Hello Everyone

Just thought I would update you all about my return.

We left Calgary after nearly 4 years on the 29th August with a little Canadian dog. When we arrived we were overwhelmed by the volume of people at Gatwick but enjoyed seeing familiar things like an english bobby and a red post box.

I don't know if you had been reading my previous threads, I brought a car at my friends garage under a false name. It was a classic moment to see his face and when I had arrived to collect my car. He couldn't speak for about 10 mins because he was in complete shock. Following that I travelled to my parents and for the first time in my lifetime I had stunned my mum to silence for at least a hour. Anyone who knows my mum will agree that is quiet an achievement and my dad just cried. The shocks went on for a few weeks as everyone thought we wont returning home until the end October. I would certainly recommend the shock factor as it is lovely to see so many happy faces.

We have been on the rail network twice since our return and I have to say the service is outstanding. I have never used the rail network before I left the UK, maybe I just didn't appreciate what England had to offer. I have also been to Brighton and had my first fish and chips on the pier hmmm.

We are living in a rental in West Sussex, which we found on our 3rd day after we had landed. However we couldn't move in until the 12th October and then had our shipping container delivered on the 15th & 16th Oct. We are tripping over boxes at the minute but love our new place and all the facilities in the area. Our little dog had a great experience with Ladyhaye Pet Agency and has been back for boarding since because of their caring approach.

I am eating my way through all the major supermarkets and local takeaways. I am still amazed at the choices in supermarkets and what they have to offer. I love sending mail and knowing its going to be delivered the next day and furthermore I will get my mail through a letter box. (The simple things in life). I have gone magazine crazy again and books seem so cheap here. The doctors/hospitals are now using technology ie texts/email to send reminders of appointments and informing you of any test results.

My only negatives i have is that some customer service is poor at times. I have recently been overcharged on my debit card yet the red tape I have to jump through to get a refund is frustrating.

Just to let you know it going to be below freezing all next week with snow here in Calgary and its not even November yet..wish i was back in the UK for the winter.

Back2UK, Great post. So glad that your surprise worked out so well. I was thinking of you recently and was wondering how you were getting on, so I am so glad that you posted. Hope all is well with you.

You mentioned that you recieved your things from Canada. Was everything intact? Our shipment is due to arrive in Liverpool at the end of this month, but I don't know how long it will take to arrive in Scotland. I am dreading the unpacking as I don't know where everything will go. When they packed up the truck in Calgary, I couldn't believe how much space our things took up. I hope that was more about the packaging than the amount we are shipping back.

Hope you enjoyed your travels in Canada before you came home.

I love that the surprise went well
Congrats on arriving back safe, I hope you get the boxes cleared up soon and settle in.

Hi Cheeky

Yep I heard about the weather in Calgary, I was on the phone yesterday to a friend and she said the exact same as you. I will never forget doing inspections on the new hospital (South Calgary) on the 9th floor in the snow, that has scarred me for the rest of my life. lol I still haven't wore a coat here yet.

Thanks for thinking of me, I was out of the loop for a while because I had no computer.

Yep , dont forget my contents left Calgary on the 25th May and then went into storage in the UK. Overall everything is good, I have a few minor dents to furniture. My biggest problem at the minute is they used lay down boxes instead of wardrobes for clothes and everything is wrinkled to high heaven. (I will contacted them about this)
My shipment arrived in Liverpool on the 17th June and went to Leicestershire for storage on the 22nd June.

I didn't get to travel before I had left, however I have seen more of the UK since I have arrived.

Drop me a PM, when you are free with an update.

Yep it was amazing and to keep all my Canadian friends quiet on facebook as well, was quiet achievement.

Loved the suprise factor. Brilliant. Hope all goes well.

Great post Back2uk, we have done the total surprise thing as well many years ago, I love the aftermath when the surprised try to be angry

Back2Uk loved the surprise thing as well, amazing that they all still had no idea you were arriving earlier. Great that everything is in order and you have a nice rental. After Canadian supermarkets, it is like being let out to go wild in a sweet shop! With all the choices over there, you do not have to cook every night! I am looking forward to shopping in those supermarkets again, here it is a chore
Looking forward to more updates

Welcome back, glad to hear you're doing well. A brolly's better than a snow shovel any day isn't it?

Chris995
Ha ha yep your right.

Feelbritish
I did struggle with food shopping in Canada, however I did master a crockpot.
I went to Sailsburys today and brought a silver 2 slice toaster reduced to 7.99, a bargain.

Curlytops
Thank you and shoes are better than snow boots. ha ha

Sounds like a really fun time when you got back! I have no idea how you managed to pull it off though - my friends and family would have killed me as they all wanted 'one last holiday in NY before you leave.'

It's nice to hear another happy return story. Hope it continues to go well for you