Such is life - 11 days living here ... I'm in one of those why on earth do things happen this way and not like I'm used to ...?! Poor grammar allowed ! - Why 'cos I'm in a different country ... even though it has some Britishness attached to it ...
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| Looking out from my bedroom area - over pool ... storm brewing |
So some general news ... driving for 9 days now - somewhat troubling to find the mirror is above my right in the car - looking to my old normal (left) lets me see not much!
Lights in the car that come on automatically ... and the switches that switch on by moving down ... thankfully in England I already had been driving an automatic ... that helps.
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| It's the city of totem poles - more anon on them - and the sign here is as you approach from the north not from the south where I'm coming from! |
... now I'm writing this in November - yet Wiki tells me it's the first of December ... stress making! By the time I post ... it'll probably be Saturday the 2nd (or nearly so!) ... but such is life ...
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| Hemlocks |
Trees, trees, trees, everywhere ... and not a jot of difference in the rain, fog and mist, shall separate them - how am I to find my way round?!?! Firs, Hemlocks, Balsams et al ...
It's interesting too - one gets to a junction, but there's no sign post saying where one is ... even to the local city - Duncan - which really doesn't classify as a city in my book with a population of only 4,944 - is so it tells me: the smallest city in the nation: that I can believe.
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| One day of sun! similar view as above |
I daren't drive out on my own just yet ... those trees mesmerise me ... but next week - I'll brave my new world and give it a try. All the side roads, dirt tracks also confuse me - we live on one side of the highway - the farm is on the other ...
Vancouver Island has an area of 32,000sq k/19884sq mi and is the largest island off the west coast of North America - in fact the largest island in the Pacific east of New Zealand.
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| I'm near Duncan, which is marked ... just visible! - to the east of Lake Cowichan |
Its size is approximately 460km/ 286mi in length and 100km/ 62mi in breadth ... 286 miles from London lets us reach Plymouth, Lowestoft, Carlisle ... 62 miles takes me from London to Eastbourne on the south coast, where I used to live.
... and is comparable in size to the Netherlands and Taiwan.
Taiwan (55th most populous country) has a population of 23,500 million ...
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| Hemlock (130 feet); Cedar (200 feet); Spruce (230 feet); Douglas Fir (280 feet). |
... we here on Vancouver Island are only 750,000 odd (and one of course) ...
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| Travelling across eastern edge of Rockies on my way from Calgary to Vancouver Island |
Weather wise - looks I'm better off over here ... it's not snowing (yet) - while they have wintry weather in the UK and on the continent ...
That's my take on life so far ... things are happening - but there've also been things to sort out that take time ...
Hilary Melton-Butcher
Positive Letters Inspirational Stories
64 comments:
hi my Grandblogmom.
happy to see a post about your new living place. for sure it's gonna take some time to get accustomed to a whole different life style. you made me laugh about the light switches and plugs. same stuff Americans say is frustrating about England. lol Glad you got a good view of the Rockies en route from Calgary to the island. cool pic. hang in! you'll get it all sorted out and have a wonderful time. i'll call you soon and we can have a good chat.
..hugs
I did not know you relocated. I though you were on holiday.
Vancouver Island is wonderful. I guess it is perspective. But when I was there which was twice, the people were friendly and the climate is quite lenient. The warm Pacific waters keeps it from being so cold all winter. Or at least that is what I have heard.
Adventure is the way to live.
Hilary have you moved? I must have missed that somewhere along the way. I've never been to Vancouver myself!
Vancouver Island has long intrigued me and I imagine it is a wonderful place to move to. Supposed to have a temperate climate.
I envy your location. I was there in march last time and it was still mild in some areas.
Interesting perspective on Vancouver Island. Of course, for us, the differences were from what we were used to in the states. We only spent 4 days there (or so) over 20 years ago, but it was 4 days full of exploring. After leaving there, we went up island, spending a couple of days in Campbell River and then up to Port Hardy. On our way back, we stopped at Nanaimo before catching a ferry back to the mainland with one night at a hotel near the airport before our flight back to the States.
I hope you continue to enjoy your adventure... and the differences.
