July - Notes From The Repatriated

Its after 10 pm on a Friday night and still very warm at 16C. I can hear the gentle gurgle of the pool filter in the backyard and the distant sound of a train horn. 

Nearly a month since I repatriated back to Canada and I am starting to feel more settled, more at home, and it feels good.

The city has changed enormously over the past two decades and most of it in a very positive way, so I couldn’t have come back at a better time. This week I did an ambassadorship course about the area and was surprised at how many new things I learned. The Maritimes has historically been thought of as the poor relation of Canada, but that no longer applies from what I’ve seen. Change comes a bit slower here, but it does arrive and for the most part, people welcome it.

Something that has played a large part in my transition from the UK to here is how friendly folks still are. The personal touch hasn’t vanished from the stores and banks. I was astonished at how simple it was to open a new bank account when I arrived. The mass branch closures and shift to online only banking hasn’t taken hold here, at least not yet. It was a real pleasure to be able to physically go into my bank of choice and talk to another human being. I’ve had to go back a few times to get help with small issues and every time the problem was taken care of with a smile. The same applies to the stores. I’ve worked in retail and know it’s not an easy job, but here I’ve never felt like I was anything but welcome in the store. Staff don’t act like they are bored and you’re an inconvenience.

There are far fewer vehicles on the roads and people tend not to use their cars like a weapon. I don’t see the aggression and hostility on the roads that I’d got used to in the UK. “Got used to”. That’s a disturbing thought when you think about it.

Another observation is how few houses are fenced up. In England at least, most homes are surrounded by fencing and people often don’t know their neighbours and don’t want to. Here it’s largely the opposite (as in any place, exceptions will apply). Children are out playing in the streets. There are movable basketball hoops and hockey nets along the curbs. No one steals or vandalises them. Kids leave their scooters and bikes outside, often unlocked, but theft is not common. Drivers know children are on the roads so slow down, and the kids learn to yell “car!” and get out of the way when one is coming.

I’m not suggesting I’ve relocated to some version of Shangri-La. No one is free from problems and certainly the Maritimes and it’s people have their share. I think the difference is a) the much lower population density b) the space and c) the news sources don’t make a point of leaving you feeling angry and depressed. Sure folks complain sometimes but they aren’t focused 24/7 on the negative.

There are several family birthdays this month, mine is one of them, and it’s wonderful to actually be here to celebrate them.

I am getting used to the higher food and clothing costs. Sticker shock is a real thing and the sales tax you are used to already being part of the price in the UK is not included here. Depending which province you are in, you need to do a bit of mental arithmetic before you get to the till. Here in New Brunswick add 15%.

Couple of issues is obtaining a new provincial Medicare card, without which you can’t access the public health system. I’ve applied for one and have to wait for the wheels of officialdom to turn. The other is slogging through the New Brunswick Drivers handbook. I quit driving in the UK, too goddamn scary on the roads there. As a result, my Canadian driver’s license is long since expired so I have to start again as a rank beginner. Never mind. I did it once before, I can do it again.

I love the photos I took of some of the local deer. The area is still heavily wooded so it’s not unusual at all to spot wildlife, especially early in the morning and at dusk. I was charmed by this doe and her twins, seen two mornings ago while out with my son’s Labrador, Rue.