Are You Shaw?

Holidays are Coming!

2009-12-08T13:46:00.018-08:00

We know it’s been a while since our last post but now our first (honeymoon period!) year is over we still have to go through the day-to-day grind, only difference being its against an amazing backdrop.

Anyway since our last blog my (Martyn’s) family visited in Sept. We really enjoyed showing them around where we now call home. The weather didn’t start off too well and was a bit blustery down at the beach in White Rock, but it didn’t take too long to improve. The highlight was a drive up the Sea to Sky highway to Whistler village and a trip on the recently installed peak to peak gondola. This was especially exciting as we not only saw OUR first wild bear but 6 wild bears, luckily from the safety of the cable car. We think they enjoyed their visit… you’ll have to come back during the winter though and see the other side of Vancouver.

Halloween is a big celebration over here. This year we carved our own pumpkins and took a journey on the Stanley Park Ghost Train (the latter being a slight disappointment compared to their Christmas Train). But in saying that what made it was the family behind us. At the beginning their young son was so excited to get on the train but only seconds into the ride said it was too scary and wanted to get off. For the rest of the journey his mom (not mum anymore) was trying to point out how ‘nice’ everything was even to the point where we could see some dolls coming up in the distance. “oooh look at the dolls coming aren’t they nice”, she said, only when we got closer you could see some where on stakes and others were being hanged ‘oooh yes they're nice’ we thought… hilarious!

In Nov we took our first trip across the border and into the states (that was after 20 questions, finger printing and mug shots taken by the border guards). Our destination was Seattle, only knowing this city from watching Fraser and the scene from Sleepless In Seattle but enough of that! Having prepared my famous ‘itinerary’ we started our whirlwind tour as soon as we dropped our bags at the hotel. Typical Seattle weather is rain and this didn’t disappoint. From the Space Needle to the Music Experience home of Jimmy Hendrix, the Underground Tour of old Seattle to the ‘flying fish’ of Pike Place Market and the very first Starbucks, we did it all. We woke on our last day to blue skies and the sun shining, so it was back around all the sites again to retake all the photo’s…Hayley was so pleased….not!!!

Now winter is well on its way and the snow has returned to the mountains, opening up the ski slopes (we’ll be there soon). And the buzz of the upcoming winter Olympics is picking up pace.

Writing this we have just returned from an amazing night at the top of Grouse Mountain where we had our first touch of this years snow and fantastic clear view of Downtown at twilight, at -6 degrees was a bit chilly but well worth it. On our return we stopped off at Capilano where they have currently switched on the ‘Canyon of Lights’. Lights are strung across the suspension bridge and around the treetop and lake walkways.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Martyn & Hayley

Summer Happenings!

2009-08-08T10:45:00.034-07:00

I can't believe its been so long since we updated the blog. Time out here must go more quickly! I don't mean to rub it in but for a few weeks now we've had wall to wall sunshine, with the odd cloud and one thunderstorm breaking it up. We've been spending our free time at the beach, in the sea or by the side of lakes with awesome backdrops of mountains, some of which still have snow on top!

Since our last post, Hayley has passed her driving test (first time - hooray!) but now hasn't driven since! She also changed jobs, still working at the same company but now off the phones and is in the underwriting dept as a junior underwriter, which she much prefers.

We went to the gee gee's in June (Canadians have no idea what this means!) with some of Hayley's work colleagues. We didn't win a right lot but as you look over the racecourse you have a view of the river and the mountains beyond.

I have purchased a used set of golf clubs and am considering golf lessons as there are no end of golf courses over here set in beautiful landscaping. Hayley is also considering joining me: we have both been to the driving range a few times and just need to hone our technique before hitting the fairways.

We spent Canada Day (July 1st) down in White Rock by the beach where in the evening we watched the fireworks from the pier

Hayley's Mum and Brother stayed with us at the end of July. They have been to Vancouver before but had concentrated more around Downtown. On our free days we took them to explore further afield. We went up into Golden Ears Park to Allouete Lake for a BBQ picnic, walked along Capilano Suspension Bridge and through the tree tops walkway. We also took a trip up Grouse Mountain seeing the captive orphan bears they have up there. One day we took a trip along the sea to sky highway stopping at Horseshoe Bay, Shannon Falls and Squamish. I think they really enjoyed themselves, although the heat was a little unbearable at times and they may be glad to be back in England in the cold and rain (still don't mean to rub it in!)

Clouded over a little while I'm writing this but we have been promised more sunshine to come. We are currently looking forward to my Mum, Dad and Sister coming over beginning of September (hopefully the weather will still be good).

Bye for now
Martyn & Hayley xxx

Yee Haw!!

2009-05-22T13:40:00.004-07:00

As you can see from our new profile pic we had great fun at the Cloverdale Rodeo last weekend! The weather was fab…really hot and sunny. The rodeo is the 2nd largest in Canada and there was a country fair, fairground and the rodeo shows themselves. We had to buy a couple of cowboy hats as the sun was so strong, everyone was wearing them and come who doesn’t secretly want to be a cowboy/girl!!

