The Conservation Parks at Milton (Halton Region)

On our way to the conservation park - Kelso.

One of the many picnic spots at the Kelso park.

Wow, what an amazing weekend! When you think of Canada and the beauty of its natural landscapes...you should not miss out on the conservation parks in Milton. About a half hour drive from where we live, is the Kelso conservation park at Milton. Totally there are six areas that you can visit. They are:

Crawford Lake, Mountsberg, Rattlesnake Point, Hilton Falls, Kelso and Mount Nemo.


Their website is:

http://conservationhalton.on.ca/index.cfm

When you take an annual membership, you can visit any of the six places whenever you like! If you like cycling, camping, going on picnics, rock climbing,


boating or just a park atmosphere to trek or read a book...the membership is worth it. You can even fish here! For fishing you have to get a permit. The form is available for downloading right from their website.

If you don't want an annual membership, you can buy a day ticket.

The place is huge!! They have a number of picnic sites, each with its own tables and bathroom. You have to book the tables in advance for parties.


For reserving a picnic table, cut and paste this link:

http://conservationhalton.on.ca/ShowCategory.cfm?subCatID=1075

The rates are:

2010 daily park entrance fees

Kelso, Hilton Falls, Rattlesnake Point (Recreational Parks)
Daily Entrance (includes mountain biking at Kelso & Hilton Falls)	2010 Fees	2010 Fees Effective July 1st 2010 Including 13% HST
Adult (15-64)	$5.50	$6.25
Senior (65 & over)	$4.75	$5.25
Child (5-14)	$4.00	$4.50
Child (4yrs & under)	Free	Free

2010 Annual Pass Rates

Annual membership (Valid at CH Parks for one year from date of purchase)
Memberships			2010 Fees	2010 Fees Effective July 1st 2010 Including 13% HST
Annual Family Membership			$115.00	$129.95
Annual Individual Membership			$90.00	$101.70
Corporate Annual Family Membership			$100.00	$113.00
Corporate Annual Individual Membership			$80.00	$90.40
Senior Membership (65 and older)			15% discount	15% discount
Replacement Membership			$10.00	$11.30

Picnics

Picnic Booking (Excludes park entrance fee)
Picnic Site			2010 Fees	2010 Fees Effective July 1st 2010 Including 13% HST
No service			$40.00	$45.20
Shelter only			$100.00	$113.00
Shelter, water, electricity and washroom			$200.00	$226.00
Administration fee for cancellation* or booking changes			$10.00	$11.30
*Three (3) weeks notice is required to be eligible for a refund less administration fee

Camping

Camping
Camp Site			2010 Fees	2010 Fees Effective July 1st 2010 Including 13% HST
Small (price includes five (5) campers) - Accomodates up to 20 campers			$40.00	$45.20
Medium (price includes 12 campers) - Accomodates up to 50 campers			$100.00	$113.00
Large (price includes 18 campers) - Accomodates 50+ campers			$150.00	$169.50
Each additional camper			$8.00	$9.04
Administration fee for cancellation* or booking changes			$10.00	$11.30

The pictures of Kelso park where we went just does not do justice to the beauty and magnificance of the place. You have to make a visit to see why thousands of Canadians make it a point to go there every summer.

If you do visit any of these places, please let me know and write about your experience! Would love to hear from you!

New Visa Laws for Immigrants

A lot of immigrants in Canada who have left everything in their home country after all the paper work, English tests, medical exams, huge fees to consultants etc - have come here and found it very difficult to get any kind of work. Forget work in the field of education or interest. I'm talking any kind of work!

Now it looks like there are some changes being made to the kinds of job categories being given PR visas. There are many cuts in the list, including jobs like IT managers, head nurses, univ Profs etc.

Here is a link where you can get more information on this:

http://www.canadavisa.com/canada-immigration-discussion-board/so-the-new-noc-list-is-out-here-is-a-list-of-whats-in-and-whats-out-t45691.0.html


Before you give any money to consultants, please make sure that you are in an eligible category. Or else you may not get your money back after they tell you later on that your job category is now knocked out of the list.

In case you get more information on the above subject, please let me know...especially if you are in India. There may be more news about this there than here.

Organizing School Supplies / Homework Area

You can pick up these shelves from most box stores or home stores. Everything stays neat and in one place for your child/children to do their homework, school projects and art work. This helps your child to be more independent, instead of asking you every five minutes for a pencil! This will also give you more time to do other things, then helping them to look for paper or markers.

Kids and summer time in Canada

Summer Vacation is Here!!!!!

