Why do you want to move to Canada
Nov 3rd 2009, 4:51 pm
#211
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,054
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
It does seem very little when minimum UK is 20.. I believe I was lucky in my last position with 30 days holiday..
(Note when saying about my mum staying I meant she could come for a month not I would have a month holiday)
Sorry if this is off topic but could someone let me know the standard working hours in a day for Vancouver BC?
(Note when saying about my mum staying I meant she could come for a month not I would have a month holiday)
Sorry if this is off topic but could someone let me know the standard working hours in a day for Vancouver BC?
Nov 3rd 2009, 5:05 pm
#212
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: Herne Bay, Kent, England.
Posts: 442
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
My french colleagues get waaay more. 40 days a year is the norm plus bank holidays.
That said, i'm lucky as so far this year i've had 6 weeks off to date, and 2 weeks at xmas. Not too shabby. I would dread having a minuscule number of paid time off and would probably be in the same mindset as Alan.
My work is fairly stressful and if i only had 2 or 3 weeks per year to deal with it, i'd go mental
That said, i'm lucky as so far this year i've had 6 weeks off to date, and 2 weeks at xmas. Not too shabby. I would dread having a minuscule number of paid time off and would probably be in the same mindset as Alan.
My work is fairly stressful and if i only had 2 or 3 weeks per year to deal with it, i'd go mental
And before anyone starts going on about public sector cuts needed... it was a very stressful job. After 5 years, I got out before I fizzled out...
Nov 3rd 2009, 5:20 pm
#213
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,227
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
When I was in the Civil Service, as just a menial AO, I had 25 days, plus about 8 grace-and-favour days, plus Bank Holidays, plus flexi-days, PLUS a shopping day at Christmas!
And before anyone starts going on about public sector cuts needed... it was a very stressful job. After 5 years, I got out before I fizzled out...
And before anyone starts going on about public sector cuts needed... it was a very stressful job. After 5 years, I got out before I fizzled out...
Nov 3rd 2009, 5:22 pm
#215
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,054
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
Thanks for the reply I was just reading some of your other posts
I realise we can only know so much as we have not visited the place but we have done so much research and now that google has Vancouver street map it can give you an idea.
I read lots about the climate being similar to here with more defined seasons (lots of rain but not too much drizzle).
I may be way off the mark but I see it as a kind of mini London lots to do without the levels of dirt and unhappy people.
I have quite a few Canadian friends here and they all say that Vancouver is much friendlier than London.
I have a lot of friends here so I think if I can make friends in London then I should be able to make friends in Vancouver
We don't have any children to worry about but do have two dogs that come a very high priority in our lives so we do not have the worry of children settling in a new place.
I realise we can only know so much as we have not visited the place but we have done so much research and now that google has Vancouver street map it can give you an idea.
I read lots about the climate being similar to here with more defined seasons (lots of rain but not too much drizzle).
I may be way off the mark but I see it as a kind of mini London lots to do without the levels of dirt and unhappy people.
I have quite a few Canadian friends here and they all say that Vancouver is much friendlier than London.
I have a lot of friends here so I think if I can make friends in London then I should be able to make friends in Vancouver
We don't have any children to worry about but do have two dogs that come a very high priority in our lives so we do not have the worry of children settling in a new place.
Vancouver lacks heritage and the fine arts such as world class museums, galleries, operas etc, although there are plans to move the present art gallery to a new purpose built facility which is hoped will anchor a new arts and cultural district along the old expo lands - and a new national maritime museum on the north shore. I think the city recognizes its short comings in the regard and is addressing them, albeit slowly.
No pub culture which is an adjustment. People tend to go out for meals (lots of great restaurants here) or to each others homes - very much a barbecue mentality in the summer months. Things might change though as the city has loosened up some of it;s overly restrictive bylaws allowing booze to be served till 2 am at restaurants (used to be midnight). Definitely not much of a happening night life here though.
Downsides in my mind are the shocking real estate costs and traffic. Public transit is not great outside of the city and is certainly not on a par with London. There are plans to build a city wide tram system which might be good though. There is also a problem with begging in the CBD due to proximity to the DTES - although you do get used to it - bit of a pain though.
Weather is a mixed bag - great summers and late springs/early fall but a bit dreary and wet in the winter/fall months - sure is splendid at the minute though.
Vancouver is very much a work in progress. It is nice place to live, some from major cities like London or New York might find it a bit sleepy though.
