h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

...from wherever I was just now. I frequently get lost in this place - wonder what I'm doing and how I got here.
I've been looking for Canadians to talk to and have found inactive researchers all over and then, when I'm not looking, here you are.
We're considering selling up (in the UK) and going elsewhere - preferable somewhere nicer and cheaper than here. Canada seems like a cool place to be. We've not been there yet though and have plans to do a research trip fairly soon. I have a friend in Calgary we can stay with and he loves the place - but I'd like to get other people's views on life in other parts of the country. Would you be happy to talk about what it's like where you are?

Being a westerner born and bred (rare) and even rarer born on Vancouver Island, I have to say that the island is more like what you want as far as climate and culture. It can get expensive, as in Victoria but most communities are fairly cheap, although the Boomer's retirement is changing that. If you want something closer, even cheaper and a little more raw, I would have to reccomend the Maritimes, especially around Halifax. It is a smaller city but the scenery is spectacular and you don't get the bone-chilling cold of the praries. For something more cosmopolitan and more like Europe, Montreal or especially Quebec City are amazing. The population is about 80% french speaking, but the vast majority are fully bilingual. Especially to someone with an English accent who they would see as charming and most importantly not Anglo-Canadian. Toronto is the second biggest city in Canada and is proud of itself! I like it except it is too hot and muggy in the summer and definitely too cold in the winter.

I would highly reccomend the submission: *Canada* currently under review (there is a link in my conversations) and by all means, look at the Vancouver link I have in my space. You may also want to look at the *Multiple Listing Services* or MLS online that show prices of homes in various areas. Beware! Vancouver is very expensive!

Thank you. We actually quite like cold. I'm definitely not a hot weather person and I love snow. (It's just started snowing here - yippee!) My family - apart from myself and my littlest one - are all unicyclists and want to be somewhere they can do it in mountains.
I have to go now - but I'll look at your stuff on Canada soon.

well there is cold....and then there is cold! Have you ever experienced -30C with a windchill factor of minus 45? Be careful what you wish for.

btw, would you mind if I included you in my list of *friends*?

I'd love to be on your list of friends. Can I put you on mine?

Avec pleasure, mon ami!

So now we are friends - are you going to tell me a bit about yourself? (Are we doing this the right way round do you think?!!) Like what your name means? I don't like to go prying in people's conversations to find out who they are.

I've found the Canadian article and started reading it. It's very............long! Looks good though. I've found out a fair amount from my friend in Calgary - but it does tend to be a rather one-sided commentary. He is totally besotted with the place - been there about 14 (maybe longer) years but originally from Scotland. It's because he paints such a rosey picture that we are considering emigrating.

Male, 52 years young, married (2nd time), children-three girls, two cats I am allergic to but love, live on the top floor (4th) of a condo that faces the harbour (great view). I am a production cameraman who works for the BC station of the Global Television Network (thus am a zoomer)

Nice to know you.
I'm female, 40 (but still feel about 19), married with 4 children (big boy and 3 girls). Work as a supply teacher (as little as possible) and training to be a Yoga teacher. Live more or less in the centre of Britain - no mountains and no snow (well none that wants to stay around).

Your eyes are twinkling.

I'm at work so I get called away. Sorry for the delay.

If you are at work - did you here about the space shuttle disaster?

(Sorry - "hear" - I'm a good speller - it's just my fingers that are dyslexic!)

We are the broadcast point for Global National News so this place was hopping at 6:00am. I am currently snacking on all the food they brought in for the news people. Only fair, they eat our craft service when we have it.

I think Bush is going to have a very memorable term I'm afraid

Hello Saturnine. Nice of you to leave your mark. Have I met you before?

I don't think so!

Then - hello - nice to meet you. Are you Canadian too?