Tuesday, 29 March 2011

Work - That's why I'm here!

I have had a gentle introduction to working in Canada. Part of this has been due to arriving for work on the first day of Spring Break when many of the staff are on holiday. I visited 3 different sites in the city which have all had several Brits working on them. They have been a very useful source of information for settling into the Canadian way of life and giving advice about where to live and where to get the best deals on car insurance which is very high.

The sites that I have been to have been different to the sites I left behind in the UK. While safety is very high on the agenda there are some practices here that are very different. Fall protection training here is mandatory for anybody going on site but edge pretection is only required if there is a potential fall of more than 2.4m. It may be over the top in the UK where any height is a problem but you can do a lot of damage from 2.4m. Smoking is also permitted on the site so long as there is no construction above the person smoking.

I managed to damage my rental car on the first day I drove onto the site by hitting a pothole which was full of water on a wet day. Only a minor prang but annoying all the same.

I have now been assigned to the Forensic Science and Coroner's Court project which will be the major centre for forensic science in Canada as well as the centre for the coroners for Ontario. This will involve lots of new considerations such as autopsy suites, body coolers and laboratories with infection control risks. On my first day I was presented with around 400 drawings and a huge amount of contract information to pore over.

I attended my first design meeting with the designers today. Lots of design information has been issued although there is still a lot to come. Nothing new there. I can see that the workload will build up rapidly once I get properly involved in the job. The organisation and roles on site are very different although I have not got fully into the process yet. No quantity surveyors in evidence although I believe they may be on the way from the UK. They will find a very different situation here.

I must admit that 20-30 minutes home to desk is a very welcome change.

Early days yet. A voyage of discovery awaits.

I'm looking forward to it.

Monday, 28 March 2011

Week 3 Still waiting for Spring

Hello everyone! Being so far from home for my birthday was definitely a different experience! The fact that so many of you sent good wishes in one form or another made it a very special day - I even received a delivery of flowers in a glass vase as you see here! I was kept busy with emails, skype calls and opening all the cards etc. that we brought with us. I went to mass with Mel at the Cathedral and, of course, prayed for you all. We had lunch in town while outside a blizzard of snow swept between the buildings; we had a good window view from the cafe at The Bay department store. The snow really settled but I was able to get home without stepping outside! Eamonn and I had a lovely evening meal at a local steakhouse, The Keg, but we shouldn't have asked for a cup of tea to finish - the worst we've ever had.

Anyway, it's been a mixed week of practical jobs tackled with some sightseeing and socialising - not a bad thing! Despite the cold I've made sure to go out each day for a walk. Half an hour's walk from here is Bayview Village which is a small but select mall (there's no bay and it's not a village!). I saw lots of designer names but not many customers! There are comfy seats allowing people to sit and stare - or sleep in some cases. It was a good walk especially as the streets around here are very flat but I saw less than a handful of other people walking.

This is the view from our apartment. The rectangle of ice in front of the Civic Centre is beginning to melt so skating has stopped. We enjoyed watching skaters of all abilities gliding around at all times of the day and night. It will soon feed the cascade and the circular fountain facing us. By then the grass should be green and maybe then there'll be daffodils!

This bank, built over the mall and library, chimes like Big Ben every hour and other little ditties. 

I thought I'd show you some views of the local streets as we haven't been far afield yet.










Below is a memorial to a C19th Scottish emigrant, David Gibson, who farmed land around here. He was also a surveyor and the memorial is hung with replica measuring chains of the time. His house is nearby, the oldest thing around here for miles.

Along the road from Gibson's pony is this view of North York Centre, taken from a little park which is currently covered in snow. You can just see the modern bell tower which our living room faces, so it's hard to get lost around here!







When we come in off the street into our building we see Loblaws supermarket down below, on the same level as the entrance to the subway (tube). It's pretty big and doesn't have the most logical layout but we're getting the hang of it. If it's too cold out I can always go for a few circuits in there.




Here you can see some of the levels above the supermarket, leading eventually to the cinema upstairs. We haven't been to see a film yet, there hasn't been much worth watching so we got a couple of DVDs from the library. Their stock is old but there are lots of films we haven't seen so this week we watched The 'Color' of Money and 84 Charing Cross Road - a lovely film. Paul Newman and Anthony Hopkins in one weekend! At least watching films gives you a break from the terrible tv. We're watching old House episodes which is fine as I've never seen it but also old Midsomers and old Time Teams!

These next 3 photos were taken Downtown, in a little shopping area called Yorkville. It's like a cutesy version of Bond Street. There are galleries, auctioneers and designer shops behind these Victorian facades and there's a lot of street art, each piece trying to get more attention than the next. I liked this one of the children but I couldn't find any information about it. It's actually part of a fountain. The Brits I've met are all puzzled as to how Toronto can sustain so many high end shopping areas given that they've got a tiny fraction of the population of London; there are wealthy people here but there are a lot of working families too. Maybe it's something we'll come to understand more as time goes on.

