First Contact

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I just had my first encounter with the Canadian medical system, a “get acquainted” visit with our new primary care physician. From what my Canadian wife tells me, I demonstrated my ignorance of the Canadian political system when I attempted to explain it in a previous blog entry. So I will risk doing so again trying to explain the health care system. The primary care physician, a GP or family care doctor, serves much the same function his counterpart in the US does, dealing with general issues and making referrals to specialists as needed. There is a shortage of general … Continue reading →

The Men (and women) Who Would Be King

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Yes, it was Elvis weekend in Penticton. Men with sideburns sauntered all over town, and on a stage erected for the event dozen’s of Elvis impersonators of all ages, races and both genders gyrated and growled their best imitation of The King of Rock and Roll. Most of the Elvis Tribute Artists, as they call themselves, haven’t quit their day jobs, which is a good thing from what we heard, but some perform professionally under such names such as “Velvet Elvis” and “Eternal E.” One professional evidently got his start at the Elite Café, a very cool restaurant in downtown … Continue reading →

80 Is The New 50

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For the most part living in Canada is not much different than living in the US. A few words are spelled differently, such as colour, licence and theatre. There is a subtle but definite Canadian accent, but not all Canadians have it, and one is just as likely to hear non-Canadian, foreign accents. About 20% of the population is foreign born. There is the odd bit of slang, such as “You’ll be laughin’,” which means, roughly, “You’ve got nothing to worry about.” For example, summer season is a tough time to find a rental here, so our search for long-term … Continue reading →

Getting Settled

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Our trip north was thankfully uneventful. I drove the U-haul truck and towed my VW bus on a trailer behind. Faye drove her car, half expecting it to break down along the way. But it didn’t. We spent a couple nights on the road, and got to the Canadian border on May 29 early in the day. The crossing was easy and anti-climactic. We entered Canada at a relatively small and quiet border post. After briefly parking on the US side and checking in with American officials to get exit approval for the two vehicles we were taking out of … Continue reading →

Leaving the USA

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In a few days we will be moving to Canada. My wife, a Canadian, will be going home. I will be leaving the U.S. to become an expatriate. Seems like the right move for both of us. We’ve been asked many times recently why. The short answer is: because we can. For my wife, of course, it is just a matter of going back across the border. For me it was a matter of some paperwork and fees; spouses are granted immigrant status pretty freely. (In general Canada seems more favorably disposed to immigrants than the U.S.) But when we … Continue reading →