Winter in Canada

It is generally not easy to immigrate to another country, especially when you move from a warm country where the sun shines every day even in winter, to a country that has almost six months of winter. In addition, you may not see the sun for three or four days in a row.

Canada is a great country in a lot of ways. Most of the people are friendly and polite. When we decided to move to Canada, I thought it would be a challenge for me. I worked in one place for many years and I felt it was time for a change.

Since my husband is Canadian, I was sure that everything would go smoothly in Canada. I knew it would take time until I start working again, but I wasn’t prepared to retire so young……

Leaving a place where you lived all your life and starting from the scratch, is so hard and I don’t think I was ready for it. I left my precious family, my work, and my friends behind, for the adventure. I packed up my life and moved.

We arrived in Toronto in May, and the weather was excellent. I really loved it. I started the process of obtaining my permanent residence few days after we arrived. At the same time, I went to explore the city.

My spouse wanted us to be prepared for the winter, so he took us to buy coats and good boots, which I really appreciated later on.

The winter started the end of November, and snow began to fall. For someone who never saw snow in her life, it was absolutely beautiful. The city was covered in white and it looked so romantic. Although the temperature dropped below zero, I was hiking almost every day and even enjoyed it.

The snow didn’t stop for months and it was much much colder. It was uncomfortable going out because I had to put on so many clothes, which limited my movement. I looked clumsy and felt like a bear….. When I went out I walked slowly as if I was walking on eggs.

It was even harder walking on ice. I lost my balance and fell several times. I remember once, I walked through the park and I didn’t pay attention there was ice on the pavement. I stepped on it, flew in the air like Superman…….. 🙂 and landed on my behind.

No one was around and there was ice all over. I tried to get up but I couldn’t. I had nothing to hold on to, I was laughing and laughing……. 🙂 🙂 despite the pain I felt. However, I just slid on my behind until I reached a safe place, and picked myself up.

Another time, I was walking to the bus stop, listening to music enjoying myself. A few meters before I got to the bus stop, I walked on a patch of ice again and slid directly to the stop. I felt so embarrassed.

Some of the people who were waiting for the bus started to laugh, while others helped me to stand on my feet.  Anyway, I thought to myself………oh well……at least I got to the bus stop faster.

Nevertheless, you’d think that after eight years of living in Canada, I would be used to the extreme weather. But it did not happen so far and I doubt it will.