has definitely flown by. The first few months I had the usual immigrant moan, about the not finding certain products, the overall culture shock and hankering after a good curry, but I soon got over it. Every place has it faults.
We spent the summer 06 exploring the new city and marvelled at the mountains that lay just 50 mins drive away. We were pleasantly surprised by the heat that the summer brought and equally impressed with thunderstorms that followed. We have hiked up mountains, white water rafted and drove down dirt tracks exploring the endless wilderness, that the Rockies has to offer. When September arrived we moved into our first house. Then the snow arrived and we hit the slopes. What a season, we have managed to get up to the slopes most weekends bar a few, due to injury. The Alberta blue skies and those mountains have just looked spectacular
and have left me speechless on many occasion (which is a rare thing). I have found the Canadians a generally friendly bunch, but have found it easier to form relationships with those that have moved to Calgary, as they understand what its like. As time moves on it also becomes easier to relate, I think I am becoming more "Canadianised". We have also met a few Brits off here, a great bunch to hang out with, thanks you lot.
Has it all been worth it? For me personally it has been a rewarding year. Stepping out of that comfortable box I called my life and stepping into the unknown has been a good mental exercise . The past 12 months have been refreshing and I have learnt and experienced a lot.
Leaving the rat race of London has meant we are less stressed and altogether much happier people.
We are both thankful that we have been so fortunate, as we have read many story about peoples struggles.
What does does the future hold, who knows we are enjoying the here and now.
This site is a great source of information, it has its ups and downs, but I really do hope it keeps going. GOOD LUCK to all about to make the leap
The best of luck to you.
Jun 7th 2007 | 4:28 am
#5
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 10,630
From: Red Deer, Alberta
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
Smelly, I'm glad your 1st year has been so successful - I hope your consecutive years are just as good.
Jun 7th 2007 | 4:31 am
#6
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 681
From: Sherwood Park, Alberta
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
After deliberately making ourselves homeless and jobless, we arrived in Calgary with just a couple of suit cases a year ago today. Stepping off the plane and into our new lives we felt a little trepidatious but excited about what lay ahead. The first few days we rushed about in a bit of a daze, a bit of jet lag and a bit of amazement we were actually here in Canada ; oh and exhausted after an endless round of farewell parties in London. I think the magnitude of what we had done hit home on the first night when I was going to sleep, I thought "OMG what have we done! We have nothing but a bit of cash in bank and the clothes in the suitcase and don't know anyone in the whole of Canada other than each other, " a daunting thought.
For accommodation, we were lucky and found a great little place to rent in Kensington, walking distance to down town. We found finding employment easy and did not encounter any problems with our UK qualifications, I found a job in three weeks and my husband found a job in five weeks . However, I will be transferring my qualifications in the future, to the Canadian equivalent. Calgary job market was definitely booming and there seems a lot on offer, so we were VERY lucky. I have a view of the mountains from my office and I am fortunate to work with a really friendly bunch of people, who made me feel welcome from the start.
The first year has definitely flown by. The first few months I had the usual immigrant moan, about the not finding certain products, the overall culture shock and hankering after a good curry, but I soon got over it. Every place has it faults.
We spent the summer 06 exploring the new city and marvelled at the mountains that lay just 50 mins drive away. We were pleasantly surprised by the heat that the summer brought and equally impressed with thunderstorms that followed. We have hiked up mountains, white water rafted and drove down dirt tracks exploring the endless wilderness, that the Rockies has to offer. When September arrived we moved into our first house. Then the snow arrived and we hit the slopes. What a season, we have managed to get up to the slopes most weekends bar a few, due to injury. The Alberta blue skies and those mountains have just looked spectacular and have left me speechless on many occasion (which is a rare thing).
I have found the Canadians a generally friendly bunch, but have found it easier to form relationships with those that have moved to Calgary, as they understand what its like. As time moves on it also becomes easier to relate, I think I am becoming more "Canadianised". We have also met a few Brits off here, a great bunch to hang out with, thanks you lot.
Has it all been worth it? For me personally it has been a rewarding year. Stepping out of that comfortable box I called my life and stepping into the unknown has been a good mental exercise . The past 12 months have been refreshing and I have learnt and experienced a lot.
Leaving the rat race of London has meant we are less stressed and altogether much happier people.
We are both thankful that we have been so fortunate, as we have read many story about peoples struggles.
What does does the future hold, who knows we are enjoying the here and now.
This site is a great source of information, it has its ups and downs, but I really do hope it keeps going. GOOD LUCK to all about to make the leap
For accommodation, we were lucky and found a great little place to rent in Kensington, walking distance to down town. We found finding employment easy and did not encounter any problems with our UK qualifications, I found a job in three weeks and my husband found a job in five weeks . However, I will be transferring my qualifications in the future, to the Canadian equivalent. Calgary job market was definitely booming and there seems a lot on offer, so we were VERY lucky. I have a view of the mountains from my office and I am fortunate to work with a really friendly bunch of people, who made me feel welcome from the start.
