We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
Sep 20th 2008, 6:41 am
#46
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Joined: Feb 2007
Location: Okotoks, Alberta
Posts: 1,639
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
Just reading about everyone's experience is so heartwarming, we are moving to Vancouver May 2009, we originally wanted to settle in Calgary but hubby was offered a job in Vancouver, who knows we may still come to Calgary at a later date 
I've been through every emotion possible since hubby has had his job offer and we know the move is definitely on, there are times when I want to bury my head and not go at all, but from reading all your posts makes me determined we will make the move and I know we wont regret it.
Now will someone please hold my hand and make all these big decisions for me
I've been through every emotion possible since hubby has had his job offer and we know the move is definitely on, there are times when I want to bury my head and not go at all, but from reading all your posts makes me determined we will make the move and I know we wont regret it.
Now will someone please hold my hand and make all these big decisions for me
Best wishes,
Eamonn & Janet.
Sep 20th 2008, 6:58 am
#47
I'm here somewhere
Joined: Sep 2008
Location: Boston, Lincs
Posts: 55
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
Hi guys,
I never thought it possible to go through all these emotions within a 24 hour period.
Although I'm married with 2 kids I still feel like a little girl and shouldn't be making such big decisions, but thank you for your virtual helping hands, I'm sure we'll be fine too, just a bit scary thinking about a whole new way of life.
Laura x
Sep 20th 2008, 9:00 am
#48
has got PPR yay baby !!!!
Joined: Dec 2005
Location: cambridge ON , but originally ...otley, west yorks
Posts: 518
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
congratulatiuons on moving to calgary , we love it there 
Sep 21st 2008, 1:52 am
#49
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Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Calgary
Posts: 230
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
Hi guys,
I never thought it possible to go through all these emotions within a 24 hour period.
Although I'm married with 2 kids I still feel like a little girl and shouldn't be making such big decisions, but thank you for your virtual helping hands, I'm sure we'll be fine too, just a bit scary thinking about a whole new way of life.
Laura x
I never thought it possible to go through all these emotions within a 24 hour period.
Although I'm married with 2 kids I still feel like a little girl and shouldn't be making such big decisions, but thank you for your virtual helping hands, I'm sure we'll be fine too, just a bit scary thinking about a whole new way of life.
Laura x
Rachel
Sep 21st 2008, 3:51 am
#50
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Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Calgary
Posts: 308
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
Welcome to Calgary!! We've been here nearly a month now - unbelievably! We've been surprised at how settled we feel already - although I still like my Tomtom by my side - just in case! :-)
Have had no trouble finding tinned toms either - Superstore have plenty! Diced, whole or crushed -whatever takes your fancy! They also stock small pots of Marmite!
About the only thing I'd warn Brits about is that pedestrians take priority here -some don't even look when they cross the roads at the Malls. It's not an issue (personally I think it's how it should be) but you need to be aware, especially if you've come from London -where you take life into your own hands as a pedestrian & cars definitely rule the roads!!
I've started my job & I think I'm going to be just fine there. The kids are loving school & have loads of friends already - even the teen!!
All in all it's a move we're glad we made & it's certainly been good for the kids - they spend so much time at the parks & out with they're mates that the computer & Playstation have almost collected dust! I'm sure they'll get more attention when the weather comes in though!
Have had no trouble finding tinned toms either - Superstore have plenty! Diced, whole or crushed -whatever takes your fancy! They also stock small pots of Marmite!
About the only thing I'd warn Brits about is that pedestrians take priority here -some don't even look when they cross the roads at the Malls. It's not an issue (personally I think it's how it should be) but you need to be aware, especially if you've come from London -where you take life into your own hands as a pedestrian & cars definitely rule the roads!!
I've started my job & I think I'm going to be just fine there. The kids are loving school & have loads of friends already - even the teen!!
All in all it's a move we're glad we made & it's certainly been good for the kids - they spend so much time at the parks & out with they're mates that the computer & Playstation have almost collected dust! I'm sure they'll get more attention when the weather comes in though!
Sep 21st 2008, 5:45 pm
#51
Forum Regular
Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Calgary
Posts: 230
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
Welcome to Calgary!! We've been here nearly a month now - unbelievably! We've been surprised at how settled we feel already - although I still like my Tomtom by my side - just in case! :-)
Have had no trouble finding tinned toms either - Superstore have plenty! Diced, whole or crushed -whatever takes your fancy! They also stock small pots of Marmite!
About the only thing I'd warn Brits about is that pedestrians take priority here -some don't even look when they cross the roads at the Malls. It's not an issue (personally I think it's how it should be) but you need to be aware, especially if you've come from London -where you take life into your own hands as a pedestrian & cars definitely rule the roads!!
