Day 165 (Jan 29) - Canada

Well, I've passed through Taiwan, and am now in Canada, hunting for jobs.

Passing through Taiwan after Thailand I arrived at Vancouver International Airpot, and headed straight to Whistler, staying with a friend of a friend.
After 3 nights there I soon discovered that my dream of living/working up at Whistler would be near to impossible (no jobs, and next to no accommodation available).

So, I shifted down to Vancouver.

I've been job hunting from the day I arrived. I've even applied for 2 retail job (I've NEVER done retail in my life!) but the job market is hard with this world economic crisis and all. Finding a "proper" job (i.e. software geekiness) is difficult. I've been told that Canada (and most other countries I'm guessing) is only hiring locals. I've sent off more than 10 applications, and have only had a few responses. I unfortunately turned one short term job down, before I realised how hard it would be. Oh well.

I've been hired for one of the retail positions, which is a relief, as I at least have some (low!) income.

I've also found a place to stay, in a great area of Vancouver (Kitsilano, or Kits as it's known locally) with a fun bunch of people. It's near to where I'll be working initially too, which is obviously handy

Right now, I'm spending 10 or so days in Saskatchewan between Regina and Saskatoon visiting family (3 of whom I haven't seen in 11 years). It's fantastic to see blood relatives for the first time in 5 months (since I left Australia). It's said often, but it's amazing how you can just slot right in with family, helping in the kitchen, helping cousins with homework etc.

That is all