Well after the motorbike show a few months back Martyn decided we were going to go to the Classic and Custom Car show! Oh well, I suppose it keeps him happy when I want to do things scrapbook related!! There were some really cool cars and not that many car babes much to Martyn’s disappointment!! I don’t know much about cars so here are some pics instead!!

Last time we mentioned we had some tickets to an ice hockey game – it was our first game and it was great! The Vancouver Giants won 6-3 (I think that was the final result!) The atmosphere at ice hockey games are great, it’s really family orientated and there’s so much going on in the intervals – mascots running around giving out freebies, mini blimps flying about dropping vouchers down into the audience!! The Giants are in a lower league to the Vancouver Canucks, the Cunucks are in the NHL which is the equivalent of the English premier league of football. The Cunucks had been doing really well and got to the playoffs! So it was hockey fever here for awhile! We even bought some jerseys to wear whilst cheering them on! Unfortunately they didn’t get past the 2nd round but hey ho there’s always next year! As you can see from the pic below, we enjoyed the games in true Canadian style, beer, BBQ and wearing our shirts!!

We have been getting our apartment ready for summer; we have plants and a BBQ now on the balcony ready for the hot weather! We have decided to rent here for another year as it’s really handy for transit and our apartment is nice, big and quiet!! Its coming up to the one year mark and we both can’t believe just how the time has flown! We are still loving it here and can’t see us moving back to Blighty, of course we really miss our family and friends but by what we have heard from people and the news we have seen we moved at the right time. Canada has been hit by the economy problems too but not to the extent that the US or UK has as Canada has a different banking and credit system…basically you can’t get it!! Let’s just hope things start to get better soon.

We are still finding our feet but are starting to get used to the little differences that totally threw us at the start! Still can’t get decent bacon, fruit squash or bisto gravy but we have family coming over soon so hopefully will get some supplies!! We have just bought some inline skates (!) so watch out for some pics next time of us probably falling over or smacking into trees!!!

Take care
Hayley & Martyn xxx

Finally an update!

2009-02-20T21:36:00.020-08:00

Hi Everyone! Sorry it’s been too long since we updated the blog – have been busy working and just getting to grips with life as Canadians!

Well as you know we had snow over Christmas and in the New Year…a lot of snow!!! We took full advantage of it and as being new residents and it being a bit of a novelty we bought a sledge! It was really good fun and this picture of Martyn has to be one of my finest action shots ever!!

We heard about the snow back in England a few weeks back…hope you enjoyed our second hand white stuff!! Tee hee!!

At the end of January we went to a local motorbike show…I initially thought I would rather stick pins in my eyes than walk round ohhing and ahhing at a load of bikes but I have to be honest I really enjoyed it as they let you sit on the beasts!! I have to say I think I suit a big chopper!! Ha ha!! Martyn has fallen in love with some of the 2 wheeled machines and is now planning on taking his test so he can ride us around British Columbia in true easy rider style!

I also want to take this opportunity to introduce you all to a new member of our family…Martyn’s new goatee beard! He thought by growing some facial hair would help him integrate into the local community!?! What with drinking beer and watching ice hockey it won’t take him the normal 3 years to become a Canadian citizen!!

Well we finally got round to going skiing! We have even bought our own gear (thanks to the UK’s Inland Revenue – we got a tax rebate!!) We did try and go a few weeks back but got turned away at the bottom of the mountain as we didn’t have any snow chains for the car – well we’ve got some now! So this last Wednesday we donned our thermals and headed up Mount Seymour. Now not to rub it in or anything but within about half an hour from home we were pulling into the car park! After paying about £25 for a full days lift pass (that’s about 2 hours at xscape!) we got down to some serious whoosh whooshing down the mountain – well Martyn did…I took my time!! After lunch Martyn started on some of the more difficult runs and tried out a few jumps (and wiping out too!) We called it a day once my knees gave out but we had a good 5 hours and we loved it! This isn’t going to be our one and only trip!!

Martyn in action!

Have just got some free tickets to watch an ice hockey game next month so that will be another “Canadian” thing to do struck off our list – will let you know how that goes next time.

Take Care
Hayley & Martyn xxx

Our Christmas Message...

2008-12-22T20:48:00.017-08:00

... well if it’s good enough for the Queen and the Osbournes it's good enough for us!!

It’s been a busy few weeks since our last post and have done some great Christmassy things!! And on top of that we have had tonnes of snow!!

