Re: probably a really stupid question
 

Cochrane is in Alberta so yes its Western Canada. 1 hour away from Banff and 30 minutes outside of Calgary so we have the best of both worlds, the mountains and the city that's home to the Stampede and the 1988 olympics.
well all i can say is that in the 18 months we've been here i have never felt more at home and as welcome anywhere in my life. The people i've met have made this whole experience something that i would not have traded for the world and i have to say that it will break my heart if i have to leave. I had no hesitation leaving the UK but i really don't want to leave Cochrane. The people are friendly, giving and really care about you and will help in anyway they can. The town is typically cowboy in nature, small but growing town but small enough that you still know people when you walk down the street. These guys will make conversation anywhere which when your in a rush to just nip in the supermarket can be a little frustrating but you just have to go with it and you soon get just like them. Cochrane is home to a lot of Brits which is great whilst you're settling in but i like the Canadians better. We have some great English friends but we also made some really good Canadian friends who i see as life long friends. If i were you I would come for a visit and check it out for yourselves. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else. Hope that helps Tina

Re: probably a really stupid question
 

Hi again Tina, while I was reading your response my heart was going out to you, as i see how much you seem to love Cochrane. Is there no way round you getting your papers? Are there any human right groups that could take up your fight? I really wish you all the best and hope all works out for you. You have really made me think as I am so unhappy here, one of the reasons we chose the east coast was because of my kids back in Ireland, we thought it would be easier from them to visit flight wise, however most of the cheap airline companies have now gone bust, and Canadian affair is just as cheap to go to west coast as the east, so I will really think about what you have said. It sounds just what my husband and I wanted, a smaller town close to the bigger city, but with friendly people. Toronto is so cold, everyone is so busy they just don't have the time now to talk to you anymore or relax please keep in touch and let me know how you get on, will keep my fingers crossed for you:fingerscrossed:

Re: probably a really stupid question
 

Hi Denise, I'm so sorry you haven't settled it must be really hard for you. I know i would have hated being in a big city as i like to see a friendly face everyday that will stop and say hi. I would certainly suggest you come to have a visit it sounds like you would fit in here... don't know of anyone who doesn't like it here to be honest! Some of my staff are from Saskatchewan and they love Cochrane. Thanks for your kind words and we will fight it with everything we have.... i'll sell my soul if i have to... but i'm also a realist and i know that i can't fight the system and i guess if its meant to be then it will be and if its not well we had a great 2 years. Would i do again, absolutely. That was the whole idea... i didn't want to grow old and wish i'd have done this and wish i'd have done that.... now i just do it and if its meant to be then it will be. Life is learning curve and each experience teaches us something new and my kids have learnt that there's more to life than what they knew. I rattling on a bit now sorry!! Anyway if you ever fancy a visit let me know i'd be happy to show you around. One good thing here is we hardly get any rain and we get so much sunshine you never get S.A.D. The summer is a great time and we have the rodeos which are a lot of fun. The winters are cold but not the UK or Irish cold. -30 doesn't feel like that as its not damp... in fact i'm always getting static shocks even in the winter its that dry. Cochrane is surrounded by rolling hills much like Lancashire where i'm from in the UK and from our house we wake up every morning with a 3/4 view of the Rockies, absolutely stunning. have i sold it to you yet????? Chin up Denise if i were you i would try another province in Canada before you decide to go home as you say a small town would suit you better and Alberta is a beautiful province. Ever seen the film 'Legends of the fall'? that was filmed here about 1/2 hour away from where we live along with many other major films. Anyway i'd better go to bed now i feel a headache coming on!!! Take care and all the best and if you want anymore info let me know. Tina x

Re: probably a really stupid question
 

Hi Tina, it really sounds beautiful and I would pack up and move tomorrow, my husband is the fly in the ointment though. We chose the east coast because we thought it would be easier for my kids to come and see us, but I'm not so sure that will happen as all the low cost airlines have gone. I wish we had gone to Alberta in the first place but there life is full of disappointments. You have a great outlook on life, keep it up, I will try and do the same. Do you rent or did you buy? If you rent are the rents expensive? we would be looking at a 2 bedroom apartment or townhouse (if possible) is there a rental market there? sorry to keep asking questions but I really want to work on my hubby and talk to my kids. Was'nt the legends of the fall the movie with Brad Pitt about a family of brothers on a farm , with Anthony Hopkins? yes I did see it it was lovely. :) All the best
regards
Denise:wub:

Re: probably a really stupid question
 

Hi Denise, we rent an acreage that looks out over the Rockies which we pay over the odds for $2300 a month but we were pretty desperate when we got here and with so much stress we wanted somewhere quiet with no neighbours to be able to unwind and relax so we don't mind paying. Its on 4 acreas and we have 2 very large dogs, one we brought with us from the UK and a St Bernard we bought whilst here so we need room!! Rents for apartments in town are relatively cheap compared to what we pay. You could pick up a nice one for $1200 a month. Some of my staff rent and have decent sized houses for $1200-$1500 a month depends on what your looking for. My husbands boss has a house that he will need to rent next month and he only charges around $1300 for a 3 bed duplex with a basement and double garage. Not sure how that compares to where you are now though? Yes you are right about the film! Anyway i've got to go and make dinner now let me know if you have anymore questions or want to chat. take care Tina

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Thanks Tina, sound really good, about the same rents as here, am going to work on my husband and maybe surprise him with a holiday there for our anniversary. Tahnks again will be in touch, but my daughter wants me to look at coming to Cork and I really miss her so we will see. All the best, let me know how things go with you, keeping my fingers crossed for you all
Denise:fingerscrossed:

Re: probably a really stupid question
 

I remember that in Vancouver, Tina. It used to make me laugh trying to whisper to the cashier without my accent setting off the queue behind me with questions.