Trips to the park can be fun. Take frisbees, balls, bikes, skates and maybe even a kite.

Take trips to the beach. Nothing like family time during the summer. Let the kids play and learn around their natural environment. Take lots of sun block, water and toys to play with.

Take your kids to the library. Reading is one of the best hobbies that they can pick up. Your local library may also have a reading club for the summer.

Tennis coaching is available at different courts. There are classes for different skill levels, and age groups. Tournaments for beginners are available, and during the winter months some courts have the bubble tops and are heated.

Soccer, or football as it is called in other parts of the world is very common here. Many children learn the sport and participate in matches.

There are classes for different levels of swimming. So even if your child knows how to swim, see if they can learn more skills in the advanced classes.

The bike that is used for BMX, or extreme stunt riding is small and light weight.

This is a bmx rider going through the paces. The classes teach students using low ramps, gradually moving them to higher ones.

Roller skates are skates with two wheels in front and two in the back.

Inline skates - have the four wheels in line with each other.

Besides going away on a trip or visiting relatives, there are literally hundreds of things that your kids can do during the summer.

For newcomers - In Canada there are many organized classes from sports to different dances to activities like swimming and inline skating, that continue all through the Summer.

Just go to your local community centre and they will give you a booklet that has all the activity timings, prices and dates. You can sign up for the activities at the centre and ask questions if you have any.

Most classes are once a week for half an hour or one hour, depending on what the lesson is for. The classes start and end on the dot, so be on time!

If your children are going to be outdoors, make sure they wear a lot of sun lotion to protect their skin from the high UV rays. Also, to educate them on drinking lots of liquid and wearing caps or hats.

You can also take your children to the Science Centre, Museums, Art Galleries, beaches, parks and picnic areas. This blog has many other places that I've visited and talked about, like the Scarborough Bluffs and the Lion Safari.

Then there is the Niagara Falls, Theme parks and even bowling.

You can also use the long summer vacation to learn multiplication tables, practice handwriting, reading and other academic skills. This will help them when they go back to school in September.

Happy Holidays!!

Back to School .....in July??

'Back to School' sales are in most stores already. Save money by doing your 'homework' before you leave the house!!

Summer Vacation and Back to School already!!

Wow...just walking around the shopping malls or big box stores makes you feel like going back to school again.

Even though it is still Summer vacation, you can see all the stores completely stocked with backpacks, pencils, erasers, crayons, paper, calculators etc etc..the list goes on and on. Kids just walking by, do a double take and scream...'I want that!'

What do you do as a parent? School supplies are not cheap and they add up with every single addition.

Some advice:

Before leaving your home with the school supply list:

1. Check and see if the old backpack can still be used. You don't HAVE to run out and buy a new bag just because it is something you have always done. If your child wants a new bag and you would rather use the old one...go to the Michaels Art and Craft store and pick up some fabric paints, or iron ons (for cloth bags). You can re-design the old bag..for the fraction of the price of a new one.

2. Collect all pencils, paper, rulers and colouring materials from around the house and put them all in one place. Make a list of what you have already. If you still have a dozen pencils from last year, buy one box less this year. Rulers, working calculators and markers can be used again.

3. Buy things in bulk only if you KNOW that it will be used. I saw a Lady picking up at least 10 huge packs of paper for her two kids in elementary school. You don't need that much!!! I picked up three packs last year for two kids and we still have a whole pack left. So this year, I'm buying just one more pack.

4. The best advice: Shop without the kids! Go to the store by yourself......with kids, you will be picking up the pink, sparkly Hannah Montana $30 pencil case, when you could have just picked up the $2/- one that does the same job!!

5. Have a place at home for all your homework supplies. If your kids have seperate study desks, divide the supplies so that they are reponsible for what is theirs. If you have a common area, like a kitchen table, put all the supplies in a drawer set or shelves with everything in seperate containers. It makes things easier to find. I have all our supplies (will post a picture) in a roller set of drawers from Walmart. Cheap and does the job!

6. School lists tend to have more than you really use. You know your kids best! Look at prices in different stores or check online before you leave home. Crayons might be cheaper at one store, but have more expensive pencils. You have six more weeks to shop......and the chance of you going to the different stores at least once is high.....so write down the prices and compare.

Happy Shopping!

Summer time!! List of things to do and see in Toronto!

Here are links to posts of places that we have visited and think that you will enjoy seeing this Summer. All are about a two hour drive or less from Brampton.