First of all was the Santa Clause parade – it took place on a cold and windy Sunday and went on for ages! Here are a few of the (many) pics:

The obligatory Christmas Work Do’s to go to and Martyn’s was all free! Mine was a cash bar in a downtown hotel so for the Yorkshire in Martyn it was quite painful!! We stayed over at the hotel and it snowed overnight – it made my weekend!! On the Sunday after my do we went up to Grouse Mountain for some sightseeing in the snow…it was cold! We didn’t do any skiing but we will probably go up again during the coming season. More pics:

Then there were the bright lights of Stanley Park. Stanley Park is a large park in the middle of downtown Vancouver and at Christmas time they cover it in lights and run a small train through it. It was fab!! The train ride was pretty long for the money and the amount of lights that were used was huge! Again plenty of pics but here are a couple:

In the last week we have had unprecedented snow and cold weather – must have had about a foot already! And there’s more on the way…dare I say Christmas Day!!! We are going to have a white Christmas!!! I’m soooo excited!! We’ve even bought a sled but not managed to get out on it yet! Here are a few snowy pictures…it’s so Christmassy!

We want to take this time to wish you all a great Christmas and a very Happy New Year!

Keep in touch
H&M xxx

2008-12-07T19:42:00.015-08:00

Do you like our festive new look? Thought we would spruce up the blog for the season! Rights lets update you on how we have been getting on – Martyn has written the following update (he is really getting into this blogging lark!)

Things have been busy since our last post. I’m settling into my new job okay although working Saturdays now with a day off during the week which comes in handy (he also likes a day off from me! – Hayley)

We had our first dive the other week at Belcarra National Park in a body of water called Indian Arm.

The Canadian Branch of the Rothwell & Stanley SAA!!

The entry was by shore which wasn’t as easy as it sounds as to get to the small beach I more or less had to abseil down the embankment with our dive gear whilst Hayley watched on (with the camera! – Hayley).

Never mind SAA - its the SAS!!

About 200m off the shore is the wreck of the VT 100 which was an old mine sweeper and gunship. After the war it was converted into a woodchip barge but vandals set fire to it and it sunk. After kitting up we took the bearing and set off, there were plenty of large crabs, star fish and a few large plumose anemones dotted around. We didn’t find the wreck on this dive so we made our way back to the shore. During the surface interval we enjoyed a picnic whilst watching otters playing on a nearby pontoon.

Hayley posing for her glamour shot!!

Unfortunately conditions weren’t good enough to take pictures underwater. With the tide out we had a bit more beach to kit up on so again we headed out again this time coming across the wreck. It’s a large wreck and harbours a lot of life with crabs, langoustines and rock fish. Also came across a toilet – handy if you get caught short! Taking a bearing for shore we returned back to the beach and enjoyed a flask of coffee before heading back up the embankment and home – really miss the obligatory bacon butties though!

Belcarra National Park - the view from the beach

Now with Christmas looming we bought our tree last week. An artificial one this year but there are places where you hire a saw, pick the tree you want and then go and cut it down – awesome! We decorated it and the living room last Saturday (and had the annual argument! – Hayley). Decorations seem to go up a lot earlier over here.

We have seen snow returning to the mountains tops but haven’t had any down here yet. Getting into the season we went ice skating a few weeks ago, which we haven’t done for years – really cool and a really cheap thing to do here! Looking into ice skating on top of Grouse Mountain soon as well as trying to get some skiing in.

Enjoy the season and we will try and get another post done before Christmas!

Take Care
Hayley & Martyn xxx

Martyn's Talking!

2008-10-12T18:41:00.003-07:00

Well I thought it was about time I put my thoughts down about the whole moving experience. Overall I think it’s the best thing we have ever done, Vancouver is an awesome city as there is so much to do, from walking in one of the hundreds of parks or strolling along the coast taking in the mountain or Pacific ocean view watching eagles circling above. Taking the skytrain into downtown and then the sea bus over to the north shore is pretty cool too and for just $9 (£4.50) you can use the public transport all day – bargain.

Mundy Park - one of hundreds of parks we have yet to visit!

It’s not all been plain sailing though, the last few weeks have been tough thinking about the family and friends we have left behind. After living with my parents for 2½ years we are enjoying our own space now but it’s not so simple to pop in for a chat and a coffee, we do talk every weekend and when we can it’s nice to see them on the webcam through skype. I miss the friends I made at Union Industries, always enjoyed talking to the account’s girls and Kath, Lisa and Nancy (also missing the Flying Pizza too, good food and hospitality – nice little plug for you there!!!), even miss the daily ranting and ravings of Richard and the latest screw up Ian had done!!!

A big part of our life in the UK over the last few years was scuba diving, we’d meet up with the club every Tuesday night for possibly some training or giving a lecture to new recruits or simply chewing the fat over previous dive trips which more often than not ended in a tale of how Kenny had got into some scrape or other (usually ending with the story of him falling off the pier at Oban while trying to jump onto the boat intoxicated) – in fact thinking about it most of the stories were more about drinking habits and scrapes that people (usually Kenny or Tony) had got into than actual diving!!! We both certainly miss the dive trips, especially St. Abbs with the obligatory BBQ on the Saturday night whether it’s raining and blowing a gale or not – good times.

