Canada - British Expat Forum

Being asked 'how are you today? ALL the time.

Everybody is always on voicemail.

For all the official things that you need to do when you arrive, there's always 'one more thing' they need.

I don't care what any financial institution says about being 'immigrant friendly' they always stiff you.

Yes it is a slower pace here, but when you are in a queue and everyone stopd to chat to the cashier it can get annoying if you are the one who needs to speed up.

Some biggish stores only seem to have one cashier open at any given time. Therefore longer queue, and they all CHAT.

BUT glad I'm here.

As you notice none of the above is really that important in the grand scheme of things.
G

lol, sounds like you need to learn to take things easy .....

The thing that annoyed me most was how long they'd take to get back to me when I applied for a job ... some I never heard from, (I think that's plain rude), and others came back to offer me an interview or a job even, long after I'd given up on them and accepted something else! The one I got I had to chase up at several stages before getting anything settled.

But I actually like "how are you today", and find myself doing it too now! I like that people stop to chat in stores and banks, and actually feel offended now if I ever get the same blank, silent, avoid eye-contact at all costs, treatment that is the norm in UK shops and businesses!

I'm even getting used to being told I "have an accent"! I still find it amusing that it is "awsome" or "perfect" when you pay somebody in a shop or restaurant!

Yeah, s'pose you're right.

I gotta chill. Still a void waiting to move into new house and actually get life started.

G

To be honest you may find there are numerous frustrations until you really feel you are getting established.

Things here are NOT the same as UK in many ways ..... not necessarily better or worse, just different! To an extent you need to go with the flow.... but also to know when to be assertive to get things done!!!

I am here, actually here .... aaahhh ... can't believe it. Its ace. The house is 'awesome' the people are amazing, the scenery even actually next to my house is so fantastic (I lived in a two up two down terrace in Leicester b4!!).

I didn't like the 'how are you today' coz as Brits we don't know what to say to it. My tip ... get in there first, it's easier.

Queing for cashiers that chat is a pain for sure. But hey, the flip side is ... er .... can't see one, but it'll be there. I live in Kelowna so lots of oldies. Combine nice Canadian chit chat with too old to have anything else to do but chat and its even worse. I think that its only because I have so much to do here now that I find it a pain otherwise I am keen to get into the slow lane. Speaking of slow lanes, I used to drive like a caffine riddled sales rep at home. Here I drive like my nan. A good thing!!

Went to see Motley Crue too ... a real blast from the past .... had an ace time.

I LOVE LOVE LOVE it here.

James the Happy

Glad you're enjoying it James, the flip side of chatty cashiers might be that it gives you time to chat to the other people in the line up ( which I have to admit I do a lot) or to peruse the magazines (boy is Angelina Jolie looking good during her pregnancy) or find some candies to munch on...It's all good.
Graeme

Jaymz wrote: I LOVE LOVE LOVE it here. James the Happy

So pleased to hear you sounding so delighted with your new start!

btw, the answer to "How are you today?" is normally "I'm good thankyou!, How are You?" .... but you can also use terms like "fine", "OK", if you are feeling honest, or "awesome!!" if you really want to sound Canadian!

edit: just remember to pronounce it "Ahsome" though

Glad you're enjoying it James!

Morning Morwenna and Graeme.

Morwenna,

Have been practicing my eh's too but just end up sounding like I come from 'sarf Luhndun' !!

Graeme,

Apologies for bringing the weather over with me. Unusually British in Kelowna for this time of year I am told!

Claire went in for a practice run at Westbank Medical Centre yesterday, all seems ok, I guess the human body is the same here as in the UK if a little taller and larger. Everyone seems keen to have a new doc. She keeps gaining patients even as we walk round the shops. She picked up a couple of sales assistants as patients two days ago!

She seems to be on top of everything but would it be okay if she emails you if she has any UK / Canadian medical queries?

If it is could you send me a quick mail to littledoc@fastmail.fm (she is only 5ft tall, hence the email address) or to me at james@alska.co.uk so we have your address.

Where abouts did you say you practiced?

Sure, but Graeme is probably the best to ask, as I am still coming to grips with acetominophen!!!!

Gah! I can't even pronounce that. Paracetamol is much easier to say

I'm glad Canada is different to the UK. How boring it would be if it was the same?

I love being an expat...was in Germany 10 years.

Can't wait for New Brunswick...

something I won't get used to is having to pay flippin' duty on everything - we get presents sent from friends and grandparents and you have to pay the postman a huge whack of money before he releases it to you!

Why is that

Hi Jessica

I've just noticed your comment about duty . With Christmas coming up, and the likelihood of presents arriving, I think that topic also merits it own thread - and a sticky! I dread to think how many people have fallen foul of this trap before. Good posting.

Where best to post it? Money Matters maybe? Unless you have a better idea.

Cheers

Kay

ooo, I don't know


......


yes, I think that would be the best place.

However, a friend of ours seems to have found a way round this - buy online from within Canada, get the presents giftwrapped and dispatched to you. Saves on postage, duty and is SO quick.