BristolUK

Yes...I've seen some. Mostly in LOTR of course

I also remember some photos and cine film from a schoolmate back in the 60s who went on a round the world trip that included NZ.

I remember seeing his Geyser footage and thought I'm not going there...I don't want one of those suddenly shooting from the ground up my shorts.

ExpatSleeFamily

BristolUK I have lived in Switzerland now for 6 years and can certainly share with you in its natural beauty. Do I think it is "better" than Canada? Not at all. No two countries are identical. Switzerland is like a mini-Canada. And i am completely convinced on Canada's beauty. Travel some more and you will know that too. Castles are nice but not necessay to enjoy nature.

Moses2013

Natural beauty hin oder her, but it doesn't pay the rent. A lot of people always have one picture of a country and think it's the reality for all. While Switzerland can be beautiful (like many countries), most people can't afford to live in a villa around Ascona. Many have to live in the cities and can only rent a smaller apartment, because salaries are very low if you look at cost of living (most people also don't work for a Swiss Bank:-) . And when it comes to farming, Switzerland has been struggling for years and can no longer compete. As you say, no two countries are identical and even no two cities in the same country are identical. One could say that Austria has natural beauty too and might offer the working class person a better life. But being in Zürich or Wien wouldn't do it for me either. Not because I don't like cities, but just too far from the ocean.

ExpatSleeFamily

Moses i would say you are correct. It is of great understanding that everything is expensive in Switzerland. I do not want to sound bitter, the country is beautiful. We get "sticker shock" over a lot of purchases you may blindly make elsewhere. For example, we will rarely eat out as a very average meal will cost at least 100chf for two, not including at least another 30 chfs if having 2 glasses of wine with your meal each, another 10chf for a bottle of distilled water, and 20chfs for desert and coffee. And that is nothing fancy.

Tumbling_Dice

We have covered quite a bit of Nova Scotia - my in-laws lived in Annapolis Royal so we did frequent trips out that way. Beautiful part of the world. Peggy's Cove and lobster festivals have been done.

We have also covered most of New Brunswick, except for the interior, but don't feel any need to return.

I am looking forward to going back to Montreal and Quebec City, as well as those other East Coast destinations. Time will tell how long it takes to get that done.

Atlantic Xpat

I would always encourage folk to visit the Rock. However it's a bloody expensive place to to get too and from. And 4-5 days from the Annapolis valley via car and ferry just about gets you to St John's to immediately turn around and head back. So maybe fly. Or allow longer.

dbd33

Also, there's the weather. I don't have to go to Ibiza every year but windswept holidays are an acquired taste.

cxx

Totally disagree with this. I have good work-life balance but spend every vacation getting as far away from Canada as possible, and would love more vacation so I can escape for longer.

Living on the east coast I've visited PEI and Cape Breton but haven't been impressed. They are OK but I would prefer to visit the Swiss or Italian Lakes.

Londonuck

I can only say I've had the complete opposite of that.

rivingtonpike

I don't think I know anyone who only gets 2 weeks holiday. All our friends get 4 or 5 weeks. My wife gets 6 weeks. Not sure it it's a regional thing or just the people we know?

ExpatSleeFamily

The way it typically works is you might start with 2 weeks, but if you are paid salary (not hourly) then with bigger companies you will probably start with 3 weeks. After usually 5 years you will earn an extra week, and after anither 5 years you will get another week. My last employer gave me 3 weeks to start with the increments above BUT also had an option to purchase (or sell) an extra week. To be clear, unless you are paid hourly, you will never only have 2 weeks but it progresses as you grow with that company.

scrubbedexpat091

Likely depends on industry.

The unions I have been part of in the airline, hotel and retail world really provided no benefit pay and benefit wise. It was all comparable to non-union jobs in the same industry.

Last union I was in vacation time in the contract was exactly the same as provincial minimums.

I am sure unionized pilots in the airline industry are paid well in comparison to non union but pilots are the exception due to their skill level and difficult to replace status.

scrubbedexpat091

More likely just the industries and level of job those you know have.

I dont know anyone who gets more then the minimum required by law. Everyone I know is same level as me job wise. All hourly non management where there is no negotiation. Its take whats offered or leave.

DandNHill

BristolUK

Especially mid-flight.