The last few weeks have been busy for me as I started a new job (service advising was okay to a point but 70% of the time felt more like a social worker with people and their cars problems!), the owner was a bit intense too, I think I was about the 6th service advisor he’d had in as many months. In fact my replacement, an experienced service advisor with 10 years experience, only lasted 3 days so I’m quite pleased I managed 4 months! The owner did look after me though and helped in securing a new job in a parts environment role, which I am now really enjoying.

Just recently I also took my driving test, coming from the UK you have to take a knowledge and practical road test to get your British Columbia driving licence. Coming from South Korea, Germany, Switzerland, Austria or Japan you can simply exchange your licence for a BC licence but from Britain you’ve got to take the whole test – may have something to with driving on the wrong side of the road, I don’t know but hey I passed first time.

A big sport over here is ice hockey and the new season started this week, we went across to our local drinking place (not too many pubs around, unlike UK, tend to be restaurants with bars attached) to watch the Vancouver Canucks first game against the Calgary Flames. Just one word sums it up – AWESOME – this is a really fast game and takes some watching to keep your eye on the puck. In fact you don’t really see what took place in order for a team to score until you watch the slow action replay, I also thought before the fighting was an occasional thing but it’s part of the game, to the extent that some of the players are drafted in because of their fighting skills – even the officials just stand and watch while a fight takes place and when it looks like someone’s taking a pasting then they’ll go in and break it up – AWESOME - we’re hoping to go and see a game live soon. They started off well too beating the flames 6-0, the replay last night also saw them win 5-4 – GO CANUCKS.

At the moment, as I’m writing this, it’s the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. With just the 2 of us we opted to get a small turkey breast joint as a full turkey would have probably seen us through to Christmas for sure. Also looking forward to Halloween as this is a big occasion out here for adults as well as the kids.

All in all I think the initial ‘honeymoon period’ is over and our feet have touched back down, we’re now dealing with the everyday commute to work and then home, getting the weekly shop, paying the bills etc. but were doing all this in the most amazing surroundings, yes there are things we miss but we’re looking towards the future, getting on with it and living the life we dreamed.

Note from Hayley – Just wanted to add that one of my LPD friends, Susy, is having a really bad time at the moment and just wanted to let her know that we are thinking of her and her family at this sad time.

Bye for Now
Martyn

Hangs head in shame...

2008-08-31T13:13:00.004-07:00

Hello! It’s been ages…we know! Sorry! But have been busy settling in and getting to grips with working!!

I started my training on July 14th. The first week was pretty intensive – studying for my insurance license. After 6 weeks of not working it was a bit of a shock to the system! I got my licence and then it was product knowledge training!! We took our final exam Aug 18th (got 91%, get me!!!) and have been allowed to speak to real live customers!! Some have been the calls from hell, typical!! But overall it’s been ok.

Since our last post we have been buying stuff for the apartment and making it look a bit more like home. It’s still a work in progress but we’re getting there!!! Will post some pics when I’ve tidied up!!

Each year there is a fireworks competition with teams from Canada, China and USA. Each country puts on a display over a couple of weeks and then there is a final display (Saturday Aug 2) when all 3 do a display and the winning team is announced. It’s a really popular thing over here so we decided to make the trip downtown to watch the finale. It was absolutely packed – I’ve never seen so many people walking in the same direction to the harbour where the display was to start!! The fireworks were amazing – I have never seen fireworks like it! Some were so big you could feel the bang through your body!! Unfortunately we forgot to take our camera (doh!) so here is a link to some video from the web http://strutta.com/fireworks !!

Last Sunday Aug 10th Martyn wanted to visit the Air Show in a town about half an hour away from us called Abbotsford (nr Chiliwack – what a great name?!?!?) I wasn’t too keen as I’m not really into planes but it was a great day! The fighter jets were awesome (see I’m starting to use some Canadian terms!) and I got my picture taken with a fully kitted out cop!!

For the plane fans out there here is a bit of a video of a jet - Click HERE It was a red hot day and we both got burned!!!

A couple of Saturday’s ago the local community association put on an open air movie showing of Grease. It was totally free and it was only round the corner so as we are trying to throw ourselves into everything we packed up our lawn chairs and went along. We had a great time, singing the songs (well I did, Martyn not so much!) eating burgers and generally having a good time!!

A few announcements!! Julia & Steve, congrats on your wedding, need a pic! Good luck Jane & Lecky, not long now!! I’ll keep my eye out for an email!! And last but def not least Hello to Baby Chloe Unsworth!! Well done Trina and Dave! We need more pictures of the little one!!

Hope everyone else is ok!
Take Care
H & M xxx

Working 9 to 5...