I've started my job & I think I'm going to be just fine there. The kids are loving school & have loads of friends already - even the teen!!
All in all it's a move we're glad we made & it's certainly been good for the kids - they spend so much time at the parks & out with they're mates that the computer & Playstation have almost collected dust! I'm sure they'll get more attention when the weather comes in though!
Have had no trouble finding tinned toms either - Superstore have plenty! Diced, whole or crushed -whatever takes your fancy! They also stock small pots of Marmite!
About the only thing I'd warn Brits about is that pedestrians take priority here -some don't even look when they cross the roads at the Malls. It's not an issue (personally I think it's how it should be) but you need to be aware, especially if you've come from London -where you take life into your own hands as a pedestrian & cars definitely rule the roads!!
I've started my job & I think I'm going to be just fine there. The kids are loving school & have loads of friends already - even the teen!!
All in all it's a move we're glad we made & it's certainly been good for the kids - they spend so much time at the parks & out with they're mates that the computer & Playstation have almost collected dust! I'm sure they'll get more attention when the weather comes in though!
Sep 21st 2008, 6:30 pm
#52
Forum Regular
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Basingstoke
Posts: 56
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
I have sent you an email on the address you gave me.
Oh BTW I have had a TomTom 910 for a couple of years which has multiple maps inc US/Canada. I have not used it over there as yet but can see its potential ... the only issue i ever had with it was well..erm... a couple of maps got deleted by accident
and as it doesnt come with a cd the only way to get hem back is sending the unit off to the manufacturer. Oh well I wasnt going to Uganda or the Canary Islands anyway 
Sep 21st 2008, 11:45 pm
#53
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Joined: Feb 2008
Location: St Margarets Bay, Nova Scotia
Posts: 361
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
Sorry for the late reply, don't seem to have as much time to be on the computer recently.
We arrived in Calgary about 8 weeks ago, and moved into Royal oak about 5 weeks ago. We love Calgary and find the NW a very nice place to be, very peaceful and quiet. We had originaly looked to stay in Tuscany, but found having two cats a problem for renting, and the house we settled for in Royal Oak was the first one we looked at outside Tuscany. We have landed lucky and got a good rental deal on the house we are in, so it seems it was meant to be. And best of all, I am only 15 mins from work!
Oct 23rd 2008, 2:10 am
#55
Just Joined
Joined: Oct 2008
Location: Sylvan Lake
Posts: 12
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
[QUOTE=amardan;6787671]Hi expats
Hi there
\glad you are settled and are liking Calgary. We are from Cumbria UK and have living in Canada for over 7yrs now,and are loking at moving your way. My husband works in Calgary and at the moment commutes from Sylvan lake.He has done this for 2yrs,but is getting tired of the drive. So we are looking for a newish area on the out skirts of Calgary,with large lots.Any suggestions please?
do you have any children?
we have an 11yr old boy.
is there lots to do ?
sharon
Hi there
\glad you are settled and are liking Calgary. We are from Cumbria UK and have living in Canada for over 7yrs now,and are loking at moving your way. My husband works in Calgary and at the moment commutes from Sylvan lake.He has done this for 2yrs,but is getting tired of the drive. So we are looking for a newish area on the out skirts of Calgary,with large lots.Any suggestions please?
do you have any children?
we have an 11yr old boy.
is there lots to do ?
sharon
Oct 23rd 2008, 2:40 am
#56
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Thread Starter
Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Calgary
Posts: 230
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
[QUOTE=cumbrian lad;6901341]
Hi Sharon we live in Tuscany but there is not really any large lots to speak of as it is a rather new area. But it is very nice and you can see mountains in the distance. It is only a 25 min commute to work but it takes longer on the way home as it is quite busy with the traffic. We feel like we are not in a busy city in Tuscany which is nice. I also have a 11yr old boy and he enjoys playing out with his friends and biking with his dad. There is the Tuscany Club and that has scouts and other events and sports. Also we haven't been yet but hope to go soon to the swimming pool in the YMCA at crowfoot as it is quite a big swimming pool. Also I am looking into skating lessons for both my children. So answer to your question there is lots to do it just depends what your son is interested in.
