7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
1/27
An Immigrants Journey to Calgary
A look into the eyes of a newcomer to Calgary
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
2/27
2
Introduction
Over the course of 6 months, I embarked on a quest to find out why people
came to Calgary and their experiences in Calgary; 20 men and women from a variety of countries shared their
personal stories about their experiences in Calgary. You are about to read a collection of stories, quotes
and anecdotes from those who came for a visit, those who came to study and those who decided to immigrate
to Calgary.
Meeting and listeningto peoples stories was a very humbling and inspiring experience. My contributors
ranged in ages and backgrounds. Everyone had their reasons for coming to Calgary and everyone had unique
experiences. They came for love, for their partners, for school or for work. The purpose of this book is
to create awareness amongst our visitors and immigrants of people who came to Calgary and for native
Calgarians and people coming to Calgary to understand not only the challenges people experience, but also
the funny, touching, pleasant and surprising moments. I hope you enjoy reading this collection of stories.
"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."
Marcel Prousthttp://tripsource.com/html/quotes.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Prousthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Prousthttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marcel_Proust7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
3/27
3
Table of Contents
Introduction ................................................................................................................................................................................................. 2
Reflections on Calgary ................................................................................................................................................................................ 5
The Social Scene ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Misunderstandings .................................................................................................................................................................................. 8
The Winter Blues ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 9
Battling the cold ................................................................................................................................................................................ 12
Preparing for the cold weather .................................................................................................................................................................. 13
Finding Oneself ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 14
First snow sighting .................................................................................................................................................................................... 15
My interview with Stella, a fitness guru from Colombia was very eye opening and enlightening. Stella had come
with her husband and really had no expectations in Calgary. She was here for Ricardo and that was it.
However, she managed to find a silver lining in her homesickness..................................................................................... 15
Driving to Calgary from Toronto ................................................................ ....................................................................... ....................... 16
Immigration............................................................................................................................................................................................... 16
Getting around the city.............................................................................................................................................................................. 18
Life on the farm ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 19
Touched by a Canadian ............................................................................................................................................................................. 20
Some are just grateful to be living in Calgary and are fortunate enough to be inspired by a local. Touched by
an Speedskater..................................................................................................................................................................................... 20
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
4/27
4
Finding oneself.......................................................................................................................................................................................... 21
Elizabeth from New York discovered herself in Calgary and was so releaved that she no longer had to hide
that she was an American. I could finally be myself ........................................................................................................... 21
Dressing for the weather ........................................................................................................................................................................... 22
Adapting more to the environment than the culture............................................................................................................. 22
People dress for the weather here. .............................................................................................................................................. 22
A White Christmas .................................................................................................................................................................................... 23
4.25 inches by 6 inches......................................................................................................................................................................... 23
A New Years Eve tour .............................................................................................................................................................................. 24
http://www.postbeeld.com/en/fsc/search&exact-country=ch&category=m6 ............................................Error! Bookmark not defined.free stamps .................................................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Calgary Fun Facts ......................................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Calgary Scenes ...........................................................................................................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
5/27
5
Reflections on Calgary
Whether one is moving to a new country or visiting another country, most people often encounter
cultural misunderstandings, language blurbs (but good for them for trying) and can also recall thefirst time they arrived in this new environment. Below are some quotes from the contributors that
stood out. You will see that most are recalling a funny moment, a mistake in pronunciation or the
first time they saw something new.
I like Tim Hortons- I will miss it!
Bai-Beijing, China
I remember our first day. We were walking with our new landlord and she pushed the button to
cross the street and starting crossing. Ricardo (my husband) and just stood there in shock; what isshe doing, she is going to get hit! In Colombia, we dont have these kinds of crosswalks.
If you cross the street and cars are coming, you will get hit.
Stella-Bogota, Colombia
(Fitness Instructor)
Calgary has friendly people and a
very good environment
Stella-Beijing, China
(Human Resources)
The first thing I found out about Calgary
is that it is a cowboy town
BaiBeijing China
My manager at work stated that she did
not know how I managed to juggle work,
school and single parenthood as a new
immigrant and complete the program in
9 months. Most people have been known
to do this in over 3 years!
