First Impressions - A Chris (Bert No More) Perspective

In life I’ve always been led to believe that there are 2 ways of doing things; an easy way and a hard way. After living here for a month I’ve realised there’s a third …… The Canadian Way!!

Basically it’s the hard way with a bit more red tape thrown in.

I’ll use the example of buying a car to give you all an idea.
When I first got here it was –20 degrees, so trailing round on Shanks’ pony wasn’t much fun. On my first morning here I got Lucy (Chris’s wife) to drop me in town on her way to work so I could look for a car. Town to the garage is about a mile. Twenty minutes (and frozen ears) later I arrived and chose one. Sorted.
Little did I know!! I couldn’t buy it until I had a Canadian driving licence. Out came the just thawed legs, feet and ears for a mile hike back to town. (Chris Roberts had said that he’d get me a couple of tennis racquets as a leaving gift; I could’ve done with them).

Got to the Registry Office in town, paid $75 (about £30) to change my licence, then . . . another 20 minute impression of Scott of the Antarctic!

Arriving at the garage with a blue face I finally got the illusive ‘bill of sale.’ So now I could go and get some insurance . . . . back in town, obviously. If only Chris wasn’t so tight!

As the car was cheap and cheerful I only wanted third party; the first quote was $1450 (about £700). Not a prayer. I eventually got it for $490 (about £230). I had my ‘Pink Card.’ Hurrah. Time to go and buy my registration plate - literally – and carry it to the garage! What a ridiculous idea.

Back at the garage the deal was finally done. My very helpful salesman (Duane) even screwed it on for me.

Only in Canada.

Now mobile I could go and get some life essentials. Beer at $40 (£18.00) for 24 small cans!!! I may well be taking a leaf out of my Dad’s book and doing some home brew.