Canadian Welcome

My grandson and I were reading a travel magazine together the other day. Actually, I was reading and he was looking at the pictures. We came across an article about the Ice Hotel in Quebec that even captured his four-year-old interest. Imagine eating and sleeping in a hotel made of ice? Grandson asked if someday we could go there and at the time I wasn’t quite sure I would like it.  I’ve found a video posted by Lucy Izon on her website at CanadaCool. After watching it, I think the ice hotel might be fun after all. What do you think?

Technorati Tags: Quebec, Ice Hotel

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Living on Chalk Lake is great in the warm weather, but what about winter? Does it make you wish you were in Florida?

Not according to my sister and her husband. In fact, I think their physical health has really improved since moving out to the lake. Summer includes a lot of swimming and paddle boating, but even winter provides exercise. They clear a little spot on the ice and spend time skating whenever possible. Imagine your own little rink, fresh air, and the peaceful sounds of the country.

As a city girl, it’s a little too dark at night and a little too quiet and remote for me, but my sister wouldn’t live anywhere else.

How about you? Would life on the lake be paradise? Or is it too far to the mall?

Technorati Tags: Chalk Lake, winter, exercise

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When people find out I was born and raised in Toronto, they often ask me what are the best places to visit. I found the following video I thought you might enjoy that shows some of those attractions. My brother helped build the Skydome and during the opening parade, which included all the workers, he showed off a temporary tattoo of the dome on his back – in full colour.

So which is your favourite place in Toronto? I have yet to see the renovated museum, but the new wing looks awesome!

Technorati Tags: Toronto attractions, places to go in Toronto

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It is not always so easy to find work in Canada whether you are a Canadian born or a newly immigrated resident. There are certain requirements that must be met before coming here. It is often best to find a company who is willing to hire you and will give you a solid basis to help your case along with any legal documents you need to provide and receive from the Canadian government.

All provinces have different laws and rules regarding job opportunities. Some places have higher wages but also have a much higher cost of living which still leaves you no extra income. You will need to find out what fees need to be paid, what forms to be filled out (VISA application, etc.). If you need more information about settling in Ontario, go to Settlement.org.

Technorati Tags: settling in Ontario, finding work

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It seems there is cold weather everywhere these days, but that doesn’t make it any easier for us here in Ontario. No matter how many winters I’ve lived through, I still don’t like it. Although I do like the snow and when it isn’t too cold I enjoy how fresh the air feels. So how can we deal with the cold other than fly south every winter or stay in the house for months until it warms up?

Here are some coping tips I’ve found, please comment and I can add yours to the list:

• dress in layers – a t-shirt, then a long sleeve sweater, then your coat. I also wear long johns or tights under my jeans on really cold days.
• warm, thick socks and boots that are warm and not too tight
• if the boots are a bit higher, the snow can’t get inside them
• a warm hat to cover your ears and keep the body warmth inside
• a nice thick scarf that you can pull over your face if needed
• snowpants over regular jeans if you will be outside for a long time
• warm mittens or gloves. I find that mitts keep my hands warmer but are clumsy for driving. And wool mittens are best if you can get them.
• a coat that’s long enough to keep you warm but doesn’t restrict your movements
• a wool coat keeps you warmest. One year I paid a lot of money for one that was a nylony material with fur inside and it was terrible. The cloth didn’t breathe, so it was either too hot or too cold.
• Have a lot of warm, nutritious soups and hot, comforting foods

Now I’m off for some homemade soup. How do you survive the cold?

Technorati Tags: cold weather, tips for dealing with cold, dressing for cold

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