El-Nigeria, Africa
(Human Resources Manager)
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
6/27
6
The Social Scene
The social scene here in Calgary is also really enjoyable!
One of my most favourite things about it is probably the
fact that people over here seem more inclined to stay and
have drinks in a bar, rather than tear up the dance floor at
nightclubs!
Sharon,
Communications
Cork, Ireland
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
7/27
7
Thoughts on Calgary
My first thoughts:
Sun, how are you? , smiles
Beata-Krakow, Poland
(Post Doc-U of C
The mountains are so amazing. They are
beautiful. Wow! They are just huge! Everything
is huge; cars, parking lots, pots, dishes, forks,
knives and you have huge distances. There isnothing between Calgary and Edmonton! In
Europe, there are small towns between places.
Beata, Poland
Post-Doc-U of C
You didnt have to go far to go out in the country. I miss that now,
Reconnected me with my childhood. Being in contact with the earth, the
flowers, etc...)
Elizabeth
Retired Nurse,
New York
Is Calgary a hick town?
We used to go out once a month, and all there was
steak and I used to having more variety so I thought
Calgary was a hick town.
Elizabeth, New York
Retired Nurse
Ie
p
S
E
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
8/27
8
Misunderstandings
Often when one enters a new country or city, it is not unusual for misunderstandings to crop up with the new language, greetings and
other customs.
Ricardo: I want a boogerWaitress: You want a what?Ricardo: A BOOGERWaitress (looking puzzled): I am sorry, we do not have theseRicardos brother in law: RICARDO! You are saying that wrong,
aBURGER
Ricardo: Can I please have some garlic breathWaitress: Some garlic whatRicardo: Garlic breathWaitress: Do you mean garlic breadRicardo: Thats what I said.
Differences in English words
Sandra (grade 6 Colombian girl who learned English in England)
Can you please pass me the rubber?
Sally: The what?
Sandra: The RUBBER (pointing at the object in Sallys hand)
Sally: oh; this! This is an ERASER!
Beata learns a lesson in greetings inCalgary and how they are different
than in her country; Poland.
I remember one of the first times Igot into an elevator and the lady
next to me said; hello, how are youand I thought, What the heck is
wrong with you?
At the beginning I was quitesuspicious. We talk only with our
friends who are close with us.
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
9/27
9
El is from Nigeria, Africa (What city).
She moved to Calgary in 2005 to give
her children an opportunity at a better
education. She was a human
resources specialist in Nigeria and
after overcoming a few obstacles, she
is now working in as a human
resources consultant at an oilcompany. Since she arrived in
Calgary, EL has accomplished a lot.
She has bought a house, obtained a
management certificate from the U of
C and graduated with an online MBA
from the University of , all while
raising 2 children on her own. Her
The Winter Blues
While some find the cold weather and snow a welcome change,
others see the cold weather as depressing
and a significant factor to
their loneliness.
However, despite
the cold and thefeelings of
loneliness,
people like
El, do not
let the
weather
affect
their
goals and
dreams.
This next
story
depicts an
African
woman
who never
really grows
to appreciate
the weather, yet
PICTURE OF ICESICLE-LIKE A TEAR DROP
DearSis,
I just thought I would write you to tell you we are settling in here in Calgary. Sorry it hastaken me so long to write, but I have been trying to get used to my new life here. I have alot to tell you, but first I will tell you about the weather because it is one of my biggestchallenges. When the kids started school in September, you could feel the weather starting toget colder.
Well, at the end of October the snow really did come. I quickly discovered that I do not likethe winter. It is very cold and waiting for the bus is horrible, as I never have enough warmclothes. You know, I never took the bus back home as I am used to chauffeurs taking usaround.
Every day, when the kids go off to school, I stand by the window watching the snowfall andburst into tears wondering what possessed me to relocate.
