Canada

I am personally an adventurous person. Since I was young sightseeing has given me pleasure specifically seeing green grass, mountains, birds flying in the sky, oceans, the plains, valleys, flowers of different colors and much more. I am in awe when I see the splendour and beauty of creation.

In late 2001, I decided to fly to Canada from Northern Manila, Philippines. I was sitting in the airplane contemplating what lay ahead of me and trying to make a recollection of everything. Being a single mom of young kids, I reflected on what was to come and my expectations and all I did was focus... and focus... I may not achieve what I want in due time but one thing I was sure everything was going to be okay though I was alone and lonely and homesick, I was missing everyone in the family especially my kids but without a doubt everything would be fine.

During those first few years I didn't expect the unexpected, like every immigrant that faces reality, the struggles such as the weather, language barriers, discrimination and so on. In search of ways to ease the pain of being away I was grateful to have found a community and joined them. With courage I have gain much with great pride in myself. In the year 2003 I decided to go on a trip to the West which I considered a privilege of a lifetime. I received an invitation from my relatives in Winnipeg to join them for the celebration of Christmas or New Year. I was so reluctant thinking about the journey of 33 hours by bus. I gave this deeper thought but eventually gave it a try. As soon as I boarded the bus my heart leaped for joy thinking it was an experience of a lifetime. I was so happy to see the beauty of different places, the small towns. Upon reaching Winnipeg my relatives were waiting anxiously at the terminal depot with all smiles on their faces.

My way back home wasn't so pleasant. The weather forecasted a big snowstorm in Winnipeg. It was a blizzard. O gosh in the morning I was shocked to see the accumulation of snow reached the windowsill. Wow, I uttered and sighed deeply. It's beyond imagination and comparison. I never had that experience in Toronto. The weather was -53 degrees and kids still went sledding outside. I knew for a fact in my heart that I couldn't survive that weather. It was a 2 day trip as usual and I was thinking where will I go next? This was the question that formed in my mind.

After I got married, my husband and I decided to go on trip to Cape Breton Island on the East Coast to visit his family. It was in the summer of 2011 when we hopped in the car and went. I said Woohoo! Nova Scotia here we come but it's just in my mind. My first thought was "Lobster". Nova Scotia is 2500 miles to drive from Toronto. We passed through Montreal, Quebec, Riviere du Leu, New Brunswick, Halifax then finally Cape Breton Island. The beautiful landscape of the places we went through was just magnificent and beautiful. Each one has its own identity. We saw mountains, green grass, empty plains, the ocean and much more. I mentioned to my husband how the Philippines is so small in size it could fit into any Province. We arrived exhausted but excited to spend time with the family. Upon reaching the island my husband's family prepared a welcome party for us. Nova Scotians are known for being friendly and hospitable. I felt their warmth and love. We toured the island and visited Alexander Graham Bell museum, the Cabot Trail and Sydney. We also spent time on a lobster boat. What an amazing experience it was. All I could eat fresh lobster, salmon and trout. Travelling to the East Coast was excellent. I can't wait to show my children the beautiful places of Canada.