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F*!k Fear: One year in Canada + 9 things I've noticed


A year ago, I had a decent job, a strong community of friends, worked on many different creative productions of different sizes and I had decided to move to another country to pursue something larger than the bubble I had been living in. A year ago, I was scared, but in all honesty, it has been worth it just to do doing something that scared me and say, “Fuck Fear!”. We’ve had so many new experiences and just being on this side of the world has made a huge difference my life. It hasn’t been without its challenges and I’m going to focus more on how fear and anxiety has affected me in my next few posts. For now, though a little bit of general reflection over how Canada has treated us.

We landed at Pearson International after lugging 5 suitcases across The States (It was the cheapest way) and caught a cab to our Airbnb. We booked 2 weeks in our Airbnb location because we figured that was enough time to sort out a new pad, furniture, internet and oh yeah, work.

Luckily for us we had sorted out jobs via a Skype interview whilst we were in New York. Laura and got working for a paintball company selling tickets. 100% commission based, not ideal, but It was all we had, so we took it and started 4 days after arrival. I’m still doing that job while Laura is now a hostess at a vegan restaurant downtown.

While working here and doing various things there’s a few observations and points of difference we’ve made about Toronto and Canada in general:

1. It’s kinda like Melbourne

Overall we love the lifestyle in Toronto, as a city it is actually pretty similar to Melbourne; It’s pretty flat, you have streetcars and there are plenty bodies of water that people insist on calling “beaches” which are pretty crappy to swim in.

2. Finding a place to live is pretty easy

The internet is pretty great. We found an agent online and in Canada they don’t charge fees to have a personal agent help you find a place. We loved the second place we saw; it’s One bedroom plus den downtown condo. The building has a security guard, pool, gym, sauna oh and a “Pet Spa” for washing and four-legged friends you may have. It takes us about 15-30 minutes to walk to the city center and we love it. Rental prices are pretty comparable in terms of size, but more likely to find something closer to the city center.

3. Public transport is alright…but walking or Uber is key

Because of how flat Toronto is, it’s not really a struggle to walk to almost anything in the city. You can catch the streetcar or the subway to most places in the city, but it normally takes almost triple the time to get there so if you’re not travelling alone, it’s just easier to catch an Uber to where you gotta go. Also, they have a thing called UberPool where you get a discount if your Uber picks someone else up along the way. It’s also a great way to meet people.

4. Coffee is crap

There’s a coffee chain here called Tim Hortons, Canadians love it. They’re everywhere and although they serve a good breakfast, the coffee is shit. It’s all filtered over sweetened dirty water and unfortunately Starbucks is the best option for a good brew.

5. They use croissants so liberally

So, croissants are apparently an acceptable substitute for bread. I mean, we knew bread was sweeter in North America, but this is just ridiculous. I know it must be the French influence, but that doesn’t stop diabetes being a thing.

6. The quality of Asian food isn’t great

I never truly appreciated how close Australia was to Asia before. The best Thai food is from a Thai chain called “Thai Express” which isn’t that great, I mean they didn’t even attempt to make a pun for their name! Also, sushi is super expensive, hand rolls don’t exist, but a simple tray of sushi will cost you at least $10.

7. Driving is safe and dangerous at the same time

Canadian drivers are polite, very polite. When it snows, everyone slows down and takes it easy. No one has chains on their tires, everyone is just safe. But the epitome of Canadian politeness is shown in their four-way stop sign situation. Where at an intersection there will be for stop signs and everyone just takes turns at going through the intersection without any trace of roundabouts. Also, people will stop in the middle of the road without warning, they like the brakes.

8. Tax isn’t included & tipping is a thing

Pretty much the same as the US, any advertised price is generally about 15% more expensive than it is because they don’t include the tax and you tip people too. I would say you don’t tip people as much only really when there is food or a haircut involved. But that may be a technology thing as so many people are cashless nowdays.

9. Canadians love sport more than Australia…sorry!

It’s not Australia’s fault at all, there’s just so much sport on! You have Hockey, basketball, football, curling and baseball; All of which play 5 nights a week. Now that doesn’t mean that there is a game on five nights a week, it means that the same team will play 5 nights a week. So there will be 5 Blue Jay games, 5 Raptor games and 5 Maple Leaf games all in one week! I mean, I do love it and especially during the baseball season game day is pretty fun because the Blue Jays are the only Canadian team so everyone has a real ownership of the team and is out and about on game day wearing their jersey.

.

A year, it’s been a whole year since Laura and I packed up and made our way across the USA and settled in Toron’o. Granted this has been one of the most difficult years I have ever experienced, but it’s been a step that seemed inevitable and has helped put me where I need to be in in my life and who I want to be. We really love it here and love this city, it’s been a year of growth and change for both of us and we’re hoping it continues for many years to come

I don’t regret making the change because who wants to let fear win? Eh?

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