However, as you know, I am here for the children and to give them a better education. Youknow that I am not a quitter!
I have to go pick up the kids from school, but will write more soon,
Love El,(WHAT IS GOODBYE IN NIGERIAN)
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
10/27
10
does not let the cold and her lonlinliness get in the way of accomplishing her goals and dreams for herself and her children. I can describe this women in one
line; tough as nails.
istockphoto.com
Hi Erica Happy New Year and my apologies this went in to my junk mail and I have only just come across it. Hope you
had a good Christmas.
Im attaching a couple of pictures and you can use either. I prefer the one of me in the chair but I guess it depends on
what room you have. I think the most meaningful place for me in Calgary would be the Tower. That was where Nitch and
I went for dinner the night we talked about me immigrating to Canada so we could be together.
I would simply say Hello to someone, but if I was writing it would be to Dear whoever and if I was writing to a family member or friend I would sign
off, Love from Vicki. I dont very often say goodbye its usually just see you again or Im going now.
What can I say about me? Im an active senior who loves writing and volunteering, especially at the Spruce Meadows equestrian centre. I like
going to the movies and supper with friends and being outdoors as much as I can.
Hope that works for you.
Best wishes from Vicki
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
11/27
11
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
12/27
12
Juan is from Bogota, Colombia. He has
been living in Calgary for more than 10
years. Prior to that, he was living in
Montreal. He came to Canada because..
and he moved to Calgary because of the
opportunity. People can change careers,
test ideas, evolve, growing, positive
thinking-this is why I came
He recalls the first time he saw the
mountains in Banff. He took the bus from
Montreal to Banff and when he arrived
was in awe from the beauty of the
mountains. They were breathtaking.If
he were to offer one piece of advice to
new Calgarians, it would be: develop a
support network and try to expand your
network. dont just interact with people
rom your own country.
Battling the cold
If you cant beat em, join them.
Instead ofsnuggling under the covers on a cold winters day like many people would
(newcomers and locals) Juan from Colombia took a different approach and decided to confront the cold head on, making sure he got proof.
Hola!
It is been so long since I have talked to you, I just thought I would send you a
quick note. I ended up moving from Montreal (a province in the East) to
Calgary (the west). I see it as the city of opportunities.
Montreal has winter so I had seen snow before, but Calgary is different. It is so
dry here; I am always using lotion and Chap Stick. If you dont, you are going tohave problems.
I have to tell you what I did the other day.
It was so cold that I think it was -50 WITH WIND CHILL as the locals here say,
but I say, What difference does it make, it is still cold. I was sitting in my
basement in Sunnyside (in a trendy area of the city where I live) looking out the
window at the snow. I could have stayed in all day as I did not have classes, but
decided I wanted to see what the hell that means.
So, I put on my winter jacket, boots, toque (a Canadian word for Spanish word
for hat) and mitts and walked to the bow river (the river that runs through
Calgary). I managed to handle the cold for about 20 minutes, but not without
videotaping it. I can send you the video since I am sure you dont believe me!
Abros,
Juan
Why the hell do you need so much personal space, look at all the
land.
There is no such thing as cold weather, just
unprepared people. QUOTE
It was -50 with wind chill.
I wanted to see,
what the hell that means.
Figure 1 This person lovesto eat and loves food
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
13/27
13
Andrew is from Queenstown, New
Zealand. He first came to Calgary for
a conference for a computer company
he worked for. He was then offered a
job to relocate to Calgary. He took
the job and moved to Calgary with his
English wife. Since moving to
Calgary 7 years ago, they now have 2
children (a boy and a girl) and
Andrew has opened up his own
software company. We are in direct
competition with the place I used towork, says Andrew. When asked if
his two children
Tools for the cold weather
People
come to Calgary for different reasons and see Calgary for different things, one can assured that he will have to go out in the cold at least once.
Be rest assured, you will have to shovel snow at leastonce.
Gday,
How you going mate? I made it to Calgary for the first time for our conference.
The weather is one thing, which is definitely different here.