2008-07-04T11:47:00.015-07:00

I have a job! Finally someone has taken the risk and employed me! After a second interview conducted in Starbucks(!) I was offered 2 jobs! The hiring manager wanted to hire me but felt that the job I had applied for would get boring after awhile as I would be able to do it with my eyes closed!! So he offered me a different role which would be more of a challenge and something that I could progress with. I thought about it and decided to go for the second role, Insurance Advisor, I will be selling insurance!! I was a bit apprehensive at first as I worked in a call centre a few years back and didn’t like it that much but let’s just say that previously I was answering around 120 calls a day this company only gets about 250 calls in total for all advisors!! Its much more laid back so lets see how it goes shall we?!?! I start on July 14th so I still have a bit of holiday to enjoy!

Since our last post we have been out and about checking out the local areas and activities. On Saturday June 21st a Dragon Boat festival took place downtown. Dragon boat racing is huge over here and there were hundreds of competitors!! There were races all day, lots of stalls and entertainment. But of course being English we sought out the beer tent first!!

The blue and yellow tent in the picture above is Cirque Du Soleil – it came to Vancouver a few weeks back and we have tickets for Sunday. Only ever seen a DVD of their performances so really looking forward to it. Speaking of Sunday – all the best Jane and Matt on Rachel’s welcoming day!! Don’t forget to send us some pictures!

This past weekend has been very busy! It was Canada Day on Tuesday and Martyn’s boss decided to keep closed on Monday so he had a nice long holiday weekend. The weather has been gorgeous too, really hot and sunny. Actually it’s been a bit too hot so we have had to get a fan for the apartment, will definitely look into air con when we buy a house!! Anyway back to the fun! We hired a kayak on Saturday and had a lovely 2 hours paddling around an area called Deep Cove. It really felt like we were on holiday, we had to keep reminding ourselves that it was only a 40 minute drive from our home!!

I’m glad we got a double kayak as it was hard work and I don’t think I would have got very far on my own!! A short video of our adventure can be seen HERE. More photos’ can be seen HERE.

Martyn’s boss threw a BBQ on Sunday for his staff as he has recruited quite a few new people lately. It was nice to meet Martyn’s co workers. I was the designated driver, which was fun! First time driving on the wrong side of the road in the dark!

Tuesday July 1st was Canada Day – Oh, Canada!

We jumped on the sky train to downtown and went to Canada Place where lots of festivities were happening! There were 3 stages with bands and singers we had never heard of, lots of stalls and an army exhibition with some very athletic young soldiers!

There was also a Mountie parade with bagpipes!!

More Canada Day photos HERE

Later that evening we drove over to the north shore to watch the fireworks. They would have been a bit bigger if we had gone downtown (the view in the photo is of Vancouver’s Downtown skyline) but we were told that trying to get parked would have been a nightmare!!

Some spectators started singing the national anthem, we really must learn that!! It was a great day, everyone was happy, the sun was shining and there were no drunken louts!

On a different note we are saddened to say that we have come across something that is not as good as it is in England…TV! Programs over here are pants! Its all really bad reality TV or reruns of old American sitcoms like Roseanne or Home Improvements!! We have put together a strategy to get over this – we have bought a Wii! Mario Cart is cool!

Just wanted to say a huge CONGRATULATIONS to Debbie and Rob on the birth, albeit a little early, of their daughter Lucy. We can’t wait to see some pictures!!

Right must go and plan what I’m going to do with myself until I start work!!

Take care and have a good day!!
H & M xxx

Vroom Vroom!

2008-06-18T12:23:00.006-07:00

Do you like our new car??

Only joking! I would never be able to park that! The cars and pickup trucks over here are huge! This is our new car>>

Still going to be a reversing and parking challenge for me but the Dodge Caravans are everywhere here and with our diving, biking and camping gear the extra space will come in really useful. A few questions have come through about driving over here and yes you do need a car, Martyn especially as he wouldn’t be able to get to work but I’m looking at jobs along the skytrain route which is within walking distance of our apartment. It’s like the tube but cleaner, more reliable and with better views! We want to go and explore so having a car is a necessity, and to get to all those stash shops it’s a must!!

The weather this weekend was fantastic! It was really sunny and warm; we were the typical English abroad and got a bit sunburnt! Have now bought some sunscreen but it’s gone a bit cloudy now…typical! Last week a beluga whale at the Vancouver Aquarium gave birth to a little girl. It’s not an everyday occurrence so we thought we would go and take a look on Sunday. As the baby was only 5 days old they were controlling the number of visitors but it was worth the wait…it was a great experience. Martyn took a short video of mother and baby and it can be viewed by clicking here VIDEO. The aquarium is great and my favourite are the otters>

I wanted to take this one home! After the aquarium we walked down to the beach at English Bay and had an ice cream on the sand! The beaches here all have logs on them so you have something to lean up against and it gives the beach some order so it never feels crowded. Another picture to make you all jealous! >

On the job front Martyn is settling in well into his role and I have now had 3 interviews and another one scheduled for next week. Just waiting back now for second interviews or for someone to say they want me! Fingers crossed it will happen soon!