You might have heard that there's going to be an election here on May 2nd - hooray. Campaigning has just started and it's interesting to see that politicians have to switch from English into French, usually repeating what they've just said in the other language. There's always interpretation on the news too so you can hear the same bit 3 times! Would be funny if our MPs had to switch languages - into Scouse or Gaelic maybe! It looks like they'll end up with another coalition; they've had elections every couple of years because they can't get a majority government.





On Friday evening we began what I hope will become a ritual: a visit to the local pub, the Frog and Firkin for fish and chips and a Guinness - (for me!). It was very good. They have booths that seat 6, tv screens for sport if you're interested and speedy service. We had a good time with 2 younger Carillion chaps and their wives. I'd been for a walk around town that day with Orla, one of the wives, the same age as Gemma. We did a circular walk in Downtown East which took in the Distillery district (now arty galleries and shops) and the St. Lawrence Market, great for fresh produce of all sorts from all over the world.


This is the first Post Office building in Toronto. There are very few streets looking like this!

Below is a clever mural on the Flat Iron building - that's the shape of it which you can't see in this. But the mural looks just like a sheet, having been painted with these windows etc.,  pinned to the wall.


 Saturday was a humdrum day - Eamonn test drove 2 Hyundais. He's still trying to get a sensible quote for insurance. It's vey frustrating after driving for 40 years - they treat you as though you've just passed your test here and quotes have been up into  $6000 - 8000. He's been given a contact number so should end up paying about $2000, much more reasonable.We also bought our own iron, ironing board, airer and a water filter - so our tea is perfect now (buying Twinings English Breakfast tea - no PG tips here).

As you can see I have't been able to arrange photos side by side (unless they're small which means they're hard to see!) so apologies for this going on and on.
This creepy metal creature lives in the Distillery district, one of the oldest bits of Toronto.


Time to finish but I can tell you that today is actually warm in a proper spring-like way.




We're always really pleased when someone owns up to looking at this so welcome Andy!!  

Hope you're all well at home, missing you all,
With love,
Mary and Eamonn xx

PS. I see that All Saints London Colney is closing! Any background anyone?



Tuesday, 22 March 2011

Monday, 21 March 2011

2 weeks in - but feels longer!

We're on 8th Floor of the right-hand block facing this square, shopping mall and subway below. Library to the left and civic centre behind me
Hello everyone: to those who've revealed themselves and to those who are keeping an eye on us at a discreet distance. We really appreciate all the emails and skype calls etc. I do like to see your cheery faces tho! Like the dogs too, Katie!

A mixed week, Eamonn has had 2 days off so it's been a gentle adjustment for both of us and he'll be home again early today (Monday) after visiting another site downtown. Tomorrow should be a proper work day and he should find out which site he'll be working on.

Last Thursday I went to mass in St. Michael's Cathedral in town and had a little walk around. It felt good to be gaining confidence moving around on my own. I didn't catch THE St. Patrick's Day mass - I'm not really Irish enough to throw myself into singing hymns to St. Patrick etc! Fine for those who are. 

On Friday we went to the Toronto Garden Show. It was indoors of course and pleasant, very different to Hampton Court, etc, but we couldn't expect that. Its aim is really to kick-start the gardening season for Torontonians rather than showing off amazing specimens like we can grow at home.
After that we went back through Downtown to catch a bus to The Beach area. I love the cityscape and there are lots of surprises like these lovely elephants which are actually on their way to the fountain which isn't on yet! 
 
 The Beach area is a lovely area, low-rise, attractive homes and cool coffee bars. We had a great lunch then a walk along the boardwalk where you can cycle/skate/ etc in safety. It'll be lovely in the summer. The islands off shore are a great place from which to view the city skyline on a summer's evening - so that's on the list!

Transport is really good here and good value but many things are a lot more expensive than at home. Fancied seeing Billy Elliot because we missed it in London but prices start at $175 - which is about £130 - so don't complain about West End prices! We went to see the England v Ireland rugby match in the local Rose and Crown and had to pay $20 dollars each (about £12) to get in but there was a good atmosphere especially as we were surrounded by victorious Irish. The Guiness was good too.
Weather has been gradually improving but today was foggy and there's some wet stuff coming in later in the week, maybe snow. We are waiting to view some more apartments, I don't think we're going to be able to have the one we wanted so we'll have to be patient. Eamonn's getting nearer buying a car too, probably a Hyundai. 

We found a nice family church near here and after mass yesterday we fancied a drive out of the city, to Lake Simcoe - check the map. It was supposed to be an hour's drive but we got very lost then someone remembered he had a Blackberry which amazingly has GPS and maps and Google and everything! Anyway, we didn't find anywhere nice to eat, too early for the season up there, so having set off at 12 we had lunch back down here about 4! It was really cold up there and the lake is still frozen. If you look closely you will see tiny specks which are people ice fishing.

