Canablog

First yesterday, we had to take care of the last official paperwork, getting our Social Insurance Number (SIN) and getting MediCare (the basic medical insurance in BC). We were amazed by how easy and quickly all that went. Ten minutes and we were on our way again. I believe the dutch immigrant service (IND) can learn a lot from their canadian colleagues.

Later that day we went to Deep Cove, a picknick area around a fjord. Lots of sailing boats and canoes there. Even a small swimming part. At those moments being here feels as just being on holiday. Every scene is still new to us.

And then , today... Iced Angel Food.... mjummie. Blue skies all over, just like we had for the past six days. And two other tasks waiting to be completed. But first it was time for presents and cards. Thank you all for the many (e-)cards & phonecalls I received, I really enjoyed that!

So on this beautifull day we had to take another trip to the bank. And it seems we have been upgraded, hooray. This time we got to go upstair, and met with a financial consultant. A lady with gold diamonds on her business card. It is getting more and more clear to us how the banking in Canada works. And one part is building up a relationship with the financial consultant at your own bank. The other is getting a (good) credit history. We will needs to show a good credit history the moment we would want to buy a house. Hence we applied for a credit card. Since we do not yet have any credit history in Canada (and our Dutch credit history means nothing here) we have to deposit te full sum of the credit into a secured bank account. Just to make sure the credit company runs zero risk when issueing a credit card in our names.

The second thing we did was get advise on some other insurances from BCAA (in the Netherlands: ANWB). We do have a new but second-hand car, we do have standard insurance for that and even 90 days full service with mechanical problems, but we also plan to take that car into Alaska and back, and 7000 km round trip. And we would like someone to tow us to a service station if the car does break down.

Coming back at our appartement we found some more stuff from our neighbours. It's actually very funny, it seems the are all very concerned about the fact we don't have our things yet. While we don't mind camping in our appartement, it seems our neighbours do. Later this evening Wendy from the other end of the block came with a toaster. And we allready have a table 3 chairs a television (!) and some toys for Robin. Everyone here is so friendly.......

(Ge-an)

Yesterday we also went to a barbeque that was organised by somebody from a hiking website I (Bas) have been active on for a while. It was nice to meet all these people. It was a very international gathering. The BBQ was planned in such a way that we could attend, they remembered how it was when they had just immigrated, and how nice it would have been to meet people then... Again, Canadian people are super friendly..
Got some useful tips there as well

At the end of today we drove to the Lighthouse Park, a small park at the end of West Vancouver. We had a really nice view on downtown Vancouver from there. The picture below show Vancouver with in the background Mt Baker (USA).

Tomorrow morning we want to hike up Lynn Peak.. A short but steep hike in our back yard :)

(Bas)