tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post2957450893433905113..comments2024-03-09T10:14:49.991+00:00Comments on BarrenAlbion: Blame CanadaMsPrufrockhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06533722219016814501noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-14705917222873500752008-12-10T23:39:00.000+00:002008-12-10T23:39:00.000+00:00Toronto is evil. You choose urban concrete (unless...Toronto is evil. You choose urban concrete (unless you have close to 1M to live in a neighbourhood where you can have some grass) or suburban hell where you get to commute 1-2 hours a day.<BR/><BR/>Ottawa is now home. I love it here. We have a house, with a lawn (well, not really since it's all garden), place for the kids to play, we're by the river where there's running and biking paths. It takes me 5-10 minutes to drive downtown (15-20 if the traffic is bad). I can be in the Gatineau hills in 20 minutes for hiking, canoeing, skiing, etc. If you live in the core of Ottawa it's really great. There's town transit (particularly great if they weren't currently on strike). You can permanently be a tourist in your own city with a rich offering of museums, festivals, music and the like. Really, I do love to LIVE in Ottawa as a parent.Gus&Ottohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08375764957301291503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-83101343629192559012008-12-02T22:22:00.000+00:002008-12-02T22:22:00.000+00:00Just found your blog...Felt compelled to comment a...Just found your blog...Felt compelled to comment as I am a happy canuck!<BR/>I am a westerner, though, so I can't say moving to Onterrible is a great idea ;) Seriously though, the fruit belt area around Welland and Niagra is very beautiful. <BR/>I live in Clagary, Alberta, and love it here. Lots of things to do with Banff and the mountains close by. I work with a couple who are from the UK (Scots) and they are in the process to become citizens. They love it here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-53328513558641036682008-12-01T23:02:00.000+00:002008-12-01T23:02:00.000+00:00what about London, Ontario? university town, chea...what about London, Ontario? university town, cheaper real estate...supposedly lovely. i'm currently living in Vancovuer and thinking of relocating to London so we can afford a bigger house, live in a smaller community, etc. i've always thought that university towns are the way to go -- smaller but cultured enough not to be back woods.meganhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13867137276917406552noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-25541808535334707952008-11-27T00:32:00.000+00:002008-11-27T00:32:00.000+00:00I've spent a lot of time in Ontario. Like you, I l...I've spent a lot of time in Ontario. Like you, I love Toronto, and I'm guessing there are some pretty cool suburbs around the city. Stay away from Niagara Falls, but I probably didn't need to tell you that.<BR/><BR/>If you move to Ontario, you'll live only a few hours from me!Kristihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03792735154830422231noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-30920833896354774792008-11-26T07:32:00.000+00:002008-11-26T07:32:00.000+00:00Wish I had a clue to offer about Canada. But, I ca...Wish I had a clue to offer about Canada. But, I can say I'm thrilled by your news! What a wonderful turn of events, and fun to think about something so new and vastly different than life usually throws out there, eh?tonyahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16833358728527455795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-84027673880254140782008-11-26T07:06:00.000+00:002008-11-26T07:06:00.000+00:00Good Luck with gaining residency. We have full rig...Good Luck with gaining residency. We have full rights to lead our life, the way we want it to! Go for it!..alhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07679149270839974470noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-34427226885629682082008-11-25T14:59:00.000+00:002008-11-25T14:59:00.000+00:00Can't offer any thoughts on Canada, as I've only b...Can't offer any thoughts on Canada, as I've only been there once. Congrats and good luck with the forthcoming paperwork!Mermaidhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04624058637518241020noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-4482742281397319542008-11-25T02:29:00.000+00:002008-11-25T02:29:00.000+00:00It's so big and mostly empty and it varies so much...It's so big and mostly empty and it varies so much but much of it is gorgeous. Dark and cold, etc. But there's a reason people talk about moving there!Antropólogahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01720065905801369495noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-82192372563603760082008-11-24T04:22:00.000+00:002008-11-24T04:22:00.000+00:00Canada is a wonderful place--I've spent many summe...Canada is a wonderful place--I've spent many summers there and love it! Here from ICLW.Elana Kahnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17800005978714797988noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-78214302385399384572008-11-24T03:34:00.000+00:002008-11-24T03:34:00.000+00:00We liked Vancouver, I think the politics would sui...We liked Vancouver, I think the politics would suit you, and the weather isn't *that* bad compared to the rest of Canada; but it depends what you want. <BR/><BR/>If you want the great outdoors, BC will give it to you. <BR/><BR/>If you want a decent-sized house but to be near a big city and culcha, what about the North of England? Yes, it depends where you live - but in my city we still have grammar schools, we have a 4-bedroom Victorian house (with a tiny yard, but you can get an interwar semi with a huge garden for similar prices) and it cost FAR less than my 3-bedroom flat in a well dodgy area of East London. You'll be able to work out how much I earn, roughly, as you work in a university, and Mr S was earning about the same when he was working.DrSpousehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07259337858075146058noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-17113147228079010082008-11-24T02:30:00.000+00:002008-11-24T02:30:00.000+00:00I can't help you with knowledge about Canada since...I can't help you with knowledge about Canada since I've only been there a few times but I can definitely relate to being an American married to a Brit and living over in England for awhile. I lived outside of London (Woking) for 4 years with my husband before we decided to move back to the states. We also knew that our standard of living would be much better over here and we would never be able to afford much over there. Good luck with your move!Rebeccahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16454515801817880703noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-30500346361954703402008-11-23T22:50:00.000+00:002008-11-23T22:50:00.000+00:00Stopping by from ICLWStopping by from ICLWGinnyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09928304350897366869noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-2380321027315220292008-11-23T21:49:00.000+00:002008-11-23T21:49:00.000+00:00How on earth did you manage such a short waiting t...How on earth did you manage such a short waiting time? Mr Oro's brother has been waiting something along the lines of 4-5 years just to get his documents go ahead...weird. And he already has family in BC, so...hunh.<BR/><BR/>Also, I vote for Montreal, which is only a few hours (like, less than ) from me. Toronto/Ottowa are like, 7-9.<BR/><BR/>Just sayin'.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-52112307178504013782008-11-23T16:48:00.000+00:002008-11-23T16:48:00.000+00:003 words....Tim Hortons coffee!!!3 words....Tim Hortons coffee!!!Pamplemoussehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08981785753864894621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-24716372590650918502008-11-23T16:20:00.000+00:002008-11-23T16:20:00.000+00:00Am born, raised and currently live in the Vancouve...Am born, raised and currently live in the Vancouver area (the town I live in is Maple Ridge).<BR/><BR/>So when I say that Vancouver is better than Toronto, please accept my bias :) My friend who is originally from Toronto, thinks Toronto is better.<BR/><BR/>(But she's wrong, dammit :)).<BR/><BR/>Vancouver is expensive, yes (but just wait until after the olympics - property values will probably plummet). If you can stand living outside of Vancouver proper (in the 'burbs, many of which aren't burbish any more) housing is cheaper.Nicolehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13376497055788648308noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-83063892310137912792008-11-23T15:03:00.000+00:002008-11-23T15:03:00.000+00:00As someone who's lived in the same state her whole...As someone who's lived in the same state her whole life, I am inspired by your sense of adventure! I haven't spent a lot of time in Canada, but have always had very pleasant experiences with "the locals." Best of luck with all of the paperwork, ugh. Here from ICLW.Faithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15886919296591229688noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-10096802277016792092008-11-23T14:33:00.000+00:002008-11-23T14:33:00.000+00:00I have been to Canada once - to Vancouver and Salt...I have been to Canada once - to Vancouver and Salt Spring Island. There should be a warning sign at Immigration - halt, you will want to fill out the forms to emigrate permanently all ye who enter here. <BR/><BR/>It was fab--u-lous. I don't even care that it rains all the time - what more could you want a city with decent coffee, fantastic food, mountains, beach, sailing and the friendliest people I have ever come across. <BR/><BR/>Jealous that's me. I spent my childhood moving round the world but have been in mammoth city ever since. I fantasise sometimes about moving again but feel bad about the people we would leave