I put a "travel update" on the Traveling blog. Here, I get to muse over what we've discovered in our Maritimes journey thus far.
We loved what we saw of Halifax and the other areas of Nova Scotia we visited. But, we also had beautiful weather. Today has been very gloomy and it's hard to get a real sense of the "life" of the city. As in every other Canada trip, the people are exceptionally pleasant, helpful, etc. So, on what measures shall we distinguish Halifax and Fredericton from each other?
Size, cost of living, access, weather, politics, economy, university, GLBT community...? We're going to see what the next couple of days bring, but at the moment we're very torn about which would be the better fit.
We like the size of F'ton.
We like the cost of housing in F'ton.
We like the easier access to Halifax. People might actually visit us there!
Weather is a toss up, though winters in Halifax do tend to be more mild.
Halifax wins in the politics category, hands down.
Halifax - and Nova Scotia in general - has a stronger economy.
University issues remain open - i.e., admission, etc. The big unknown(s).
Halifax, because of size, has more of a GLBT "presence."
Both have UU fellowships.
Both have decent shopping options.
We like the proximity of F'ton to Boston, but that's no dealbreaker.
So, fellow travelers, your thoughts?
10 months ago
8 comments:
Having never traveled to New Brunswick, we can't compare the two provinces.
Our trip to Nova Scotia in 2003 was the catalyst for us to begin researching the possibility of immigrating - How we wish we had actually started the process back then!
We loved nearly every aspect of Nova Scotia, with the possible exception of some of the "interior" rather desolate regions. All of the coastline is absolutely breathtaking - postcard perfect. We also enjoyed the small quaint villages of Chester, Lunenburg and Wolfville. Having spent most of our adult lives in a big city - and then the past few in a rural area - we have a fondness for Halifax. The arts, culture and proximity to travel is a plus.
Decisions for you all, but as Permanent Residents, isn't it nice to have the options ? ? ? ?
Yes and a quick update... I had an incredibly delightful - and promising - chat with someone from UNB this morning. Great guy and very helpful! More soon - off to explore!
We have never been to either place but really need to venture there.
Do they refer to it as 'UU fellowships'in NS & NB? Here on the island, it is strictly Unitarians (the Universalists are abandoned I fear).
At least you have a decision to make between 2 great positive choices!
When $’s factor in, sometimes it tends to put a little more weight on one over the other. I’m sure which ever way you decide to go, it will be wonderful for your family.
If you are in F'ton on Saturday, don't forget to check out the market. It's quite popular.
Hi, all! canada calling - i don't know which term(s) they use; I'm just used to saying UU! mac - Yes!! It's first on the list for tomorrow! Stay tuned!
cc - I just checked. In NS it's Univeralist Unitarian and here in F'ton it's just Unitarian. Cheers!
<-- Jo here, new reader of your blog! I'm from Hamilton, Ontario and spent a year living in the Canadian Arctic (Iqaluit) in the mid nineties. The far north draws A LOT of maritimers, as the economy in Atlantic Canada has historically been kind of crappy, yet housing is cheap (specifically in Newfoundland). My Newfie roommates would work their butts off for a year up north and save enough to buy a HOUSE in Nfld. Mind you, a house there can be $30K or some such insanity. :)
Atlantic Canadians are SALT of the earth and I'm envious you are moving there. The people are top-drawer. Southern Ontario leaves a lot to be desired some days.
Anyhow, I've had the chance to see all of Canada except for BC and Nfld, and Halifax remains one of my favourite places. I only had lunch in F'ton but I know people who live there like it. I would worry about it being a bit more homophobic than you think it is -- smalltown whitebread Canada CAN be. It's getting better, but Halifax is is much more urban and GLBT-friendly, as far as I know.
I've recently developed a love of Ottawa and I'm thinking about moving there. Loosely. I don't speak French, so I think getting a good job might be hard.
Anyhow, just some musings. Congrats on the PR status!
Hi, jo, and thanks! One of the good things to come out of yesterday's chat is that the fellow (he's lived here about 30 years) I talked with doesn't think we'd find the people in the city any less accepting - being a university town and all. I don't think I mentioned that I know two people here (not related) who are GLBT. Oh, and the guy I talked with knows some lesbian moms! So, that was all good news. I should post an update! BTW, Ottawa is the one place that intrigued us that we've not visited! The water here is a big draw! ;-) Welcome and stay tuned!
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