Canadian Dream ... Now A Reality!!

When my parents said that our visa was finally approved, I had mixed emotions. I was happy because I was looking forward to being able to feel and see snow and our dream to be in Canada would become a reality. I was sad because I wasn’t ready to leave my friends and other relatives behind in the Philippines.

I was really excited and nervous when we finally arrived at the Vancouver International Airport (YVR), after a couple of years of waiting for the approval of our visa. It amazes me that YVR is unlike any other airport I’ve been to because it is so organized and systematic. It is also peaceful and quiet, no airport personnel and travellers loitering around. I couldn't wait to meet our relatives who would fetch us at the lounge.

It was a very exhausting flight for us because we were seated on the plane for almost 14 hours! Imagine, sitting that long without stop overs. But good thing though, we had T.V. monitors where we could watch movies and other informative shows to keep us occupied for the duration of the flight.

Before coming over, I had so many interesting stories from my grandparents and uncle about the many interesting places to visit in British Columbia, which my family and I were excited to explore. We finally arrived on November 15, 2015 at exactly 11 a.m. We had to walk to the conveyor to get our belongings and we were directed to go to Immigration to do some paper work.

At long last, we were welcomed by my aunt and uncle at the lounge and we were all very delighted and excited to see each other after so many years. When we got out of the airport, we could already feel the cold breeze and fresh air.

All our things were brought to my uncle’s condominium temporarily until we got a place of our own. A welcome party was given to us by our relatives and we talked about so many beautiful memories from the last time we met. We didn’t get to rest as we went immediately to Steveston. It was like we were in a western town because of the old structures in the area. We felt cold when we went to Fisherman’s Wharf and we continued to stroll around the place, despite being jet lagged. After our experience in Steveston, immediately after, we went to a Korean restaurant to eat together as one big happy family.

After one and a half weeks, I came to Ferris to start school. I was really nervous and anxious at the same time, I felt like there were butterflies in my stomach, but when I was warmly welcomed by my classmates and teacher, my nervousness disappeared. I know that living in a foreign land will be a very big adjustment to me as well as my family. Although there will be changes in terms of the quality of living, education, environment, and people, I believe that we can all be successful and happy living in Canada!