I didn't know you were moving there I thought you were visiting. It always takes awhile to get used to new places. Good luck and best wishes.
@ Lenny - yes it will take a while ... and being with someone else around needing certain things happening. I'm sure travelling in foreign lands is always a little strange - I'd forgotten how different things can be. The views over the Rockies weren't clear - but were interesting to look out on ... and yes I'll have a great time - off to Victoria tomorrow for a talk ... and it'll be good for us to have a chat sometime.
@ Ann - nope ... I haven't relocated per se - just for a while - longish one. Not sure why it's a mildish climate here - but I'm grateful!
@ Paula - not literally moved, but for a longish while - it was an opportunity to visit and experience a new life ...
@ Terra - I'm looking forward to doing some exploring at some stage - I guess the Spring. I've forgotten a lot of what I saw last time I was here - so need some time to get accustomed to it ...
@ Steve - certainly it'll be much better once Spring comes around ... and I'll know where I am with my driving by then: I hope!
@ Mike - if I was used to the place ... I'd be happy exploring, but last time I came I was with my mother and didn't really have time to settle in and adjust - so the holiday was lovely ... but very much forgotten about ...
I look forward to getting up the Island at some stage and having days out. My mother and I spent a few days in Tofino ... but I need to remember and learn more ... and get further north up to Port Hardy at some stage ...
I'm sure I'll enjoy myself and the adventure will expand and I'll appreciate those differences ...
@ Sandie - yes, I'm here for a while - all will settle in due time ...
Cheers to you all - I guess I'm lucky to be able to take an opportunity to move countries for a while - not something to miss out on ... Hilary
How fortunate you are to have this adventure. Wishing you much fun and grand experiences.
I see from the comments that you're just on an extended visit. Should be interesting. I've only been to Victoria once. Spent a day. We took the ferry from Seattle when I was visiting Seattle. I want to go back one day.
Mild climate, eh? It's the Pacific Ocean that does it. Of course, you'll get snow.
LOL! Yes, those little things can take some getting used to. The electrical plugs - especially those with two flimsy pins that are prone to droop out of the socket in an alarming manner. And the lamp switches that you have to turn.
I think we get away with fewer road signs because the road network as a whole is so much simpler. Even with road signs we used to regularly get lost trying to navigate through or past an English town, but don't have many problems here.
And take the time to get used to less traffic (unless there's an accident on the Malahat), fewer crowds, and cars that stop for you at crossings and intersections, and cashiers at grocery stores who take the time to talk to you in a genuinely friendly manner rather than discuss last night's pub crawl with the cashier at the next till ...
There's a lot of differences to get used to, most of them good ones :)
You're in Western Canada! Yes, very different from England. Drive down to the USA and it will be even more different.
Hi Hilary! What an adventure! A big contrast by the looks of things. Vancouver Island sounds intriguing. There's always adjustments to make changing countries. I wish you well. Those forests are what I imagine Canada to have plenty of. Looking for more posts on V.I.
Thanks for signing up for WEP. No biggie for you to come up with something for New Beginnings,LOL!
Happy days!
Denise :-)
lots of changes and you'll adjust. Bully for you.
I would think the driving thing would be crazy difficult. Take your time and be careful!!!
Canada is so beautiful. Enjoy the trees and acclimate to the climate.
This is all so fun.......to hear your first impressions. Thanks for sharing.
Hang tough - we're here for you!!! Have tea whenever you are ready. What is time, anyway??
@ Arleen - it is going to be fun ... and will be a trememdouse experience ... thank you.
@ Liz - yes, I haven't emigrated - but will be here for a while. That's good I hope you can get back up - I need to see Victoria properly ... have been to the Gardens - but now I'll have more time - and I'd like to get across to Seattle ...
I'd have thought the Pacific Ocean would have made it colder ... but what do I know! I'm just glad it's so mild ...
@ Ian - yes these little things do take some getting used to ... I haven't got a lamp yet - so that's to come ...
Jenny says to me you'll find the Trans Canada Highway sometime and then you can find your way back - makes sense I guess!
You're right re fewer people ... and yes there's usually a space to pull out into ... and people do chat happily - which is good ... it's not football or chit chat either -thankfully ...