behind.Betty Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02106396238018550134noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-81903718646366870592008-11-23T13:31:00.000+00:002008-11-23T13:31:00.000+00:00Ah well, this explains at least some of the UK ant...Ah well, this explains at least some of the UK antipathy. I'm sorry you haven't found the right community, or the right place to live here. I hope canada will provide that for your family, although I, like HFF, will miss you being in the same country! We'll buy you some thermal underwear as a leaving present...Thaliahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12125639207843989848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-72948853638764836122008-11-23T02:36:00.000+00:002008-11-23T02:36:00.000+00:00Canada sounds lovely, but COLD. And I grew up in M...Canada sounds lovely, but COLD. And I grew up in Minnesota. I'm spoiled already.<BR/><BR/>Also? ROAD TRIP!!Mollyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12515687893431870192noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-40313906469800355462008-11-22T22:36:00.000+00:002008-11-22T22:36:00.000+00:00Exciting - Canada, wow! I've only ever spent an ho...Exciting - Canada, wow! I've only ever spent an hour in Canada so have no real advice - but enjoy!<BR/><BR/>ICLWnhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08579146100268312887noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-46248587238823622982008-11-22T18:48:00.000+00:002008-11-22T18:48:00.000+00:00Ah, Canada, eh? Well, I know nothing of Canada, b...Ah, Canada, eh? Well, I know nothing of Canada, but moving is always exciting at the least. I have fantasies of moving to Germany at some point, but I know I would miss "home" very much. Though I recently came to the conclusion that home was specifically Texas and that if I'm more than a few hours' drive from there, then it really doesn't matter where I am. It's like there's this radius around Austin, and everywhere outside that radius might as well be all the same place, you know? <BR/><BR/>Best of luck with your move. It sounds very exciting.katehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08056463808792013011noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-76410492706344830942008-11-22T16:24:00.000+00:002008-11-22T16:24:00.000+00:00I grew up in the Ottawa Valley, spent 7 years in E...I grew up in the Ottawa Valley, spent 7 years in Edmonton (miss the Rockies), 4 years in Kingston and now we're back in the Ottawa area. We are pretty rural but that is what Sgt and I wanted. It's hard to raise sheep and chickens in the city, you know with all the rooster gangs and such it's not safe for the hens.<BR/><BR/>My friend lives in Toronto and my brother is in a suburb of Toronto. I love visiting both places but I'm always glad to be home.<BR/><BR/>There are some great communities in the Ottawa area that you can find amazing homes, good schools and neighbours that will lend you a hand if needed. Feel free to email me with any questions, I'll let you know exactly where I am (I think you already know from the holiday card exchange) and I'll find you some great towns in the Ottawa area if you'd like.<BR/><BR/>I'll knit you, The Dude and P a touque with moose and beavers on them so when you go for your interview you can wear them.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-78208432232122379082008-11-22T14:44:00.000+00:002008-11-22T14:44:00.000+00:00I would totally choose Canado too. The US health...I would totally choose Canado too. The US healthcare system is a disaster. Good luck with all the paperwork. ICLWEchloehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00076557769820933518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-30866626356161328192008-11-22T12:25:00.000+00:002008-11-22T12:25:00.000+00:00I don't know enough about Canada to be useful to y...I don't know enough about Canada to be useful to you, but I can reassure you that you are not at all crazy for hatching such a plan. I've thought some about a move to the west coast of Canada, especially in late 2000 and again in late 2004, but my husband wouldn't be able to tolerate the climate. The mid-atlantic US is about as far north as he's willng to venture ever again. All that said, I'm feeling downright giddy to be living where I am right now. Being close to the capitol (working just a block or two away) means I'm just all abuzz with Obama excitement.Bittermamahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13130551051224443601noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9862855.post-32631915773857069852008-11-22T10:43:00.000+00:002008-11-22T10:43:00.000+00:00Canada huh? (it gets scarily cold in the winter y...Canada huh? (it gets scarily cold in the winter you know!?) I spent a couple of weeks in Vancouver about ten years ago and and just loved it. <BR/><BR/>It sounds like a great idea for me - if I wasn't such a nervous nelly I think that I'd consider it myself!Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04773481719981401980noreply@blogger.com