On my first day I looked out of my hotel window and it was sunny with blue
skies. I thought to myself. I dont need a jacket; it will be warm outside. I got
about two block before I went back to get a jacket. I learned that even though it
may be sunny, the weather can be cold. I learned to never go without a jacket!
Do you want to know what else happened that was funny? Our new friend,
Pierre gave us a pair of snow shovels for a gift. I looked at him and said, Dude,
why are you giving us snow shovel. Pierre just chuckled, saying nothing. The
next day it snowed and I turned to my wife and said, ahh, now I know why
Pierre gave us these snow shovels!
Andrew
\
Dude, why are you giving us
snow shovels?
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
14/27
14
Marie Christine grew up as an only child
with her father in Montreal, Canada. Her
mom passed away from cancer when she
was a young child, leaving just Marie and
her father. When she turned 19 years old,
she knew that she needed a change and
decided to take the advice of an instructor
and apply to a government program to
learn English. A couple of months later,
she was accepted into the U of C program
and ventured off on her very first
adventure away from home and from her
dad. This was the best decision of her
life. She liked it so much; she extended
her trip to 4 months. While she would
love to stay in the program forever andlearn more, she knows s that life goes on
and she must follow it.
Finding Oneself
I think it is normal for everybody to feel lost and confused in this life, we just need something to find the right track and for me it was just a moment alone
to think about myself, what I want to do and who I am.
Some, like Marie Christine came to Calgary for nothing more than a simple change of scenery, but left discovering that she was capable of more than she could
have ever imagined. While all other contributors are from countries other than Canada, Marie Christines story was so inspiring that I had to use
it.
e
Bonjour Aunti,
Greetings from Calgary Alberta! It is me again! Sorry, I havent written since I
arrived, but I am finally feeling happy about my decision and with myself! I amsure Papa may have told you this already.
When I first arrived at the airport a couple of weeks ago, I looked for my homestaymom and she was not there. I was all alone in a strange city with no one to pick meup. It must have been a couple of hours before a friend of my homestay mothers
finally came to take me home. Essentially, I hated everything and I felt so lost andconfused. I could not stop crying and regretted my decision to leave mycomfortable life back home. I was worried that I would be here for my 5-weekprogram and be unhappy for 5 weeks. However, it is now my 4th week and I havebeen making new friends and the teachers are fabulous, I am even getting As onall my assignments which is a change from home. When I told them back home I
had been diagnosed with a concentration problem and had issues in schools, theywere surprised! I am so glad I came and I am thinking about staying longer!
Avoir,
Je t'adore,
Marie-Christine
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
15/27
15
Stella is from Bogota, Colombia. She
left a successful dance company in
Colombia to start a new life with her
husband who had been accepted intothe Engineering company at the U of
C. Stella is very persistent and when
I spoke to Stella she told me it took
her 2 weeks to get a job with very
little English. Her persistent paid off
and her determination is very evident
as she now runs a very successful
fitness studio out of her home and
studio out of her home and also
teaches zumba classes at the
University of Calgary
First snow sighting
My interview with Stella, a fitness guru from Colombia was very eye opening and enlightening. Stella had
come with her husband and really had no expectations in Calgary. She was here for Ricardo and that
was it. However, she managed to find a silver lining in her homesickness.
Hola Papa,
We arrived in Calgary on December 31 at about 2:00 in the morning. Our flight had been long.
Carlos and Yeni (our friends from back home) picked us up at the airport and took us to our new
house- a small basement suite Ricardo had arranged from home. A sweet little lady whom I fondly
call Mrs. A. greeted us at the door with a warm smile and offered us some hot chicken soup before
showing us to our room.
I saw the most beautiful thing from my window-SNOW! I was inside and looked out the window of
the house and thought the window was made like that. Mrs. Anne told me that it was snow and I
said, Baby Jesus must have done this. I was so happy, I almost started crying!
I have to go look for a job now, but will write soon,
Abros,
Stella
P.S. The picture on the front of this postcard is of Calgary in winter!