I believe the differences are better - and I'm sure I'll appreciate them in due time ... thanks for the 'thumbs up' ...
@ Alex - yup over here now ... and very different to the UK - as I'm sure the States would be should I get a chance to visit ...
@ Denise - a surprise opportunity - one, one doesn't say 'no' to. I'll get around in due course ... and adjust as time goes on. The forests round here abound - but it's wild and glorious.
Yes - an easy subject for me for the next Write-Edit-Publish post ... and it'll be almost getting light days then! Happy Days too ...
@ Joanne - it's certainly different and I'm sure I'll cope ... I'll get used to the driving and I am being careful ... and will be taking my time ...
Once the rain stops and the days start getting longer - I'm sure I'll feel happier and easier about things.
Canada seems to be full of lots of interesting ideas and is such a new country - it can develop new projects ... I'll be fine - I think! Don't worry ... lots of tea being drunk to steady my nerves!
Thanks everyone - life will develop as I'm here ... the run up to Christmas is in full throttle and we're doing a few things ... enjoy these early December days - cheers Hilary
Moving to another country can be quite a challenge can't it, finding out about that the way things are done are not wrong just different.
Morning is that part of the day that follows on from Sunrise till Noon and then it becomes Evening and at Sunset when it gets dark it is Night.
You visit a shop and you are greeted with 'Goodnight Mel' and that is foreign to your ears when you expected then to say Good Evening as is done in the UK.
It is natural to make comparisons in your head better not to voice them though because that can sometimes annoy the residents !
I never get the hang of the light switches! Still, there are far greater consolations as you seem to agree.
I hope you get to visit Butchart Gardens! It is just amazing to see, even in winter.
It's funny all the little things that are different! But oh! The bedroom view is beautiful. Diane is right, Butchart Gardens is incredible!
That was fun, following you along on your trip. I've considered moving to Vancouver for a while but I'm afraid it's too cold for me. What gorgeous scenery!
Such an adventure! I had to scroll back a couple of posts to find out you've relocated to this side of the pond for at least six months. Just think of all the new places for you to discover! I'm happy for you, but I feel for you trying to get used to driving on the right side of the road and from the left side of the vehicle. I know it'd take me a looooong time to adjust to doing it the other way.
Have fun!Cheers!
I'm so excited, I had no idea what was going on here and had to backtrack. I have only seen this island in the distance, but I understand it is very beautiful and interesting. I just recently learned that Tehachapi is a city and, therefore, has a city government. And towns are run differently. I had thought that you just called smaller places towns, but that's not so. I imagine it's the same way in Canada. Can't wait to read about your explorations, is that a word? I'm still sick, so I'm excused.
@ Mel - it certainly is ... and there are other things going on too - makes life challenging. I'll try not to annoy the locals!
@ Anabel - oh these light switches ... I'm sure they'll be habit forming soon - but other things will more than make up for the oddities.
@ Diane - I've been to Butchart ... but would love to go again for a proper and longer visit, and more than once more.
@ Holly - it's strange trying to remember all the (at the moment) idiosyncrancies - the view can only get better once Spring starts coming around ... it will be so interesting ...
@ Jacqui - if you're a southern Californian 'babe' - then probably it'd be too cold up here ... but so far it's like English weather ...
@ Susan - yes I'm here probably for longer than six months - long enough to settle in ... it's probably not the easiest time of year to relocate - but opportunities arise and must be taken up ... I'm coping so far luckily ...
@ Inger - yes it's a bit of shock the sudden change to my way of life - but I'm sure I'll find it very interesting and learn a whole new way of life ...
Our regulatory government system in the UK has changed a little in recent years - some places becoming cities ... and towns can be boroughs - another form of local government - quite a complicated system. Interesting to read about Tehachapi being a city ...
Explorations is a word - but I'll be relatively local for most of the time ...
Thanks everyone for understanding my early notes on life here - more to follow - cheers Hilary
So many adjustments to make. I've moved many times and always have to get used to the new area, but you have to get used to a new country.