Glad the dive to Lochaline went well, and a little birdie told me that Jakey’s “one pair of pants” approach didn’t work!! I’m not surprised Kev didn’t want them back!! Has anyone won the pink sash of shame yet?? Has Paul finally shut up and actually listened to anyone yet?? We have been told of a few great dives just up the coast from where we are so as soon as our gear arrives we will be checking them out and will post some pics of all the lobster and crabs we will be picking up so you won’t need to send that sash over here!!

Right back to the job search!

Take Care
Hayley & Martyn xxx

Normal Service Has Been Resumed!

2008-06-10T20:08:00.007-07:00

Hello all! Wow – it’s been mad since the last post! Sorry it’s been so long but we had to wait before the cable guys (incidentally a company called Shaw!) could come in and connect our telephone, internet and cable up – yes that’s exactly 10 days without TV or internet access! We have managed not to kill each other but it’s been tough! ha ha!!

We moved into our apartment on Sunday June 1st – its lovely! This is a relief as we hadn’t seen any pictures before we leased it! It’s within walking distance of a large shopping mall, the sky train and a bus station so all in all we’ve done really well – especially me with all the shops and food court!! Some pics of our apartment are here >>> there’s not much in it yet, we’re slowly getting stuff, our sofa is being delivered by Ikea (it was a lovely familiar shopping trip!) in a couple of weeks and we’ve had an estimated delivery date for our container of June 25th so by the end of the month we’ll have all our stuff.

On the job front – it’s been a bit slow for me; no one seems to want me!! But Martyn has had 2 job offers! One was selling cars for a large dealership and the other a service advisor for an auto repair shop. Typical, (marvellous) Martyn gets 2 offers and I haven’t had an interview yet!! He’s decided to go with the service advisor one as it’s more secure and involves no weekends!! The motor trade is looked upon much more highly here than in the UK, the pay is much better! He started work yesterday and all is going well!

We’ve been trying to get out and about as much as possible so it’s not all job hunting and sitting in listening to the radio!! We’ve been downtown a couple of times to Granville Island and Lonsdale Quay – which both have fantastic markets. On Saturday 7th we drove to Minnekhada Park for a gentle walk, that’s not what we got! 2 hours later after what can only be described as a bloody hard trek we arrived back to the car thankful (but also slightly disappointed) that we didn’t come across any bears!! Not something you have to worry about at Roundhay Park!

Minnekhada Park View

Martyn with his bear stick!!

On Sunday 8th we drove down to White Rock which is about 30 mins away towards the US border. It has its own little beach as it’s on the coast and there are loads of fish n chip restaurants!! We were economising so had taken sandwiches with us but we are definitely going again when the weather gets better so we can walk along the pier with our chips!! It’s a lovely little place, definitely on our “settling down” list for later on!

White Rock Seafront

White Rock Pier

The scenery here is breathtaking and you are never far away from a mountain view – where we are, Surrey, we have to cross a bridge to get to the Lower Vancouver area and it’s quite dangerous as the views are very distracting!! We are starting to get the hang of things but there are a few things that we’ve noticed: - the robins here are huge! They are the same size a blackbirds!! They don’t have squash here – it’s all ready mixed with water!! And you can’t get small bags of crisps, opps sorry chips!

Will post again soon and we will try and reply to our emails too!!

Take care
Hayley & Martyn xxx

We've Landed!

2008-05-29T17:38:00.002-07:00

Hello from across the pond! Just a quick post to say we've landed and we are now officially Canadian residents! We have free internet access at the hotel we are staying at till Sunday so thought we would take the opportunity (don't forget Martyn is a Yorkshire man!) to use the free facilities to let you all know we have arrived safely.

I'm still quite tired from the flight and the time difference but Martyn seems to be taking it in his stride! We have ticked off quite a few things already today (Thursday) and we are going to register at a recruitment agency tomorrow so fingers crossed we will be earning soon!

Anyway, not sure when our next post will be as we have to set up internet access in our new apartment but promise to have some pics for the next one!

Take care
Hx

Not Long Now!!!

2008-05-19T11:21:00.005-07:00

Keep hearing this phrase a lot now, 'WE KNOW!!!' of course we are excited about the prospect but it is rather nerve wracking as well thinking that we are starting all over again in a new country.

A few weeks ago we decided to take some pictures of around Leeds to take with us. We purchased some glass coasters that you can add your own pictures to and thought well known landmarks around Leeds would be a good idea. Take a look below at some of the piccies taken:

(as you can see we waited for a nice sunny day)

Here's a link to some others: http://s289.photobucket.com/albums/ll218/Hayley_1976/Leeds%202008/

Enjoy
Martyn

Going, Going, GONE!

