Back in 2003, I had cause to make several visits to Canada, mainly to the eastern side, including Montreal, Ottawa and Quebec. Since the visits, I have a desire to make the move across the Atlantic and start a new life there.
As a boy, my memories of growing up in the UK are of hot summers and cold winters. Something that seems to have changed beyond all recognition now. Perhaps it is a distorted memory, or at least the memory of a child, but the thought of going back to seasons that you have been brought up with, seems really appealing.
Although the winters I remember as a child seemed cold, they are nothing compared to the winters experienced by the Canadians. The times I spent in Canada were mostly during the winter and it was incredibly cold. Living in the UK, especially England, brings the same old problem each and every year. One cold snap and the whole country grinds to a halt. Although the conditions in Canada seem inhospitable compared to that of the UK, they seem to cope far better than we do. It also is far more appealing than that of the UK, especially with the Christmas Card scenes that are around every corner, thanks to the snow.
In stark...