Love,
Janie
Well, this must be THE GREAT ADVENTURE for you Hilary. So much to get used to; and then you'll be home and trying to see out the mirror over your right shoulder. Never thought of how different the view would be, lol. Make tea time any time you feel it should be :)
It sound like a really exciting new experience for you Hilary! I hope that you feel just as happy when the real Canadian winter arrives......
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I could've written this same exact post in the 90s when I lived in Europe. We were told what to expect but still struggled with culture shock. Good luck settling in and have lots of fun too!!
Have a beachy week!
Elsie
Nice to catch up on your news Hilary. Sounds like adventures are coming your way. Driving somewhere new is always a challenge. Happy travels.
Well, Hilary, you are exploring like I did when I first arrived here. Vancouver Island operates at a slower pace than the Lower Mainland (what we call the Vancouver area) and has a natural beauty that is amazing to anyone who hasn't seen temperate rainforests. The trees grown tall and straight with all the rain. When the British first discovered this part of the country, the trees grew right down to the beaches. (there is a book called Vancouver, which details our growing pains and tells of the different migrations which affected and enriched our population).
I think you are brave to try driving here, and I hope you get to see the west coast of the island, Long Beach near Tofino or Ucluelet. I couldn't get over the differences between the US southeastern coast (where I came from) and the west coast of Canada.
I absolutely love it here, but we need to fix our housing costs which have been driven through the roof by offshore purchasers. It's the same in Toronto.
I'm looking forward to hearing more about your extended visit Hilary. I've only visited Vancouver Island once many years ago, but I have such fond memories of the lush green. It seemed other-wordly at the time. Happy adventuring, and wishing you ease in acclimating.
I understand, although I have never been there, that BC is far more Anglicised than this side of Canada. People in Britain, even in Europe, cannot conceive of the size of the country. There is a joke that an English person sending their kid to Toronto asked their relative in Vancouver to meet him. The answer was, you meet him, you're closer. Not all the sockets work that way, mostly once you plug in you have to throw a switch on the item. As for the switches, it is confusing at first. You would find more differences here I think. Lot of words have dissimilar meanings. Even worse if you go dahn sahth of course.
@ Janie - yes there a few extra changes when moving to a different country - South Africa was fine ... driving on the same side of the road - here not quite so easy!
@ Donna - it's come out of the blue ... so great adventure it sure is. I'll be home in a while - not sure how long the while is ... but tea always comes right around ... not quite time for a cuppa - but soon!
@ Bazza - adjustments in many ways; I think I'll cope with the Canadian winter - can't be worse than the 1962/3 one or even recent British snows ... but it will be interesting to see what happens - how much getting out and about I'll do is another matter!
@ Elsie - I'm sure your adjustment to life in our part of the world - yet of course on the continent you would have been driving on the right ... it's just quietly adjusting as time goes on - by Spring it should be ok ...
@ Suzanne - I'll be fairly local ... but still can get out and about a bit see different parts of the locality and I hope some places of historical interest ...
@ DG - 'Lower Mainland' - a name I haven't come across before - I'll remember that. I'll adjust I'm sure.
The temperate rainforests are amazing - thanks for the idea about the book "Vancouver" ... I'll investigate as it sounds very interesting ...
I drove last time I was over in 2001 with my mother - and we went up via Long Beach, to Tofino (and possibly Ucluelet) and stayed a few days before coming back to spend time with Jenny - I can't remember much!! This time I will have longer and be able to take things in ...
I can understand the differences ... having lived in various places in England, South Africa and now here ... each part has its own culture ...
Housing is a trouble throughout the western world - while the poverty areas of the 3rd world are really far worse off than we are ...
Great to have your perspective from just over the water!
@ Deborah - yes, I think I've realised I need to just change the perception of the blog slightly ... and note more about this part of the world ...
I seem to remember Tofino being very art and craft oriented ... so I'm sure I'll start to reflect the different areas as I get to explore ...
I'm sure also I'll aclimatise and enjoy the adventures as time goes on ...
@ Jo - I realise about the switches on the machines. I can quite believe that about a person wanting someone from Vancouver to meet them in Toronto - just glad I missed that immigration point out - Calgary was considerably easier ... words and phrases too ...