When I first saw snow, I almost
started crying from happiness.
Baby Jesus (snow) must have
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
16/27
16
Joe moved to Canada from Ghana
almost 20 years ago. He was a part
of the .. tribe.
He lived in Toronto and then decided
to come to Calgary after an offer from
a recruiting company. He now lives
with his wife and 3 children in
Coventry Hills. He owns a successful
reight business and if he were to give
one word of advice to newcomers, it
would be
Driving to Calgary from Toronto
An African relocates from Toronto to Calgary for work. This two day road trip gives him the opportunity to see many things; good,
bad and ugly.
Immigration
Hey bro,
I just thought I would update you on my life. I am no longer living in Toronto and
am now living on the west coast (Calgary). I took a job in Calgary from a recruiter
who came to Toronto. So, a classmate and I drove my car from Toronto to
Calgary- a road trip that took us 2 days! This trip was not dull! We saw a mooselook both ways and cross the road with her calf and we almost ran out of gas in
northern Ontario and we
We finally pulled into Calgary at 4:00 am on the Saturday! Since it was too late to
get a hotel, we decided to sleep in the car for a couple of hours. We pulled over
near downtown, pushed back our seats and rested. It had been 2 long days with
little sleep, but lots of adventure. I had finally dozed off to sleep when I heard a
knock at my window. As I peered out the window, there was a lady with a short
black skirt, a sparkly short top and big hoop earrings standing at the window. Do
you need some help, she asked me. Ipeered back at her and said, What kind of
help? I soon realized that she was a hooker. Everyones really helpful here!What an adventure so far!
mo ni ife e ( I love you in Nigerian)
Joe
Did you know that:
STAT ABOUT THE SNOWFALL in Calgary
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
17/27
17
Vickie is originally from London,
England. n. England. She first came to
Calgary in July, 1989 to visit Canadian
friends she had worked with in
England. Just she was about to leave,
she met a man who would later become
her husband.
She has lived in Calgary since 1989 and
ran a property management business
with her husband, Nitch. Her beloved,Nitch sadly passed away in 2001, but
Vickie continues to reside in Calgary .
She is an active senior who loves
writing and volunteering, especially at
the Spuce Meadows equestrian centre.
. Will she stay in Calgary now that her
beloved husband is gone and her family
is back in England? I am not sure,
says Vickie. I never did like winter andI am finding ever winter harder than the
one before. Ah, the things we do for
love.
ImmigrationGetting into Canada is not that easy for some; even if you love a
Canadian!
Dear friend,
Hello! How are you over there in Korea? It has been awhile since we spoke, but
just thought I would update you on my news!
I am now living in Canada, but not without a few road blocks and obstacles.
Let me start at the beginning; remember how I worked at that resort in the UK,
well I ended up meeting some Canadians there and decided to come to Calgary for
a 3 months (July-October). I ended up meeting a wonderful man-the love of my life!
He is actually from Montreal, Canada, but lives in Calgary (the west)
So, I went back to London and applied to the Canadian Embassy at home(London). However, the immigration officer who happened to be from Calgary
told me not to bother applying, as my job and education were not enough to get me
into Alberta. Go back to Canada, get married within 3 months of landing
and immigrate as a dependent, he advised me.
So, you guessed it; I got married to a Canadian and am now living in
Calgary, Canada. You will have to come and visit!
Im going now,
Love from,
Vickie
,
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
18/27
18
Yan came to Cagary from Beijing,
China. She arrived in Calgary in 2007
because she got accepted into the PHD
program in TESL at the University of
Calgary.
She currently lives in a house (picture
above) her and her husband recently
purchased. For most Chinese people to
have a house in a new city means they
have really settled down. Yan, her
husband and her 8 year old daughter
love the Rocky Mountains and the
natural parks. They take advantage of
the great outdoors by camping, skiing
and swimming. If she were to give one
word of advice to newcomers about
Calgary, it would be..