Last edited by dboy; Nov 3rd 2009 at 5:27 pm.
Nov 3rd 2009, 5:57 pm
#216
Binned by Muderators
Joined: Jul 2007
Location: White Rock BC
Posts: 11,682
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
However, once you let go of the idea that Art is European Fine Art then there is a thriving visual arts scene in Vancouver. The boundaries between fine art and applied art are blurred, and there is a wonderful mix of influences from all around the world as well as native culture. Tour some of the workshops on Granville Island or visit 1000 Parker Street on the next cultural crawl. I am not saying it is all good, but then that is the nature of the creative process. The important thing for the health of the city is that it is being done.
The Museum of Anthropology is regarded by many as of world-wide importance.
Vancouver has its own symphony orchestra and opera company. Not the LSO or ROH agreed, but certainly equivalent to the standard of the provincial cities in the UK. We are also on the touring schedules of many international artistes. Again, not the celebrity list you get in London or New York, but musicians and performers who can satisfy most yearnings.
Nov 3rd 2009, 6:13 pm
#217
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,227
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
It is a fair comment if you are comparing Vancouver to London or New York (or most European capitals). I agree that, Emily Carr excepted, the Vancouver Art Gallery is disappointing if you compare it to the art galleries we are used to in London.
However, once you let go of the idea that Art is European Fine Art then there is a thriving visual arts scene in Vancouver. The boundaries between fine art and applied art are blurred, and there is a wonderful mix of influences from all around the world as well as native culture. Tour some of the workshops on Granville Island or visit 1000 Parker Street on the next cultural crawl. I am not saying it is all good, but then that is the nature of the creative process. The important thing for the health of the city is that it is being done.
The Museum of Anthropology is regarded by many as of world-wide importance.
Vancouver has its own symphony orchestra and opera company. Not the LSO or ROH agreed, but certainly equivalent to the standard of the provincial cities in the UK. We are also on the touring schedules of many international artistes. Again, not the celebrity list you get in London or New York, but musicians and performers who can satisfy most yearnings.
However, once you let go of the idea that Art is European Fine Art then there is a thriving visual arts scene in Vancouver. The boundaries between fine art and applied art are blurred, and there is a wonderful mix of influences from all around the world as well as native culture. Tour some of the workshops on Granville Island or visit 1000 Parker Street on the next cultural crawl. I am not saying it is all good, but then that is the nature of the creative process. The important thing for the health of the city is that it is being done.
The Museum of Anthropology is regarded by many as of world-wide importance.
Vancouver has its own symphony orchestra and opera company. Not the LSO or ROH agreed, but certainly equivalent to the standard of the provincial cities in the UK. We are also on the touring schedules of many international artistes. Again, not the celebrity list you get in London or New York, but musicians and performers who can satisfy most yearnings.
I like the museum of anthropology though and it is unique; the problem I have with it is that it's not big enough. Most other art galleries in Vancouver suffer from extremely poor curation - whenever I go and see an exhibition it looks like it's been set up as a student project rather than by people who actually know what they are doing.
Nov 3rd 2009, 6:24 pm
#218
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 12,830
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
When I was in the Civil Service, as just a menial AO, I had 25 days, plus about 8 grace-and-favour days, plus Bank Holidays, plus flexi-days, PLUS a shopping day at Christmas!
And before anyone starts going on about public sector cuts needed... it was a very stressful job. After 5 years, I got out before I fizzled out...
And before anyone starts going on about public sector cuts needed... it was a very stressful job. After 5 years, I got out before I fizzled out...
I guess everyones idea of stressful is different. When I worked for HM we had a blast. There was the odd stressful moment though .
Nov 3rd 2009, 6:32 pm
#219
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 3,054
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
It is a fair comment if you are comparing Vancouver to London or New York (or most European capitals). I agree that, Emily Carr excepted, the Vancouver Art Gallery is disappointing if you compare it to the art galleries we are used to in London.
However, once you let go of the idea that Art is European Fine Art then there is a thriving visual arts scene in Vancouver. The boundaries between fine art and applied art are blurred, and there is a wonderful mix of influences from all around the world as well as native culture. Tour some of the workshops on Granville Island or visit 1000 Parker Street on the next cultural crawl. I am not saying it is all good, but then that is the nature of the creative process. The important thing for the health of the city is that it is being done.