Cheers everyone ... a fortnight has passed - Hilary
I can relate so well, Hilary. Moving from SA to the Netherlands was a similar kind of shock to my system although I didn't have the time issue, but still. Enjoy your months away. I'm sure you'll find your way around in due course. The endless trees might become something in the end!
Ha ha, you're right, I'd forgotten that British plugs often have those switches. I do envy you being surrounded by all those ancient trees... Excited to hear more of your adventures!
It's the little things that make seemingly similar countries different, but you seem to be aclimitising quite well. Eastbourne's loss is Vancouver's gain - for now anyway!
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Those trees are beautiful. I lived in Vancouver for a year after I finished college, and it's the one place I really miss. Not for the city itself, I'm not a city gal, but for the ocean, the mountains, and the trees. I can't wait to hear more about your explorations there! Have a lovely week. :)
@ Val - I can believe your change from SA to the Netherlands must have been a shock, though as you say the time difference wasn't there. I'm sure the trees will be of mental value in the end ... and I'll learn about the totem poles and different trees ...
@ Deniz - yes the British plugs have that extra standard feature - I'm sure they've been there a long time at least while I grew up after the War. The trees and this temperate forest are lovely and hugely valuable ...
@ Keith - well I'm grateful for the differences ... I do hate homogenisation. Yes I'll be back to the land of the English Channel in due course ...
@ Christine - I knew you had Canadian connections .. but didn't realise you were here (or over the water) ... I gather Vancouver is lovely - and I'll get there and get to the waterfronts around here ...
Thanks everyone - it's interesting sharing my new life with you ... cheers for now on a sunny day on the Island - Hilary
Isn't it interesting just how different things are from one country to another? This is true within large countries as well. There are multiple distinct areas to the U.S. and while most things are the same, cuisine, accents, prices, weather, etc. vary from region to region. It is a great big, beautiful world we live in. I do know that it can be frustrating to come to an intersection and not find the street sign. I am sure you will get your bearings soon and it will be old hat before you know it.
Enjoy this fabulous adventure that you're having Hilary and make loads of memories. I remember when I came to the UK how interesting (frustrating) some of the differences were between Australia and the UK, but now the majority are just normal everyday life for me.
Have a fabulous day.
Hilary: I admire you for picking up and coming half-way around the world. I don't believe we could do that. Enjoy your stay.
You seem to be having a wonderful time! Looking forward to more pictures of your trip.
Wow, Hilary, when you make a move you don't just hop to a nearby town do you?
It looks like a lovely place. Wishing you much contentment and happiness in your new home.
@ Linda - Yes ... so much similar, not quite the same, yet with differences of culture, traditions ... which make human life so interesting. I'm sure I'll get to grips with the roads and the way things work fairly quickly ...
@ Pam - there already are loads of memories ... to add to the pile. I'll adjust and adapt - as I did in South Africa ... and as you've done coming from down under Oz to the Scottish delights of being up north!
@ Cecilia - it's been relatively easy ... once decided - then get on with it ...
@ Damyanti - thanks ... still settling in ...
@ Sandra - yes it wasn't just into another county, or Cornwall, Wales or Scotland ... just a wee distance ... but I'll enjoy myself ... seeing different areas, even if just locally ...
Thanks so much - cheers Hilary
This sounds like a great adventure, Hilary! I'll bet it is beautiful there.
The woods are beautiful up there. I haven't been since I was a kid. Guess I need to go back:)
It sounds like quite the adventure for you. Hang in there! Such differences, but you'll be quite the world traveler when all is said and done. I can relate a bit. When we moved from the east coast of the US in New Jersey to the mid central area of northern Kentucky, it was a bit of a culture shock. So many things the same, so many different, and an adjustment for sure that they "don't do things the same around here". It's all a happy ending, and I'm sure you'll have one too. Can't wait to hear about more of your adventures! :) Take care!
Hilary, I'm full of admiration, and look forward to more new perspectives from you. I hear that Vancouver is a great place to live.
Hi Hilary,
At nearly three in the morning, or seven in the evening where you are, finally, yes finally, I'm actually here commenting, eh!
Speaking of cars, it seems that every time I go back over, I invariably try to sit down on the driver's seat instead of the passenger's seat.
