Holy comatose Batman, I’ve been asleep at the wheel here with Expat Yourself. My apologies if you’ve been wondering “Where the f- is Jeff at these days?”
We arrived in Canada 6 freakin’ weeks ago already. Again, sorry for waiting. So much to say… finally I’m writing…
yeah, I finished the Vacation video
First things first, a reminder that we motorhomed around southern Europe. I posted a vacation video Well, it was the first half.
Well, I just posted the second half. Don’t worry, this one’s not as long, because, really, how much can you enjoy somebody else’s vacation videos?? But I do hope it inspires you to do something similar. You so could, and you know it.
Near the video’s end, I give “stats” including our total cost.
Disclaimer: the stats don’t include what we paid for some damage. If you want to know more about that, write me or comment.
Anyway – here’s the second half:
How did our vacation go? Great.
How did our arrival go? Fairly smooth, but only after lengthy explanations to Canadian Customs and Immigration about our intentions.
How’s the transition going here? So so. Some culture shock going on, plus we’re missing Prague friends big-time, plus our role reversal has taken an unexpected twist.
Some Culture Shock
You know what culture shock is, right? In a nutshell, it’s getting used to new surroundings and differences.
What differences you ask? Well, in Prague we had incredible mass transit, breathtaking architecture and a wide range of friends.
Where are we now? Rural Nova Scotia, along the north shore. When I say rural, I mean our road is gravel and the village consists of ~700 people. We live here because we’re essentially squatting in an empty family house near my wife’s parents. Yeah, there’s loads of culture shock going on here. Let me jump to the role reversal thing.
Role Reversal
About a year ago, my wife and I decided, at our next chance, we would reverse our roles of bread-winner & stay-at-home parent.
Leaving Prague for Canada gave us that chance.
The role reversal thing has been great so far, and I’m not just saying that because my wife reads this blog.
But there’s an added twist. My wife’s job is in the (much bigger) city of Halifax. Halifax is two hours’ drive away, not doable for daily commuting.
Yes, that means, I’m a stay-at-home dad all week, while my wife/kids’ mom comes home for the weekends. Culture shock amplified.
Naturally, we’re searching for a place near my wife’s work, but these things take time.
Well, I’m not sure how to end this post. No zingy conclusions or valuable life lessons – hope that’s cool with you today. But at least I’m posting you today and not waiting another 6 weeks.
Cheers mates,
-Jeff
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
Hi Jeff,
Good to see you’ve landed safe and sound
Not exactly sure where you are in the province, but my wife and I will be back in NS visiting my folks in Pugwash in about 1.5 weeks. If you’re looking for a place to live around Halifax, but don’t want to live in the city, try the Tantallon area. However, the city is pretty nice as well depending on what you’re looking for…
If you want to discuss more, drop me an email!
Cheers,
Andrew C
hey Andrew,
Awesome hearing from you again!
So, how about a meet-up in 1.5 weeks?
When you & your wife get to Pugwash, me and my kids will just walk into town and meet you.
We live some 20 minutes walk from the bridge into Pugwash, off of Rt 6. What a small world.
I’ll send you an e-mail as well.
Best to you, your wife and Belgium!
-Jeff