Scary where the time goes! Four years ago today we left the UK for our new lives here in Canada.

We were lucky in that we gained PR within 8 months of applying and arrived in Canada a week after getting it!

We already had a good feel for the area in which we wanted to live so, after staying in temporary accommodation here for just 7 weeks, we bought and moved into our own home 3 days before Christmas!!

My husband had a job lined up already with Calgary Police which he started in the January. I chose not to work initially. It was only later I started work driving a school bus which couldn't be more far removed from my old job in the UK (I used to work in Family Law) but I love it and the thought of ever going back to working in the confines of an office feels me with dread!

Both our children settled into their new schools and the Canadian way of life very quickly too.

Well, four years on, life is good. We're still in the same house which we love. We're both enjoying our jobs and the kids are doing well. We have a good circle of friends and we've also enjoyed renting out our basement suite to people also wanting to make the move over. We've met some great people that way, many of whom now live nearby and have since become good friends.

Don't get me wrong, there's always things that are missed from the UK; mostly friends and family and then there's the silly little things but nothing enough to truly make us feel homesick or regret our decision. Most of our close family from the UK have been here to visit us, several times in some cases! We have not been back ourselves yet although we are planning a trip back next year (need a trip back to stock up on Angel Delight and cherry bakewells! LOL)

So, all in all, its all been very positive for us and we have no intention of going back!

many congratulations, glad you settled in and flourishing and using your experience and resources to help others making the move

I'm very glad you made it over there, Carolyn, as we got to meet you, experience your hospitality and stay in your lovely basement!! I just hope we get to see you again soon!! x

Glad you have had a happy 4 years and hope the next 4 are also happy

Great thread

Happy Canniversary,
can't wait till we get to join you over there and meet up next year

Congrats - not a bad ol' place, is it? Best wishes for the next four!

Congrats on 4 years

If you bring any Cherry Bakewells back - do save me one... I love them!

Congrats on 4 years, sounds like its been a great time and I hope the good times keeping rolling along

Thanks everyone. Jane, it was lovely to meet you guys too; Meryl, looking forward to meeting up when you're next here and Penny, will def do coffee again when I've got those bakewells!! And Ann, you're right, not a bad ol' town to live in!