It's quite something adapting to the differences over there when it comes to plugs and light sockets and which side the steering wheel is on.
As you will know, Vancouver Island is a wondrous, mountainous, tree-filled place. Victoria, my brother, Andrew and his girlfriend, Jill, live in the rather quaint, British feel place of Victoria.
As for Duncan, I spent a night in a hotel room there. I'll leave it at that.
Enjoy and watch out for some snow.
Gary
It must all be very disorientating, Hilary. There are so many things we never even think about because they're normal - until they're not!
What a powerful post, and a reminder that we often get used to doing things that we're used to, and it seems so different when somewhere else. At my age, I may have a hard time adapting to new things, but then I remember that adventure us fun. I love looking at a new place through your eyes, and it makes me feel as if I was right there with you. Hugs...RO
Wow, Hilary, I'm just catching up on my blog reading and I'm so surprised to see you are in Vancouver! I can't imagine how disorienting this all must be but I'm glad you are finding your way around and I look forward to reading more about your new adventure. Take care!
@ Lynn - I think it will be stunning and from what I remember it is beautiful - but I'll be pleased to be able to be around for longer.
@ Mark - it looks amazing ... and yes another visit for you perhaps ...
@ Karen - oh it'll be fine ... these I've set out are very minor! I'm sure I'll adjust - there are a few other things that are very different going on ... and forgetting some things in England - doesn't help my cause! Still as you say all will have a happy ending ...
@ Juliet - I gather it's much appreciated as an area .. I expect come Spring when I can properly explore more I'll see lots of fun and exciting things - natural and of interest ...
@ Gary - good to hear from you ... and I know your brother lives in Victoria ... I haven't fully been there yet - one day soon I expect. There look to be some interesting places to visit ...
Duncan is my local 'town' or city as it prefers to be called - and suits my needs ... and I think there's quite a bit of culture there too - that I need to check out.
The mountains here finally have snow and the frost has appeared ... at least the rain is gone!
@ Patsy - I'll get there ... two challenges - one here and one lot of things (in one plastic bag) I left behind somewhere!
@ RO - just my two major hassles ... one of my own making - but I'll adjust and things will ease up and sort themselves out - delighted you enjoyed the post with its change of venue ...
@ Julie - yup a wee change across to the Island. It'll be fine - as I've mentioned above ... silly things sort of halting me in my tracks, or distinctly slowing me down ...
Thanks everyone - so lovely to see you ... rather busy at the moment - cheers Hilary
Hi Hilary.
Finally I was able to comment here! I missed several posts, so I'm going to ask, did you move to Vancouver? I live in Toronto. Welcome to Canada!!! :) :)
Hi Debby - I'm over for a while helping my mother's cousin - exactly for how long I don't know ... a temporary residence on Vancouver Island - which is a great opportunity! Cheers Hilary
Oh. My. Gosh! Lucky you, Hilary. My husband and I visited Vancouver Island, but our stay was not long enough. We flew from the states to Calgary and drove west. There is such beautiful country in Canada. We haven't been lucky enough to visit the Netherlands.
Enjoy your visit, confusion and all. And enjoy your holiday season, Hilary. I so enjoy visiting your blog to learn something new.
I read the part about the 8 hours time difference and I could empathise. My California trip of 1997 threw me sideways with its time difference of 8 hours. (That and a diet of old Dr Who and Upstairs Downstairs, episodes - my hosts thought it would make me feel at home.) So many things different and yet, you will doubtless find some similarities - maybe. I have not been to Canada but I would love to come over there - I do believe I have family there, somewhere. Enjoy and come back with tales brimming over. :-) Debbie XX
@ Victoria Marie - thanks ... it is a beautiful island - but I shall definitely enjoy exploring more and getting to grips with the flora and fauna of the area, as well as the geology ...
Holland/the Netherlands is beautiful too ... and thanks for your thoughts ...
@ Debbie - it's quite difficult remembering that everyone thing one does is - is always after everyone else has done it 8 hours earlier ... ah well - I shall get used to it.
The tv timings are all different too - and yes we get a lot of British programmes - not Dr Who, nor Upstairs Downstairs so far! Dr Who unlikely!!