Getting around the city
Yan discovered that it is very difficult to get around the city without a car and little money. In the midst
of it all, she did manage to meet a nice Calgarian
It has been ages since we spoke, but just thought I would tell you how we are doing here
in Calgary.
We arrived at the end of July so it was still warm. The one thing about this city is that it
is so spread out! When we first arrived, my husband and I did not have a car so we were
relying on trains and buses.
The other day, we went to this supermarket to buy grocieris.and my husband kept having
to go back home with the groceries, leaving me and my 5 year old daughter to watch therest of the groceries. He took the train downtown, take the bus to our apartment and
then take the bus and train back to the NE to pick up the rest of the groceries along with
my daughter and I. So, there we were waiting for my husband I to come back to get us
and it was closing time.
Why are you still here so late? asked the security guard. I told him that my husband
had to take the bus and train back to our apartment to take some on the groceries andthen take the bus and train back to get my daughter and me and the r est of the groceries.
Luckily the security guard was nice enough to let us stay inside the store while we
waited
It is so difficult to get
around in this city
because it is so spread
out.
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
19/27
19
Life on the farm
Joe, from Ghana marries a farm girl from Peirce, Alberta and gives us a glimpse to what it is like to brand cattle in rural Alberta;
He learns a few things on this adventure. First, cattle do not roam free here like they do in Africa, second, branding is an all day
event and third, the cattle are not always willing participants (who would!) so be prepared for a bit of a fight
Dear,
I just returned from a weekend in Peirce, Alberta. Brandy (my wife) invited
me for the weekend to help her family with branding their cattle. I didnt
even know this sort of thing existed!
You know how in Africa how animals are free to graze anywhere and some
end up destroying peoples farms? Well things are so much more controlled
here.
First we had to get the cattle into a small pen to get them ready for branding.
I felt so bad for the cows; they were just crying and crying. We had to cut the
horn, pull their ears and make a label to identity them. We had finished
branding a few cattle, when suddenly one started kicking and kicked Brandys
brother in the private parts! It was scary. You can imagine how much pain
he was in; he had to sit out and moaned and groaned for hours.
The next morning, we got up to start branding again. As I was trying to hold
a calf down to help brand him, he started to struggle and started kicking
frantically. I was afraid I was going to be the next victim. I had to protect my
family jewels! I saw what happened to Brandys brother yesterday, so I
started to fight back! Boy, he was strong, but I finally managed to subdue
him. Always, I am beat from working all day! I will talk to you soon,
Love J,
Branding cattle quote
Cartoon
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
20/27
20
Touched by a Canadian
Some are just grateful to be living in Calgary and are fortunate enough to be inspired by a local. Touched by an Speedskater
Hola!
Hola! Como estas? Guess what? I met a woman that changed my life here in
Calgary! Before you jump to conclusions; let me tell you my story,
Last week, I went to a party at the Banff Springs Hotel with Carlos (my brother and
law) and a Canadian speed skater (Catriona Le May Doan) was giving amotivational speech. You know, she really had an impact on me and inspired me
to do something I had never done before! She really pushed me to do something
that was always inside me, but I never had the strength to take out. Before her
talk, I will admit I was having feelings of doubt about leaving my old life behind.
People are still asking me why I left my life of luxury and my rich wife back home,
but she made me realize that I had done the right thing and soon after her speech, I
decided to write my mom a tale for her birthday. I would have never believed in
myself to do this if it werent for Catriona.
I will write more soon,
Hasta Luego,
Jose
BIO
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
21/27
21
Elizabeth moved to Montreal from
New York in 1952. She left Montreal
in 1974 because of the war measures
act. She came to Calgary from Fort
Mac on the bus and stayed with
people she had just met in Fort Mac
who lived in Calgary. She arrived in
1974. She remembers when she first
arrived she was so impressed by the
weather and then someone said to
her, winter begins tomorrow.
Finding oneself
Elizabeth from New York discovered herself in Calgary and was so releaved that she no
longer had to hide that she was an American.
