This has to be a resounding YES!

 

Even though we sometimes think Canada and Canadians are a little too complacent and we wish they would stand up for themselves on issues that affect them locally, nationally or politically we love living here.

 

We have the best of both worlds almost, all the good Canadian stuff, the better lifestyle (and I dispute any arguments on that one) yet we still get British sweets and choccies as well as our favourite shows on the telly. We have Corrie, Eastenders and Little Britain, what more could we ask for really? We have places we can buy cornish pasties, meat and potato pies and sausage rolls how they should be made (not the little stupid cocktail size ones they do here). From time to time I can even find malt loaf!! Mmmmm.

 

People like us here, they tell me they love my accent (too bad if they don't) although the boys sound Canadian they can put on an English accent to make fun of me.

 

I have a job I love, which is weird to some people I know, but I really do enjoy my work. As for the boys, they were 9 and 11 year old boys when we arrived on 11 April 2000, but they are now young adults, turning 17 and 19 this year.

 

They would refuse to leave Canada if I suggested we move back to England. But then we have no reason to do so. Our life here is better than it ever was. For one, we have Mike (my Canadian husband) and they have done their maturing years here and have lots of friends. Apart from the usual teenage attitude and refusal to tidy up after themselves (until they realise it's in their best interests to do so) they are good kids.

At least they haven't turned into yobs or chavs and they don't hang around in gangs on street corners and their behaviour is not fuelled by underage drinking.

 

Certain things are more expensive here, certain things are cheaper. That is how it will always be, but instead of complaining like some people we accept it and move on. It will never be the same as Britain and in many respects we don't want it to be.

 

I have also discovered a new passion, that as a bonus, happened to have a lot of new friends attached to it. And I am talking about linedancing. I love it and the people keep it fun!

 

So despite my famous quote of "I will never get married again or leave England again to live abroad (having lived in Spain 1985-88)" I did both of those things and don't regret it for a second.