At least the language is (almost) the same ... and I've been recognised by my accent already ...
It'll be a fun time ... lots of interesting things to see and do ...
Cheers and thanks to you both - Hilary
Well yes. It's hard to adjust to a new country. I have the same problem though we've lived in the same town for over fifty years.
As Minnesota teachers and camper visited Canada a lot in most of the provinces. Vancouver Island far away from Minnesota was our favorite. If you like green forests, blue water and friendly somewhat British sounding people your in a good spot now...:)
I'm sure it will be an adjustment to living in a new place, driving there, and adjusting to a big time difference. I admire you for your bravery. I've lived in the same town for over 30 years. And so glad that you stopped by my blog. I see you all around at people's blogs.
Hi Hilary!
I read a few of the older posts (I'd missed) so that I'm caught up with your latest adventure. You're amazing! I've left my desert home for exactly two extended stays on the east coast and promptly returned, shivering, blue-lipped, wearing a Parka and swearing I'd never try that again ;-)
From all I've heard, and your descriptions, Vancouver sounds like a beautiful place to stay awhile. I do hope you enjoy - and have the time to share with us!
I wouldn't worry too much about the time difference. I live in one of only two states in America that doesn't recognize daylight savings, so I'm never sure what time it is anywhere else - besides, none of my clocks at home ever seem to match exactly either ;-)
Happy holidays!
I've been to Vancouver but not Vancouver Island. Nor have I ever been off the North American continent. I never found things all that different in Canada, but I'm sure Great Britain would be a whole other thing - everything giving you trouble would give me trouble in reverse. You've traveled a whole bunch of time zones but I am sure you will recover (eventually). Hope you have a great visit and enjoy all the newness you are experiencing. The Unknown Journey Ahead agingonthespectrum.blogspot.com
It does take some getting used to when we are in a new place. A new country takes even more time. I can only imagine how different the driving/cars seem! Sounds like you are adjusting and noticing lots of differences. :)
Enjoy your new sights and day to day tasks. :)
~Jess
Please forgive, I've fallen behind in my reading and have just realized that you're not just out and about on a holiday, you've moved to Canada!!! Rather slow, I know, but a warm welcome to you nonetheless. I can only imagine how weird and wonderful such a change is. I would love to do it someday.
Enjoy your Sunday,
Andrea
@ Troutbirder - it's just taking its time ... and probably not a very good time of year to 'potter over'!. I know the distances here are huge - and I'm grateful for the clearer roads (not so much traffic) ... and I do like green forests, blue water (yet to see - cold water I've seen ... not blue!) and yes they are sort of British around here ... even so I need to translate Canadian to English!!
@ Natalie - thankfully the time difference hasn't affected me - may be the stay over in Calgary helped that. It's mainly driving on the wrong side of the road (as far as I'm concerned) that tests me at times ...
Thanks for the thumbs up ...
@ Diedre - I quite enjoy change but perhaps I might have stayed put if the circumstances had been right - things push you on ..and opportunities arise.
I'm sure I'll be here a-while ... and then will share some of the times out and about.
How interesting I didn't know that about Daylight Savings in Arizona and Hawaii not recognising the DLS system ... oh and time frames my clocks are always vague - still the computers and phones etc always say the same time ... so I stay vaguely on track.
@ Bookworm - I'm sure it's not much different ... but each little, adds to each other little - then they'll fade by the wayside and it'll all be normal. Thankfully the jet lag thing never seemed to happen - and it helped having the layover in Calgary overnight ... I'll be relaxed and enjoy it all in due course, as I'll be able to take it all in ...
@ Jess - thanks for your thoughts ... as you mention it'll take a little while - and I'm adjusting as lots of other things going on, which perhaps don't help my adjustment cause ... I'm certainly seeing lots of new sights and vistas ...
@ Andrea - no worries - I've sort of temporarily moved over to Canada ... which seemed a great opportunity and only needs to be adjusted to. I suspect the change in the other direction might be distinctly more difficult ...
Thanks so much to you all for visiting and understanding 'my plight' as I settle in to Canadian ways of life - cheers Hilary
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