We've met up with some of the other Carillion couples here; two of the couples are young and the other couple is a bit older than us (Jack and Mel). They are from Goa via Reading and we went downtown last night to meet them for a coffee. It's good to be able to go into any of the malls and sit, even on a Sunday evening chatting, watching people come and go in warm and attractive surroundings. I'm going into town on Wednesday (my birthday!) to go to mass with Mel and then we'll have some lunch. She hasn't gone out on her own yet so I will do my best not to get us too lost!  I discovered that there are a few places where people get together on Sundays for a Corrie Brunch - sounds fab but I can't really justify travelling across the city on a Sunday to indulge myself that way. I'll just have to manage without. Doing ok so far!

Fog has lifted now and must hang the washing.
Bye & love to all, will think of you all as I open my stash of cards we brought with us. Many thanks.
Mary and Eamonn xx

Monday, 14 March 2011

Almost one week later ... Monday 14th March 2011

Hello all, at last some spring weather has arrived, afternoons in positive temperatures and sunshine. We have been busy looking at apartments but nothing suitable so far. It turns out the 'preference' for a pool is really a priority! We now have an agent to help with the looking which will reduce the anxiety levels. Up til now we've been going round, me smiling and vague looking, Eamonn armed with notebook and pen. Our agent is the wife of the chap who is letting this apartment to Carillion; she's really nice and lives around here so has intimate local knowledge and has helped other Carillion people. Eamonn's at his first day of work and it's gone ok so far, plenty of more admin. Tomorrow we both have the day to organise Social Insurance numbers and driving licences. Eamonn will then spend the rest of the week visiting the main sites here. He should be home by 5 today!

As you can see we went to their St. Patrick's Day Parade yesterday downtown. It was good fun but very cold. I have actually been downstairs to the supermarket on my own for the first time and have actually used Canadian cash. Those of you who know me know that I am like the Queen, I don't carry cash abroad in my case so it's years since I've shopped independently outside the UK - pathetic I know but it's laziness really. So I've crossed that hurdle. The clocks went forward one hour this weekend too so now we're only 4 hours behind you until your clocks change again then we go back to 5 hours behind.

I've been skyping to a couple of you and that's fantastic, it really reduces the miles. At the moment I'm waiting for the plumber to come and fix one of the loos - yes at least we have a spare - so I'm a bit cooped up. I hear spring is really sprung at home, so I hope you all have time to get out and enjoy it.
Bye from the tower for now,
Love,
Mary xx

Sunday, 13 March 2011

Hello Katie!

We think you'd love all the sport here - there's girls' ice hockey now too. Will be great for you to come over with mum sometime.It's half-term here this week.
 Hope you have a good week.
Love,
Eamonn and Mary xx

Friday, 11 March 2011

Hello Carmel!

We know you're there somewhere! x

Still experimenting! Our View from the Plane 8th March 2011

Flying over the Adirondack Mtns, south of the border - can see curve of the Earth's surface! 
Been busy tromping around in the rain and snow looking at flats, sorry, apartments. Best: a penthouse suite all glossy and new; worst top floor (can't really call it a penthouse) flat - filthy, complete with piles of beer cans, sink full of dirty pots and 2 rabbit hutches plus rabbits. The tenant was also at home, wearing a towel and slunk back into his bedroom which we did not ask to see. Very strange. Many thanks to Gemma - think I/we've cracked putting photos in blog. Hooray!



Thursday, 10 March 2011

Hello Michael! Hello Louise and Henry!

Long hair looked cuter on you then Michael. Look forward to seeing result of visit to barber's. Lovely to see you all.xx

Hello Jenny!

Good to see you there. Off out in pouring rain to look at properties. xx

Wednesday, 9 March 2011

Hello Jennifer and Christina.

I think you're both there somewhere.
xx

It does work!

Lovely to see you too Nicky. Give my love to all at school. Yes Michael you should be amazed. Where's your photo?

Early Days

Tuesday 8th March 2011
A long flight followed by 3 hours of paper chasing at the airport; the result was  a 2 year work permit for Eamonn and a work permit for me that allows me to do practically nothing. The other couple we came with saw a different chap and got a full 3 year permit each. Hrrumph. Hopefully Eamonn's firm will iron out any problems. Didn't manage to get any pancakes. Got shown round our 2-bed apartment and building which is built over a shopping mall and subway and that leads to the shops and library across the road. No pool here though but public pool is also across the road.

Wednesday 9th March 2011
Sorted bank account - again - because Eamonn had arranged it all at home but hasn't worked its way through yet. Very nice Chinese girl helped us. There are lots of Chinese/Asians in this area. Then went food shopping, looking for smallest packets of everything. Managed to find Bisto! Weather is horrid now, can hardly see across the road due to snow and rain. Despite it being a big building it's incredibly quiet and comfortably warm. Have turned heating off! Haven't had to cope with fresh air yet. And I'm very sorry to say we haven't managed to get to mass. Will sort that soon though. This is my first go at this so I hope it gets better and less boring!

Friday, 4 March 2011

3 days to go

By way of a small gift that requires no space in a suitcase I've set up this blog for Mum and Dad to report back to all of us everything they're up to.  Hopefully this won't remain the only post for long and they'll update with lots of pictures and stories.  Gem x