Canadian Aspirations Abroad

[TSalvatore]

Hello All,

Just a suggestion. Unless this already exists and I couldn't find it, I would like to suggest that we begin a forum for Canadians Aspiring to be Abroad.

I am just such a Canadian. Born and raised, I have become disheartened at the thought of growing old in Canada. I'm only 40 -- young, I know. But, I have also been married for 21 years (young, I know) and have two daughters aged 19 and 15 and I am terrified that my children will not have the benefit of the world culture experiences that I had when I was younger.

Although our plans to relocate to Europe, Italy primarily, have been in the works for a few years now and may not come to fruition for another few years, my husband and I have pledged that we will not die Canadian citizens.

Stuck in the middle-class in Canada in the 21st century means that disposable income is almost non-existent unless you happen to know the trick to 6/49. LOL.
And as a result, travel to places abroad is a major expense and requires planning years and years in advance.

My husband was born in Italy, his parents came to Canada in the late 60s following the North American dream. Unfortunately, the cards were not stacked in their favour and I think they are the only Italian family I know of that NEVER once made it back to their homeland. My father-in-law died in 1999, never having been home.

In my case, my Dad and Mom came to Canada in 1948 and 1950. Dad was able to take us back to Poland and Germany every two years from the time I was three until the last time when I was 13. If my father were alive today, he died in 1997, I believe that he would agree and support the effort to go back to Europe. I can almost hear him saying, "If I was your age, I would go back."

So, back to my suggestion, while I plan our permanent relocation to the European Union, it would be helpful to discuss plans, dreams, and aspirations with other Canadians who have realized that there no longer is a future in Canada for Canadians. Even if they don't agree with my reasons or sentiments, it would be nice to hear their insights, reasons, dreams, etc.

I apologize for the lengthy personal narrative, but if you can't tell already, I am itching to go!

I look forward to hearing the personal narratives of others!
Ciao, Do widzenia, and Auf Wiedersehen

[SunSeekers]

I am also forties and have been married over 20 years. My husband and I are ready for a major lifestyle change and are considering leaving Canada behind. We really want to see other parts of the world while we are still healthy. Our boys are now young men and we can "mentor" them from abroad.

We are currently researching where we would like to go and trying to downsize everything in preparation. Very scary to give up our jobs, but also afraid that we will never have "enough" money to pursue our dream of travel.

Just my thoughts and would like to know if there are others who are looking to "leave it all behind" to pursue travel dreams.

[Sarah1983]

My parents talk about buying a villa in Italy and relocating there. My uncle is taking a sabatical this year (July) and going to live in Sienna and study Italian however he said he could never live in the country b/c of politics however I'm not really sure what he meant by that.

Although I am only 24 I would love to live the rest of my life in Italy but also realize I cannot do what I love over there so I am even thinking about it in my future etc. Best of luck to you!

[longmayouride]

I certainly agree! i have just returned (October) from living and working in the Caribbean. I could not, and still cannot believe the oppressive taxes and somewhat miserable climate I have encountered. I don't know what there is about Canadians whereby they pay exorbitant taxes on almost everything they purchase while at the same time their country is being sold out from beneath them. On top of that summer is just wishful thinking in many parts of the country. To all intents and purposes Canada IS a Third World Country. It's economy and currency is manipulated by a not quite so friendly power to the south. Yet, it lacks the culture and climate to make up for it. That's why I'm planning on leaving as soon as possible. If I'm going to be abused....I want to at least be warm!