Tuesday, 23 June 2009

Things Have Gone This Far


Consumption, originally uploaded by Fanboy30.

A year ago I had just returned home after a wonderful 14 day trip to Canada. My feelings at that time were extremely mixed, the not knowing when and how I was going to be able to return there was agonizing. My family had been to Ottawa the previous year to visit relatives but I couldn't afford to go with them. Seeing Canada had been a life long dream and now there was the possibility to move there.

I explored many ideas but only found results in the Work Canada program (BUNAC). Initially I was told the program for that year was full which meant I had missed out because by the following year I wouldn't qualify because of my age. When August came along I received an email saying that some places were available so I rushed to get my application submitted.
After a few weeks of worry I was notified of my acceptance into the program. The next month was a whirlwind as I sold nearly all of my possessions on eBay, amazon and at local car boot sales. I left my job at Sainsburys grocery store a month before leaving the country so I had time to visit friends and family to say my goodbyes. It all seemed so easy for me, leaving it all behind at the time didn't really compute until I was sitting in the departures lounge at Heathrow. Overwhelmed with emotions I bordered the plane and took my seat.

A year has passed and I am living/working in Canada, some days I feel like a tourist and then I look at myself and think is this me now? Its scary how comfortable I have become considering a few years ago I had no desire to live abroad. The culture shock has worn off but going to Walmart is still an event to me and I don't think that will ever wear off.

3 comments:

  1. I can relate - I still feel like a tourist at times here in London, while at other times I feel right at home. I'm glad it's working out so well for you now mate. :)

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  2. lol I've lived here my whole life and going to Walmart is still an event (an extremely unpleasant one, but an event none the less.)

    How are you liking it so far? Any plans to travel the rest of the country?

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  3. Mark- Yes sometimes I forget you are a foreigner too hah!

    Zed- I love Walmart, the fish in a cup have to be seen to be believed. I would like to see some more of Canada while I am here, seems silly not to huh.

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