Hope this helps
Rachel
Hi expats
Hi there
\glad you are settled and are liking Calgary. We are from Cumbria UK and have living in Canada for over 7yrs now,and are loking at moving your way. My husband works in Calgary and at the moment commutes from Sylvan lake.He has done this for 2yrs,but is getting tired of the drive. So we are looking for a newish area on the out skirts of Calgary,with large lots.Any suggestions please?
do you have any children?
we have an 11yr old boy.
is there lots to do ?
sharon
Hi there
\glad you are settled and are liking Calgary. We are from Cumbria UK and have living in Canada for over 7yrs now,and are loking at moving your way. My husband works in Calgary and at the moment commutes from Sylvan lake.He has done this for 2yrs,but is getting tired of the drive. So we are looking for a newish area on the out skirts of Calgary,with large lots.Any suggestions please?
do you have any children?
we have an 11yr old boy.
is there lots to do ?
sharon
Hope this helps
Rachel
Oct 23rd 2008, 2:49 am
#57
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Joined: Jul 2008
Location: Calgary
Posts: 308
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
Welcome to Calgary!
Oct 23rd 2008, 2:55 am
#58
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Joined: Sep 2007
Location: Calgary
Posts: 230
Oct 23rd 2008, 3:05 am
#59
Forum Regular
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 134
Re: We have arrived in Calgary at last Yippee!
Hi expats
Here is our journey to Calgary so far.
Well have been so busy settling in as we arrived in Calgary on 4th Sept 2008 and it has been non-stop. There is so much to remember and sort out at first. It takes a while on how things work in Canada as some things are quite different compared to the uk. Such as when you buy a car you then go to registries to buy your license plate. Also we found it not too bad for anyone to insure us as we had no driving history in Canada. However, I do recommend that you take proof of your no claims with you as Insurers rate you and the higher the grade such as 8 the better the insurance but the lower the grade higher the insurance. Unfortunately, for us my o/h had 9 years no claims but I had 4 years no claims so the grade was reduced and our premium raised from $139 to $179 per month as they take the lowest no claims. Also we had to surrender our uk licenses for canadian ones so that we could legally drive in Calgary. We found that our set up funds went a long way as we managed to buy furniture for the house and other things such as TV, DVD player and a car. The only thing that I have found strange is that certain supermarkets don't stock tin tomatoes and when I ask anyone they don't know what I am talking about which I found very funny. Luckily, where we live there is a Sobey's and they seem to stock Tomatoe sauce which is more like a passata but still does the job.
The children seem to have settled in nicely but we are still finding our feet and haven't really made any friends as yet but it is still early days. It is nice to have a bit of a summer as well, unlike poor UK rain and more rain. Unfortunately, the one thing from UK I do miss is our TV setup as Canadian TV is dire but it makes us want to go out and walk and do more with the children. So that can't be all bad. We are just an hour or so away from Banff and views were outstanding. Well, I feel I have babbled on enough but there is just one more thing I would like to add that Canada is definitely the right move for us and we have no regrets.
Regards
Here is our journey to Calgary so far.
Well have been so busy settling in as we arrived in Calgary on 4th Sept 2008 and it has been non-stop. There is so much to remember and sort out at first. It takes a while on how things work in Canada as some things are quite different compared to the uk. Such as when you buy a car you then go to registries to buy your license plate. Also we found it not too bad for anyone to insure us as we had no driving history in Canada. However, I do recommend that you take proof of your no claims with you as Insurers rate you and the higher the grade such as 8 the better the insurance but the lower the grade higher the insurance. Unfortunately, for us my o/h had 9 years no claims but I had 4 years no claims so the grade was reduced and our premium raised from $139 to $179 per month as they take the lowest no claims. Also we had to surrender our uk licenses for canadian ones so that we could legally drive in Calgary. We found that our set up funds went a long way as we managed to buy furniture for the house and other things such as TV, DVD player and a car. The only thing that I have found strange is that certain supermarkets don't stock tin tomatoes and when I ask anyone they don't know what I am talking about which I found very funny. Luckily, where we live there is a Sobey's and they seem to stock Tomatoe sauce which is more like a passata but still does the job.
The children seem to have settled in nicely but we are still finding our feet and haven't really made any friends as yet but it is still early days. It is nice to have a bit of a summer as well, unlike poor UK rain and more rain. Unfortunately, the one thing from UK I do miss is our TV setup as Canadian TV is dire but it makes us want to go out and walk and do more with the children. So that can't be all bad. We are just an hour or so away from Banff and views were outstanding. Well, I feel I have babbled on enough but there is just one more thing I would like to add that Canada is definitely the right move for us and we have no regrets.Regards
I would just like to add to this feel good post and hope ease any fears of anyone thinking of making the move. We arrived in Calgary on the 13th October, although still early days we are starting to feel settled and are definately enjoying our new surroundings. We have found our start up funds went quite along way and everything I budgeted for has come in under budgets. Our kids love their new Yard and the Lake access we have.Everyone has been so helpful especially with the one problem we have encountered - lease/financing a car - this is now being resolved through a contact with my work.
Anyone thinking abut the move I would say go for it people are very helpful and friendly and certainly help is availabe if required.
