The interview

Tuesday, 30 January 2007
I went first to the Alps to sort out some business before taking the 12H10 flight from Geneva to Amsterdam, which was very easy, leaving me plenty of time to connect for the YVR flight at 15H30. Bought some cheese for Gary and some Old Amsterdam rustic stuff for Yvonne, a Kloggy living with her family in North Vancouver who had invited me for dinner to discuss such a move. Antonietta had liaised with her on a forum and they seemed quite similar to us.

Wednesday, 31 January 2007-02-02

Linked up with Gary at Tim Hortons for breakfast, and went to see a contact at Imax theatres. Then we saw an accountant at BDO which resulted in a big discussion on the sale of shares.

Thursday, 1 February 2007

Visit to Cultus and HHS (funny council house)

Friday, 02 February 2007

Up early but got a good night sleep. Today is the big one, the interview with Canadian immigration services. Yesterday didn’t really work out ideally but the projects on Cultus Lake and TBJ do advance, albeit slowly. However, today I have to convince immigration of my investment plans and how it will all fathom out. Of course, this is ridiculous as I don’t know how they will and in any case, it will always be an ongoing process. However, I shall just have to do my best to convince them and not to woffle on too much!! The interview is at 10H30.
The weather is fine and I go up to the interview office and find an Ozzie girl on reception. I wait before going in to see SP and Chris. The whole process is much easier than expected as they tell me that our business plan is the best they have seen for a very long time. With that confidence I was able to paint the picture I required and they finished by explaining me the process as to when I would get my permit and permission to come. SP terminated by saying that it was clear I knew what I was doing, whilst Chris terminated by saying I had considerably more than was required. A feeling of Euphoria, not instant as over the hour or so it was clear that they were suitably impressed and would recommend me to the immigration commission who would meet at the end of the month. That meant waiting another 4 weeks, but I was confident enough. They would confirm acceptance of our demand to immigrate, then they issue a certificate which we would send to the Canadian Embassy at Paris. They would then issue the visa which would be converted to a work permit upon arrival in Vancouver next April, less than 3 months away. Exciting? Frightening? Now it was more a case of getting on with it and treating it as an adventure. And to try and enjoy it all……

Saturday, 3 February 2007

After all the good weather, today it rained as I spent the day trying out cars and looking at houses to buy. Buying a house and especially a home is very important, especially since the prices are so high in North Van. Geoff the realtor was very helpful (amazing for a realtor) and came up with some good advice. I tried out masses of cars, trying to work out whether we should have an MPV or an SUV. No real conclusions.

Sunday, 04 February 2007

Up early but another big day ahead. Off to Burnaby to buy some suitcases and clothes (out fo socks!!) and off to Harrison to discuss the treetop adventures. Weather loks Ok today, hopeso, better to chat. Also plan meeting with Gary and his manager Merv, probably finishing up at Gary’s house on the lake for more planning.

Monday, 05 February 2007

I put Tonnetje under stress by telling her we should decide on renting a place or not. I go up to see Agathe, a Quebecois who is renting out half her house as she is splitting from her husband. Interesting woman, she is now living downstairs but sleeping with three teenage kids in a garden house!! But the place is great, nice accommodation, spacious, big terrace, garden backing onto woods and a stream, trampoline, treehouse, quite cul de sac but close to amenities and schools. I push Tonnetje and she books to come out on 22 Feb on the back of our family trip to Prague.

Tony 

Canada Place in Vancouver where the immigration office is situated

The hallway towards the immigration office