2008-05-17T05:27:00.007-07:00

Not us (yet!) but all our stuff has gone! After a long, difficult weekend the removal company came in on Monday 12th and packed up all our worldly possessions and they are now on their way to Canada. The weekend was difficult for many reasons; trying to decide what we would need with us for the next couple of months (yes - it takes that long!) was hard as the weather both here and in Vancouver can be changeable so outfits are needed for every eventuality!! It was also quite emotional as the packing would be another one of those milestones that we keep hitting along the way. Well they very nice men turned up at 9.30am and one got to work in the garage, one in the living room and the third in the bedroom. We had our stuff spread out as we couldn’t fit it all in one place!! Here are a couple of photo's of the boxes>>

It was strange just hanging around and not doing anything, you really felt like a spare part! So I went out and did some shopping and left Martyn to make the tea! After about 4 hours we got to this point>>

And then after the inventory was checked and signed it was time to say goodbye to the retreating van - only 8 weeks to wait till I see everything again!

We are rattling through our lists of things to do, all direct debits have been cancelled, car sold, apartment rented, now all we need is a job! So that's the focus for the next week and a bit oh that and the party on Friday!!

Right that's it for now, but Martyn has said he may post soon...so watch out for his witty musings!!

Bye
Hx

Where Would...

2008-04-13T13:20:00.012-07:00

...you choose for your last trip in the UK? We pondered over this at the beginning of the year and came up with many places. We eventually settled on the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland. We have always wanted to see it and we had never been to Northern Ireland before so decided we would go over for a visit.

We went for 3 days at the end of March (tied in nicely with Martyn's birthday so I didn't have to get him a pressie!) and stayed in Belfast, which is a lovely city and quite small so it was easy to get round - good job as when we got there it was chucking it down! We had booked a coach trip on the second day to the Causeway, which included stops on the way at various sites. The first stop was at a castle (there are a lot of castles in Northern Ireland!) which unfortunately we couldn't go in! Then it was off to the Carrick-a-Ride rope bridge.

It was a good couple of kilometres to get to the bridge but it was worth it for the views>>

After our death defying walk across the bridge we travelled up the North Antrim coast, which is stunning. We were very lucky to have great weather and we managed to see over the water to Scotland! But the main attraction was the Giant's Causeway - I was bowled over!

Our photo's don't really do it justice unfortunately but here is a moody black and white shot>>

And here is one of us standing by some of the stones, just to give a bit of perspective!! >>

We have lots and lots of photos of the stones but to get a real sense of them you have to go and see them I'm afraid! On our way back to Belfast we stopped off at Bushmills Whisky Distillery - much to Martyn's delight! Not my favourite place as I hate whisky but hey ho, it was his birthday weekend I suppose! He bought a very expensive bottle and I got a candle, which I'm pleased to say doesn't smell of whisky!

Our last day in Belfast turned out to be a lovely sunny, clear day so we revisited the sights we took photos of in the rain and retook them so we could prove it was good weather some of the time! We had a great weekend and much Guinness was consumed!

On a different note, it was my last Leeds Paper Dolls crop yesterday :( It was a day of mixed emotions, I really enjoyed the scrapping and company as I do every month but there was a twinge of sadness as I wouldn't be attending any more. There was a little party organised and I got presents!! I was so emotional by the end of the day that I didn't eat all my Chinese takeaway and had to get an early night! Thanks girls for making my last crop really special and I hope none of those photo's of me crying ever get on to the Internet!!

Right well I think that's about it, still much to do and organise for the big move but I did get our guestbook finished today for our leaving party - so this is advance warning to all our guests that a witty and moving comment will be required so get your thinking caps on!

Take Care
Hx

Lists, lists and more lists!

2008-03-13T13:53:00.005-07:00

We are drowning under a mountain of lists and paper, and not the nice patterned variety that I like to sit and gaze at! (for those of you who aren't scrappers, Hi my name's Hayley and I like to stroke paper, that is when I'm not diving into the cold icy waters of the north sea!)

Here is a digi scrapbook layout to illustrate what it's all about! See how clever I am, I've combined scrapbooking and diving!

Anyway I digress, we have lists for everything but it's a bit too soon to get much sorted out so I'm taking the opportunity to get all my digital scrapbooking files organised, I didn't realise I had so many kits. It's taken me ages!

Well another of my friends has told us that she is pregnant, so thats 5 ladies I know who are all expecting, if you are reading this girls then you had better keep me up to date with all the baby news and progress when we have gone!!

Right off to make more lists!

Bye for now
Hayley x

PS - oh and by the way, it was pointed out to us that we hadn't actually given the date of when we are flying out to Canada in our last post so......ta da... Wednesday 28th May!

Fly Fly Away

2008-02-24T08:26:00.002-08:00

The flight is booked. Yes, that huge milestone was reached today. We have booked our ONE WAY(!) ticket. This booking has signified a huge step for me, it was the thing that we needed to do that really showed that we are serious - I know, waiting nearly 3 years and living with the in laws was quite a big indication of our intentions!! But still, I was quite emotional this afternoon.