The first year has definitely flown by. The first few months I had the usual immigrant moan, about the not finding certain products, the overall culture shock and hankering after a good curry, but I soon got over it. Every place has it faults.
We spent the summer 06 exploring the new city and marvelled at the mountains that lay just 50 mins drive away. We were pleasantly surprised by the heat that the summer brought and equally impressed with thunderstorms that followed. We have hiked up mountains, white water rafted and drove down dirt tracks exploring the endless wilderness, that the Rockies has to offer. When September arrived we moved into our first house. Then the snow arrived and we hit the slopes. What a season, we have managed to get up to the slopes most weekends bar a few, due to injury. The Alberta blue skies and those mountains have just looked spectacular
and have left me speechless on many occasion (which is a rare thing). I have found the Canadians a generally friendly bunch, but have found it easier to form relationships with those that have moved to Calgary, as they understand what its like. As time moves on it also becomes easier to relate, I think I am becoming more "Canadianised". We have also met a few Brits off here, a great bunch to hang out with, thanks you lot.
Has it all been worth it? For me personally it has been a rewarding year. Stepping out of that comfortable box I called my life and stepping into the unknown has been a good mental exercise . The past 12 months have been refreshing and I have learnt and experienced a lot.
Leaving the rat race of London has meant we are less stressed and altogether much happier people.
We are both thankful that we have been so fortunate, as we have read many story about peoples struggles.
What does does the future hold, who knows we are enjoying the here and now.
This site is a great source of information, it has its ups and downs, but I really do hope it keeps going. GOOD LUCK to all about to make the leap
Jun 7th 2007 | 5:02 am
#7
GO FLAMES GO!!!!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 571
From: Calgary eh?!
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
Great to hear another positive experience. Can't believe you have been here a whole year already! Time just flies doesn't it?
I hope you continue to enjoy your new life and all that Calgary has to offer.
I hope you continue to enjoy your new life and all that Calgary has to offer.
Jun 7th 2007 | 5:27 am
#8
Forum Regular
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 39
From: Aberdeenshire
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
Exellent post, we are looking at Calgary as our possible destination, so it's good to hear of people who have made a good move there.
Looking forward to our recce trip next year, all booked, can't wait to see it for ourselves.!!
Looking forward to our recce trip next year, all booked, can't wait to see it for ourselves.!!
Jun 7th 2007 | 5:33 am
#9
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 15,883
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
Congratulations my dear on your first Caniversary.
Next step complete assimilation.
Steve
Next step complete assimilation.
Steve
Jun 7th 2007 | 5:39 am
#10
Now on Vancouver Island
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 6,935
From: Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
Congratulations, smelly. Well done.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Jun 7th 2007 | 5:45 am
#11
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 1,212
From: NS
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
Thanks for sharing with us how your 1st year in Canada - glad it's all gone well for you.
Arris
Arris
Jun 7th 2007 | 7:45 am
#12
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,710
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
great post- thanks for talking us through your year!
Gryph
Gryph
Jun 7th 2007 | 8:24 am
#13
Forum Regular
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 299
From: Arnhem, Netherlands
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
Great Post....
We arrived in Calgary in May last year...Little less nervous probably because my hubby is Canadian and we had spent a lot of time here...However, still not sure if we were doing the right thing long term....One year on and we love it....As a city Calgary has so much going on for kiddies - we have two...The weather is tough to take but as I always try to remember if the weather was great everyone would be here and then it wouldn't be the place it is!!!!! Glass is half full or what!!!
Anyway, I'm really glad your experience has been as positive as ours has been...Alll the best for the next year...
Leepee
We arrived in Calgary in May last year...Little less nervous probably because my hubby is Canadian and we had spent a lot of time here...However, still not sure if we were doing the right thing long term....One year on and we love it....As a city Calgary has so much going on for kiddies - we have two...The weather is tough to take but as I always try to remember if the weather was great everyone would be here and then it wouldn't be the place it is!!!!! Glass is half full or what!!!
Anyway, I'm really glad your experience has been as positive as ours has been...Alll the best for the next year...
Leepee
Jun 7th 2007 | 10:08 am
#14
Scottish Canuck
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 3,703
From: Auld Scotia > Nova Scotia > Calgary
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
Great post Smelly. Good to hear that you have well and truly settled in and enjoying your new life in Alberta.
It's nice that you are travelling around too, experiencing the great outdoors. You don't have to travel that far either for spectacular scenery.
Life is for living
It's nice that you are travelling around too, experiencing the great outdoors. You don't have to travel that far either for spectacular scenery.
Life is for living
Jun 7th 2007 | 4:13 pm
#15
little snowy owl
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,921
Re: Our first year in Calgary.
WOW, a year already?!!! Hasn't it just flown by!!!
