O Canada...

[DalandeMD]

My mom and I are seriously thinking about making a move to BC. I know we don't have the money or resources right now, but we want to come up with a game plan. I don't even know where to start. I know I'd have to have employment up there, and so would she. I'm a medical receptionist, and she has a Master's degree in Environmental Sciences. Should we start with looking for a place to live, work on obtaining visas, look for jobs, or what? I'd think our first step would be saving money for a security deposit for rent, travel expenses, etc., and then worry about the rest of it. Kinda don't know what dollar amount to shoot for though.

Anyone have experience on the matter, who would like to share? Yes, I realize this may take a while to come to fruition, and we're just fine with that. We're patient people. I figure, I've got this one life, so why should I live in one country for its entirety?

My mom and I want to start small, then see what it's like in other countries, i.e. France, the U.K., etc. I know these are broad and rather large goals, especially for people of our earning potential, but we'd like to give it a shot in any way we can, taking small but significant steps to get there.

I'll have to visit!

i have no answers to your questions though.

[DalandeMD]

<3!

Anyone have any idea?

[reverie]

Awesome ambitions Dalande, travelling is such an awesome experience. Very wise to do it if you have the opportunity. BC is a wonderful place, I actually just left there which kinda sucks. (I go back and forth between Ontario and BC lots). The view in BC is gorgeous, bud is almost like pop culture there and I find it to be quite a bit different than other Canadian provinces.

Do you know where you would want to stay? In the heart of Van, Victoria? Theres so many beautiful places, it would be hard to decide. Would you be renting or buying? I have no idea in relation to US standards but in comparison to other provinces BC is quite expensive, and I don't find the pay rate to be much different than the rest of Canada. Housing is pretty pricey as well, and finding a place in Van may be difficult, but certainly possible. Actually a guy I met on the train (been everywhere) just went out to Van on a whim with no conceptions of anything and is still living there with some friends he made. He says hes loving it.

Another aspect.. is right now, our Dollar is pretty much on par with the American dollar but our retail hasnt yet adjusted its pricing. So when in reality you should be spending 6 bucks for smokes, you're spending 10. It may be quite a blow bringing all your savings over and find them dimish quicker than anticipated.

Health care is amazing, it is also very culturally diverse and relaxed. Its a place where there is a lot of involvement in the community, theres always something to do or see. The slopes are notorious in the winter and it is a very mild city weather wise, although it does rain quite a bit. It also very safe and helpful especially in relation to most American cities. You're mom would love it, being a major in enviromental sciences. There are many activists there. I'd think that you would have a job in no time as well so I wouldn't worry about that really. I think you'd like it a lot.

If you have specific concerns, Id be happy to try and fill you in. Kudos on the desire to travel, I can deeply appreciate that .

[canyoudigit]

come to chiliwack, my hometown