Well they're booked - no going back now (well I have to get on the plane still!) I hate flying and the thought of that long journey doesn't fill me with warm and fuzzy feelings, quite the opposite but I suppose looking on the bright side it is only ONE WAY!

We also booked the room yesterday for our leaving party - so watch out for your invites!! We are having "discussions" on the play list for the DJ and I'm sure we will come to a compromise (what's wrong with Steps anyway??).

Right off to discuss the "merits" of cheesy pop with Martyn!

Bye for now
Hx

What now??

2008-02-15T04:16:00.001-08:00

We took delivery of our visas on Wednesday - much giddiness ensued (mostly me!) and then the questions of "well when are you going then?" started!!

There are loads, and I'm not exaggerating, absolutely loads of stuff to sort out. We have over the last few years been researching various options but without those little slips (and they are small and quite insignificant looking, I suppose the scrapper in my expected them to be all sparkly and shiny!!) we really couldn't do much apart from gather information. Now we can actually DO stuff and it's a bit daunting! Imagine, if you will, when you move house there are a list of people to contact and things you have to change with your new address, it's quite a task. Well, we have to go through that same list cancel the service/product and then set them all up again in a new country! Bank accounts, insurance, driving licence tests (oh joy I have to do another test), social security numbers and not to mention the little things like shipping all of our stuff over, getting jobs and finding somewhere to live!

My main concern however is that we have a blooming good leaving do!!

This weekend we will be, in between me panicking, planning our proposed leaving date...so keep your eyes peeled for that magic date when you will all be getting rid of us!

Bye for now
Hx

Well...

2008-02-11T08:13:00.000-08:00

...we've got em!!

Well we've just got a phone call to say our emigration consultant has received them! We have been waiting for these for nearly 3 years...3 YEARS! Now all we have to do is start a new life in a country we have only visited once and where we know no one and I mean no one! When it's written down like that it seems a bit mad doesn't it! lol!!

All the way through the last couple of years we have had moments of frustration, excitement and sheer panic but we have never for one minute ever doubted our decision. The reasons why we decided to emigrate have changed over the last few years but the main things we want in life is a better standard of living and above all adventure!! And we are determined to make sure we get some! And how can we fail? Vancouver has been voted the best place to live in the world loads of times.

Now comes the tricky part, planning our new life and saying goodbye to everyone!

Bye for now
Hayley & Martyn xxx

Still waiting...

2008-02-05T04:50:00.000-08:00

...lol! Not heard anything yet but it's only been a couple of weeks since the deadline passed of when we had to get our passports and medical results to them. But it seems forever!

Another Leeds Paper Doll crop on Saturday, which is always fun! Might even upload a few photos soon of some crafty stuff I have done! You never know!! :)

Oh and I lost 3lbs at the weigh in last night - and that's not from buying the magazine and the yummy mint bars!! In all I've lost 6lbs since I started so fingers crossed it will be the half stone mark next week!

Ta ra for now
Hx

The waiting game...

2008-01-10T11:54:00.000-08:00

Well we've had our medicals, been prodded and poked and now it's just another waiting game. We spent most of Monday afternoon going through all of the tests and examinations that are required, I'm sure taking all that blood in one go is just to check we're not wimps!! Once the results are back the doctor sends all the paperwork down to the Canadian Commission to be reviewed. If they are happy with it all they will issue us with our visas. I can't believe that in possibly a months time we will have those little slips of paper that we have been working towards for the last 3 years - it's a bit overwhelming!

On a different note, I started Weight Watchers on Monday (glutton for punishment!). It's taken me a couple of days to get used to the counting of every little thing that goes past your lips but after a disastrous first day (over point allowance by 5 points!) I'm doing ok and not feeling too deprived, granted it's only day 3 but I'm trying to be positive!!

Right off to print some photos for the Leeds Paper Dolls crop on Saturday which will be a good laugh!

Bye for now
Hx

Merry Christmas...ok its a bit late!

2007-12-27T11:40:00.000-08:00

I hope you had a great Christmas. Ours was nice and quiet. Diane (my mother in law) made a lovely lunch and it was nice to see Martyn's grand parents. We spent Christmas eve at my sister's new house. Mum had bought a Wii so it was obligatory to kick ass on Wii sports!

It feels quite strange to think this is possibly our last Christmas in the UK. Speaking of the great "Canadian Adventure" we have booked our medicals for 7th January - so must make sure we are fighting fit! Therefore, will sign off now and get exercising (well maybe tomorrow when all the chocolates have disappeared!).

Bye for now
Hayley x

Hello!

2007-12-21T01:42:00.001-08:00

This is the inaugural post of our new blog! It's very exciting (well, it is to us!) as we have never had a "web presence" before!

We will be posting more over the next couple of months to keep everyone up to date with what's happening in our "Canadian Adventure"

Keep checking back for updates on our progress and the number of grey hairs that will no doubt be appearing on both of our heads!

Bye for now
Hayley & Martyn xxx