Dear friend,
I am now settling down in my new home Calgary. I must say that I definitely
feel more at home here than I did in Montreal. Everything just feels so much
more familiar here! I believe there is more commonality between north andsouth than east and west.
One thing that I found is that I no longer have to hide that I am an American
here. You know how in Montreal I had to hide my accent and basically
change the way I said things to try to fit I, saying things like garage as and
eh, as eh..
Here in Calgary I no longer feel I have to do this. It turned out that the
people living in my apartment building are from the US.
My adaption was learning about the mountains and the prairies.
I remember this Russian Jew who used to invite me in for tea. I had a lonely
period
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
22/27
22
Dressing for the weather
Adapting more to the environment than the culture.
Dont judge the
I remember waking up and hearing water drip after it had been 30
below the day before.
Elizabeth
New York
The girls kept talking about storms and I though this is not a storm. My
first white out driving was crazy. It felt warmer because it wasnt that
damp cold. I froze my fingers, because I didnt feel the cold. People
dressed for the weather here as opposed to Montreal where it was maxi
coats and miniskirts. I bought a mink coat and wore it with my blue
muck luck shoes which she was horrified.
Hello again,
It is me Elizabeth again. One thing about
these people is that they sure know
how to dress for the weather! In Montreal,
they were dressed in maxi coats and
miniskirts when it was freezing cold! In
Calgary, they are dressed in ski jackets! It
doesnt
seem to be as much of a show here.
However, I remember when I bought a
mink coat and wore it with my blue
muck luck shoes. My friend was horrified!
Just another funny story about weather!
Love,
Elizabeth
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
23/27
23
Sharon Wheaton is from Cork,
Ireland. She moved to Calgary in
November, 2012 to live with her
boyfriend. She admits at first she was
nervous about leaving home, moving
in with her boyfriend of 4 months! In
the short time she has lived in
Calgary, she has managed to find a
ob, experience a white Christmas andsurvive the -20 temperatures. Does
she have any advice for newcomers?
Well, dress warm for the weather is
one thing!
A White Christmas
Sharon was given a cool welcome from Calgary welcomed Sharon from Cork, Ireland with a blast of cold had the opportunity to come
to YYC when a cold snap hit. She got to experience minus temperatures, learned how to dress for the weather and on the up side had
the opportunity unity to experience a white Christmas! It
can only go up from here!
4.25 inches
by 6
inches.
Dear Uncle Peter,
Matt and I made it to Calgary and boy is it cold! When I first arrived, it was -23 and
it is only November! Luckily, the boys had warned me in advance about the
upcoming adverse weather conditions, so I was well prepared with my warm jacket
and fluffy boots! To be honest, I didnt find it TOO cold, but I guess I was so
exhausted from the flights and early start that it may not have registered fully with
me. It hasnt hit the freezing temperatures that it is capable of hitting just yet..Some
people had forewarned me that the week between Christmas and New Years tends
to be the typical time where temperatures have been seen to plummet to as low as -40!! And they were right. Even though it didnt hit as low as -40, it did stay at
about -30 from the Friday before Christmas, to the following Friday.
But seriously, and I know this sounds ridiculously obvious, but as long as you wear
enough clothes, then the cold is bearable! Just invest in good gloves, a hat and
maybe something to cover your neck and face, like a cowl or something! The
temperatures dropped to about -24 in the lead up to Christmas, so we got to
experience a white Christmas! Its the wind chill that makes the weather so cold at
times; it may be somewhat mild, but the wind chill can really impact on how cold it
really is! Im looking forward to some summer heat!
It is getting late so I should go, but will write more soon
Give me love to everyone,
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
24/27
24
Ali is from Tehran, Iran. He came to
Calgary because he was accepted into the
PHD program at the U of C. He arrived in
late December of 2008 and remembers it
was a really cold and everything was cold. Ifhe were to given any advice to new comers,
it would be
He thinks that Calgary has a certain smell,
but is not sure what that smell is. If he were
to describe Calgary it would be an image of
a dark, empty street covered in cold and
snow. He thinks that summer is the most
beautiful.