The Museum of Anthropology is regarded by many as of world-wide importance.
Vancouver has its own symphony orchestra and opera company. Not the LSO or ROH agreed, but certainly equivalent to the standard of the provincial cities in the UK. We are also on the touring schedules of many international artistes. Again, not the celebrity list you get in London or New York, but musicians and performers who can satisfy most yearnings.
However, once you let go of the idea that Art is European Fine Art then there is a thriving visual arts scene in Vancouver. The boundaries between fine art and applied art are blurred, and there is a wonderful mix of influences from all around the world as well as native culture. Tour some of the workshops on Granville Island or visit 1000 Parker Street on the next cultural crawl. I am not saying it is all good, but then that is the nature of the creative process. The important thing for the health of the city is that it is being done.
The Museum of Anthropology is regarded by many as of world-wide importance.
Vancouver has its own symphony orchestra and opera company. Not the LSO or ROH agreed, but certainly equivalent to the standard of the provincial cities in the UK. We are also on the touring schedules of many international artistes. Again, not the celebrity list you get in London or New York, but musicians and performers who can satisfy most yearnings.
True about the high tech - some big names are coming to vancouver for its cgi stuff such as domain and pixair. Nintendo are also opening a place on vancouver new hi-tech hub - virtual way.
I do hope the planned move of the art gallery goes ahead where the plaza of nations is - i do think vancouver 5 years from now will be punching way above its weight class, it may already be.
Nov 3rd 2009, 6:40 pm
#220
London -Vancouver bound
Joined: Mar 2009
Location: London UK
Posts: 18
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
I wouldn't go as far as to say it is a mini london, but there is more breadth of things to do here with an emphasis on the outdoors but not the arts. Walks by the beach, parks, lakes, mountain hikes, skiing in the summer, best mountain/downhill biking in the world, scuba, sailing, kayaking and of course skiing. The outdoors is truly at your doorstep. From downtown you can be on the top of grouse mountain in around 40 mins or even less.
Vancouver lacks heritage and the fine arts such as world class museums, galleries, operas etc, although there are plans to move the present art gallery to a new purpose built facility which is hoped will anchor a new arts and cultural district along the old expo lands - and a new national maritime museum on the north shore. I think the city recognizes its short comings in the regard and is addressing them, albeit slowly.
No pub culture which is an adjustment. People tend to go out for meals (lots of great restaurants here) or to each others homes - very much a barbecue mentality in the summer months. Things might change though as the city has loosened up some of it;s overly restrictive bylaws allowing booze to be served till 2 am at restaurants (used to be midnight). Definitely not much of a happening night life here though.
Downsides in my mind are the shocking real estate costs and traffic. Public transit is not great outside of the city and is certainly not on a par with London. There are plans to build a city wide tram system which might be good though. There is also a problem with begging in the CBD due to proximity to the DTES - although you do get used to it - bit of a pain though.
Weather is a mixed bag - great summers and late springs/early fall but a bit dreary and wet in the winter/fall months - sure is splendid at the minute though.
Vancouver is very much a work in progress. It is nice place to live, some from major cities like London or New York might find it a bit sleepy though.
Vancouver lacks heritage and the fine arts such as world class museums, galleries, operas etc, although there are plans to move the present art gallery to a new purpose built facility which is hoped will anchor a new arts and cultural district along the old expo lands - and a new national maritime museum on the north shore. I think the city recognizes its short comings in the regard and is addressing them, albeit slowly.
No pub culture which is an adjustment. People tend to go out for meals (lots of great restaurants here) or to each others homes - very much a barbecue mentality in the summer months. Things might change though as the city has loosened up some of it;s overly restrictive bylaws allowing booze to be served till 2 am at restaurants (used to be midnight). Definitely not much of a happening night life here though.
Downsides in my mind are the shocking real estate costs and traffic. Public transit is not great outside of the city and is certainly not on a par with London. There are plans to build a city wide tram system which might be good though. There is also a problem with begging in the CBD due to proximity to the DTES - although you do get used to it - bit of a pain though.
Weather is a mixed bag - great summers and late springs/early fall but a bit dreary and wet in the winter/fall months - sure is splendid at the minute though.
Vancouver is very much a work in progress. It is nice place to live, some from major cities like London or New York might find it a bit sleepy though.
What is CBD and DTES?
In your opinion how far is it sensible to live from East Hastings?
