Thanks Billy...

[Canada Bob]

Just had the pleasure of watching Billy Connolly's "Journey to the edge of the Earth", 'specially as the first episode profiled Nova Scotia {my neck of the woods these days}, New Brunswick and Newfoundland.

Seems that Billy was surprised to see the Pipe Bands {more now in Canada now than in Scotland}, Highland Games, Highland Dancers, Gathering of the Clans, Nova Scotia {aka New Scotland} has it's own registered Tartan, not to mention the Halifax Tattoo that rivals the Edinburgh Tattoo.

Nova Scotia / New Scotland

I guess he didn't know that 80% of Nova Scotian's are within 3 generations of being Scottish. Almost made me homesick watching it, but I'll be back in May, when the snow has gone, grin.

If you didn't see the program it'll be on the ITV catch up thing, well worth watching especially for folks looking for a better life, believe me, what you see in the program is what you get {a better life}.

ITV catch up...

Well done Billy, you did us proud...

[Heilandee]

If eh wiz 10 year younger eh'd be giving it serious consideration

[Scarlet Pimple]

Go on take the chance --you will never look back!

[Kingsmills]

Go on take the chance --you will never look back!

I have to say that Vancouver has to be my favourite city in the world but I could never contemplate leaving Scotland forever.

[caley100]

If eh wiz 10 year younger eh'd be giving it serious consideration :thumb04:

Hey! if you were 10 years younger you'd still be an old baldy git!!

[Heilandee]

If eh wiz 10 year younger eh'd be giving it serious consideration :018:

Hey! if you were 10 years younger you'd still be an old baldy git!!

:thumb04: Fair point,..............................if eh was 20 years younger eh'd be giving it serious consideration

OAP DSC

[Canada Bob]

I have to say that Vancouver has to be my favourite city in the world but I could never contemplate leaving Scotland forever.

What makes Scotland Scotland though ? it's not the land, the lochs, or the rivers, you can find the same thing in many places, the thing that makes Scotland Scotland is the Heritage and the Culture, yet both things prevail, nay thrive in Nova Scotia, more so than many parts of Scotland.

When was the last time you saw this many Pipe Bands !

Take Cape Breton a huge island approx 4,000 sq miles, the Northern part of Nova Scotia, it was "given" by Charles 1st to Robert Gordon of Lochinvar {Scottish enough for you} ? almost 400 years ago, since then droves of folks left old Scotland for {better lives} in New Scotland. The only thing that Charles the 1st didn't do was declare it to be part of Scotland.

By the way, for those who think Canada is "way up North", Nova Scotia is at the same Latitude as the South of France, some 700 miles south of Inverness.

One of the Legendary characters of Nova Scotia/Cape Breton was Michael MacDonald of South Uist who after landing in Cape Breton spent his first winter living under his upturned boat. This is the Scottish Heritage of Nova Scotia, something that Cape Bretoners still recall with pride. Like the legendary Michael MacDonald folks from Scotland would find Nova Scotia a home from home, those who make the move rarely go back, except for a holiday that is.

Nova Scotia aint called "New Scotland" for nothing, the land is the same in fact it really is the same, Nova Scotia broke off Scotland millions of years ago, part of what's known geologically as "the Great Glen" is there for all to see in Cape Breton.

The land is the same, 80% of the people are from the same stock, the culture is alive, thriving and promoted more in Nova Scotia than many parts of Scotland. You wouldn't feel less Scottish if you lived on Sanda, the only thing is, Nova Scotia drifted out further into the Atlantic.

No loss of Heritage here...

Pipe Bands

I could go on all day about the benefits of living in Canada, I've lived in four Provinces, and enjoyed life in them all, but to me Atlantic Canada has something special about it, no matter where I roam I can't find a better place to live, nor a better a better people to live amongst. If any of you ever think about jumping ship, Canada is the place to head for, and if I can ever help you climb aboard just give me a shout.

Edited February 20, 2009 by Canada Bob

[Scarlet Pimple]

And just look at these pipe bands and how well fed they all look. LOL

Vancouver and the Western Province of B.C. has a much milder climate than Eastern canada in general terms. This year we got a lot of snow but the East got dumped on continuously for more weeks than we did.

Vancouver is on the latitude of Paris, France .-i.e. just above the 49th parallel which is about 100 miles South of us --the U.S. Border.-- where Seattle is in the North West of Washington State , U..S.A. The reason I tell you this is that Seattle (so named after the former Indian Chief Seattle) has been awarded the accolade of the most livable city in the U.S. No wonder ... wonderful Pacific ocean, skiing, yachting and boating and fishing galore, hiking etc.Sports. etc. which is of course what we all have in spades in Vancouver. Vancouver is a multi-cultural city but also has Chinese districs, Italian districts, East Indian districts and so on. There is virtually no anti-racial feelings and so we all basically get along and live and let live. Very pretty city (look it up online) also and probably the City with the largest gaming production facilities in the world. My stepson has enrolled in a gaming graphics course and has been doing well ($20,000 for a 6.-month crash course) but the current developing economic situation has him worried about obtaining a job in that industry after he graduates in May. It's good that he works at Kentucky Fried Chicken part time eh? Has established himself there and could become a Manager with the KFC if all else fails in the short term.

He loves the graphics (what kid does not, sigh? ) and hopefully he will get an entry level job emptying garbage cans or something before too long.

Frankly, ladies and gentlemen, I was 36 when I uprooted and left Scotland for Canada. I agree with Bob that this is a great country to come to . It is just up to you how flexible and determined you are to settle, work hard and make your mark. I would never deter any restless spirit from coming over here because no matter whether you love it or not, or whether you can be successful or not, you will grow from the experience and taking advantage of the opportunity is always a good thing. You actually have nothing to lose. And once you leave insular Britain for a year or so and then go back you will get a shock at how much you have changed.

Currently, for example, the city of Vancouver is DESPERATE for bus drivers since retirements are increasing the transit requirements of the Lower Mainland (Vancouver and outlying districts) is expanding rapidly and many of the new Immigrants cannot speak sufficiently good English to qualify. There is a good job waiting for someone and I can tell you frankly that my son, who has been with Transit for many years and is classed as a veteran driver now, is telling me that any one who applies will get assistance and a fast track Immigration permit so, young men and women, here is a fine chance to get into Canada . Interested ? Get in touch with me or I will get my son's email address for you to discuss it with him.

We have all been through this shuffle so you can count on Bob and I to be of assistance. Sorry to say this folks but the general consensus of opinion by informed former Brits now is ..thank goodness we got out in time --what future do you have in U.K. these days? P.M. BRown is now telling us that if they bale out the car makers as well, etc, then each British resident will owe 133,000 pounds as his/her share of the National Debt. ....................

People come here without a word of English from the far reaches of the world but they go to ESL (English as a Second Language) classes, get stuck in, start to make progress ,and never look back.

If you get any job and can survive and stay in Canada then your opportunities for progress in any area that you choose are good and ..you are a winner. Success and wealth can come later but once you get your foot in the door and say, "that's it I am not going back"...... then ...YOU ARE A WINNER, never a loser.