This is a difficult thread to define, but I'll do my best.

My experience of Canada is as follows:

Months 1 to 6 - Canada is wonderful.

Months 7 to 24 - the Canadian dream is a crock, you'd be nuts to come here.

Months 25 to 36 - OK, so that's how you do it, life is pretty good after all, I've either got brain damage or I'm getting to like the place.

Does that mirror your feelings if you have been through the process already?

My experience of Canada is as follows:

Months 1 to 8 - Canada is wonderful.

Months 8 to 12 – Bloody hell its cold here.

Months 12 to 26 – I’m starting to understand these Canadians but I don’t agree with all of their ways of working… But….

Months 27 to 44 - Back to the UK for Better Job…. Back into the high speed life style…

Months 45 to 57 - And then back to Canada for an even better Job with a much more balanced view of the whole scheme…
Neither side is right or better.. each has its set of pro’s and con’s…

And now I can see it much clearer.. just a practical view of it all now, and real costs of living to compare…

"Neither side is right or better.. each has its set of pro’s and con’s…"

Well said - that is exactly how it is!

Doesn't that have a repetetive pattern (except when you were in the UK)?

Not any more.. I have the Kamlic boots that are good down to -40C I have the full Canadian parka... the Ice pants, Full fleece underwear...etc

Went out for a stroll in -30 this winter and was warm...

Your ears must be freezing 'cause you forgot to mention the toque

Nope I have one of those russian army style hats with the side flaps but I've no idea what its called....

But the parka has a wolf fur lined hood that I use if it gets really windy

I've been out running at -34C - thermal balaclava, ski goggles, fleece gloves, etc - couldn't believe that the people I said hello to on warmer days still recognised me when I waved to them!

Now, that's how you get warm at below -30C - maybe this year I'll try snowshoeing

Perhaps they thought that you looked so odd they didn't want to let on that they didn't know you?