(sorry for the random questions)
Nov 3rd 2009, 6:46 pm
#222
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 1,371
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
DTES = Downtown Eastside
East Hastings is a very very long street - most of it's perfectly fine. It's the few blocks around Main and Hastings that's sketchy. You wouldn't live near there anyway. You won't just accidentally end up there. It's a small area, regardless. One block away from East Hastings are perfectly fine neighbourhoods. Chinatown essentially starts at Main and Hastings. I wouldn't worry about proximity to East Hastings if I were you. The weird thing about Vancouver, especially the downtown peninsula, is that you can have sketchy areas and one block over, or even around the corner, you can have elite yuppy residential blocks with high end restaurants and what have you.
Last edited by Lychee; Nov 3rd 2009 at 6:50 pm.
Nov 3rd 2009, 6:50 pm
#223
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Oct 2007
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 1,371
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
I encourage you to explore East Hastings via Google Street View to see what it's really like. It'll put things into perspective. It's not so much East Hastings as it is Carrall and Cordova and the few blocks surrounding.
http://tinyurl.com/yjp4lew
Nov 3rd 2009, 6:54 pm
#224
Forum Regular
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 109
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
That's the thing for me. Vancouver is like a provincial city in the UK that is always trying to big itself up. This annoyed me at first, now I find it funny. We all know that Vancouver itself isn't that exciting - but it's good enough and we are all here for the garden anyway.
I find it surprising that Vancouver doesn't have better arts funding and good galleries just because it seems to be mostly made up of arty types (that's based purely on the people I've met here). I wish they would put more funding into arts as I find the downtown core escpecially could do with some creativity.
I think the statement that it isn't that exciting is a bit off the mark, perhaps it depends on what you find exciting. The longer I stay here, the more exciting things (to me) I see developing. It seems in the tech/software/web/etc industry it's really just starting to kick off in a big way and there is a strong sense of community within it. Which is exciting for me as I'm a total nerd. Also, while the licensing laws seem archaic it's no reflection on the people here, they still like a drink and to socialise/party. The more Canadians I meet the more I am finding there is a lot more to them than their polite exteriors. It also helps that everyone in Vancouver seems to be from anywhere but Vancouver. Even the Canadians here are mostly from Ontario. Everyone is on an adventure away from home
Nov 3rd 2009, 7:02 pm
#225
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 14,227
Re: Why do you want to move to Canada
It's funny you say that because I got the complete opposite impression that it wasn't trying to be a New York or London like Toronto does. It seems quite content with the type of city it is - a visually stunning playground. I wonder where we both get these conclusions from? I don't really know why I think that.
I find it surprising that Vancouver doesn't have better arts funding and good galleries just because it seems to be mostly made up of arty types (that's based purely on the people I've met here). I wish they would put more funding into arts as I find the downtown core escpecially could do with some creativity.
I think the statement that it isn't that exciting is a bit off the mark, perhaps it depends on what you find exciting. The longer I stay here, the more exciting things (to me) I see developing. It seems in the tech/software/web/etc industry it's really just starting to kick off in a big way and there is a strong sense of community within it. Which is exciting for me as I'm a total nerd. Also, while the licensing laws seem archaic it's no reflection on the people here, they still like a drink and to socialise/party. The more Canadians I meet the more I am finding there is a lot more to them than their polite exteriors. It also helps that everyone in Vancouver seems to be from anywhere but Vancouver. Even the Canadians here are mostly from Ontario. Everyone is on an adventure away from home
I find it surprising that Vancouver doesn't have better arts funding and good galleries just because it seems to be mostly made up of arty types (that's based purely on the people I've met here). I wish they would put more funding into arts as I find the downtown core escpecially could do with some creativity.
I think the statement that it isn't that exciting is a bit off the mark, perhaps it depends on what you find exciting. The longer I stay here, the more exciting things (to me) I see developing. It seems in the tech/software/web/etc industry it's really just starting to kick off in a big way and there is a strong sense of community within it. Which is exciting for me as I'm a total nerd. Also, while the licensing laws seem archaic it's no reflection on the people here, they still like a drink and to socialise/party. The more Canadians I meet the more I am finding there is a lot more to them than their polite exteriors. It also helps that everyone in Vancouver seems to be from anywhere but Vancouver. Even the Canadians here are mostly from Ontario. Everyone is on an adventure away from home