Any advice to newcomers..
A New Years Eve tour
As most of us know, comgin to a new city can often be cary and it it easy to get lsot. While Ali and his friends have no
difficulties gettign to the mall to bu items for their new home, it is getting home where they havedifficultires..
Immigrating to Calgary
Steve a guy from China that I interviewed came
Hello,
Its me Ali. I am now in Calgary and I am slowly getting to know the city,
but did get lost on New Years Eve!
My friends and I had decided to take the bus to the mall to buy things we
needed for our house. It was a short bus ride there and we just assumed the
same bus # would take us back to the c-train when we were finished
shopping.
So, when we were finished shopping, we got on the #407 bus to go back to
the c-train and soon realized that it seemed to be taking us longer than the
first time. This is when we got a little; suspicious and something just
didnt seem right.
After what seemed like forever, we were the only passengers left on the bus
and the bus driver stopped the bus and told us it was the end of the line
and we would have to get off. It was the middle of nowhere, nothing was
around and it was winter here and really cold! Luckily, the bus driver took
pity on us, made a call and drove us back to a c-train station. Two of us
got off at Banff trail station and walked to our hotel, but our other friend
Mohamed walked back to his house where he was staying. We later found
out that he had wandered around in the snow for hours looking for his
house before the friends he was staying with accidentally found him
on their way back from a party! He is still joking how he could
have died that night and it is kind of true. People tell us it was
a really cold winter. It is really kind of scary!
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
25/27
25
Steve is from Beiging, China. He wasworking in the oil and gas industry in
China and decided to come to Calgary
or one reason, to make more money.
When Steve was in China working, he
ound out that the same person (a
Calgarian) was making double the money
he was probably because he was a
Canadian. So, Steve decided to apply for
a visa to Canada and is now successfullyworking at an engineer in Calgary,
making a lot more money than he was in
China.
Ding, Welcome to Canada
Hey Rob,
Guess what! I am finally got a visa to come to Canada and of
course I am coming to Calgary. It was when I found out we
were doing the same job and you were making double the
money that I decided to come to Calgary. Do you think I can
get a job as a petroleum engineer over there?
I thought it was the good luck bell that I bought from the old
man standing outside the immigration office, but the
immigration officer told me it was because the oil and gas
industry in Alberta is booming and we lack a lot of petroleum
engineers. It is not about the luck, it is about a need, he
told me. So, he stamped my passport and I am moving to
Calgary! DING, welcome to Canada
See you soon,
Steve
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
26/27
26
Bai was sent to Calgary from
his company in China. They
sent Bai and 6 others to learn
English. He has enjoyed his
time in Calgarty and he will
really miss Tim Hortons when
he will go back to China.
They seized my beef noodles
THIS IS A PICTURE OF A
Hello,
Greetings from Calgary! I have been here for a couple of
weeks now and it has been interesting. When I first arrived, the
policeman asked to check m y luggage because I wrote down we
were staying for business and stay for 90 days. Why does
your business have to be so long,? asked the officer as he
rifled through my luggage. The only thing he found was clothing CHINA
and some beef noodles which he took. I told him I was staying
for English in business and this is why I needed to stay for 90 days.
Then, He asked for my return flight ticket and sent me on my way.
After what seemed like a couple of hours, leaving me to put back together
the piece of my luggage, I finally got to see more than the airport.
I thought, there were not a lot of buildings and hardly any people!
I have to go to class. Say hi to everyone for me,
Love,
Bai
7/30/2019 Really Recent 2nd Sample of Story Layout
27/27
27
Hello,
I remember it was winter and snow covered the ground. My
husband, daughter and I decided to go to the liquor store to buy
some wine and we had parked beside another car. We could not
see the lines because there was so much snow. A guy came out
of the car and hit our brand new Rav4.
He was so surprised when I opened the door and told him to payus. He took off so I chased him. My husband was so surprised
and proud of my bravery. He could do it in Chinese, but not
English.
Love,
Yan Zhang
China
Top Related