Tottenham - Oldest train ride

http://chennai2canada.blogspot.com/search?q=tottenham

http://chennai2canada.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html


Gravenhurst and Lake Muskoka- Oldest steamship, The Segwun.

http://chennai2canada.blogspot.com/search?q=gravenhurst

African Safari - in Sheffield

http://chennai2canada.blogspot.com/search?q=safari

http://chennai2canada.blogspot.com/2009_09_01_archive.html

Toronto Zoo

http://chennai2canada.blogspot.com/search?q=toronto+zoo

Ontario Science Centre

http://chennai2canada.blogspot.com/search?q=ontario+science+centre

Sauble beach

http://chennai2canada.blogspot.com/search?q=sauble+beach

The Scarborough Bluffs

http://chennai2canada.blogspot.com/search/label/Scarborough

http://chennai2canada.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2009-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&updated-max=2010-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&max-results=50

Hope this is of some help to you. Please let me know if you visit any of these places and what your experience was like.

Have a great Summer!!

The Ontario Science Centre

The Ontario Science Centre

It is 31 degrees Celcius today......the hottest in history for this day in Toronto! With the humidity and the high level of UV rays......it can feel like you are literally baking in the sun. Not a good feeling!!

Going outside, you see the differences in how people deal with the sun. Asian woman like me....covered up with hat, sun glasses and a shawl...trying to retain our 'colour'. Canadians (meaning Whites) - out with spaghetti tops, shorts and the men with no shirt at all...........trying to get sun tanned. We stare at them, and they stare at us :) both thinking the other is nuts!

It was the long Victoria Day weekend on May 24th and we decided to visit the Ontario Science Centre, something we had been meaning to do for some time now. The kids are a great age....13 and 9, and we also had a good deal for a year family membership discount.

Where is it?

The science centre is located at 770 Don Mills Road in Toronto.


The website:

http://www.ontariosciencecentre.ca/

We opted for the family one year membership and payed for it online. Then taking the print out of the authentication number with us, we drove to the centre which took us about 40 minutes from Brampton.

Because we were members, parking was only $4, as against $8 for non-members. Members get 50% off of parking and 20% off of the food court inside the centre.

We entered the building and got in after showing our membership proof. If you are just visiting for the day, you can buy day tickets at the entrance. The first thing that strikes you when you enter is that the place is HUGE!! Six floors of fascinating aspects of anything to do with Science.

We just managed to see the 6th and 5th floors............and that too after we walked past half the exhibits rushing to see the ones we thought looked interesting. (Most of them were!!) They had the Human Body section, Harry Potter exhibition going on right now, and the IMAX showing interesting movies on space and the Hubble. Now that we have the year membership, we can go anytime we want and as often as we want without paying for entrance tickets again. The IMAX and the special temporary exhibits will be 50% off for members.

We saw a man made Rain Forest, a tornado that you could put your hand through and tons of fun hands on experiments and explanations. From a real Elephants heart to an ancient Chinese compass.....you can see things you never would have imagined........and learn in five minutes what you could not have learned in five months sitting in a classroom.

Was it worth it?

Yes! Take your kids, get membership if you live in the GTA area and enjoy learning, exploring and experiementing!!

Moving to Canada Essentials

You got your PR card and you're moving to Canada. Congratulations!! Here are some things you should know before you leave your present country of residence.

When you travel to Canada, you will need to have the following documents with you:

• a Canadian immigrant visa and Confirmation of Permanent Residence for each family member traveling with you;
• a valid passport or other travel document for each family member traveling with you;
• two copies of a detailed list of all the personal or household items you are bringing with you; and
• two copies of a list of items that are arriving later.
• Prescription for all the medication you are carrying.
  

Note: The lists should state how much your personal and household items are worth.

• You must also bring with you enough money to cover living expenses such as rent, food, clothing and transportation for a six-month period. You may be asked to show proof of your funds.

Do not pack your documents in a suitcase. You will need to have them available to show to immigration and customs officials.

Once you land in Canada, within the first three days of landing..you must apply for your Health card and your SIN card:

Health Card:

Health-care services covered by medicare include:

• examination and treatment by family doctors;
• many types of surgery;
• most treatment by specialists;
• hospital care;
• X-rays;
• many laboratory tests; and
• most immunizations.

Health-care services not covered by medicare, and for which you will have to pay, include:

• ambulance services;
• prescription drugs;
• dental care; and
• glasses and contact lenses.

These services are sometimes covered by workplace benefit packages.

Your health insurance card is mainly for use in the province where you live. If you are visiting another province and have a medical emergency, you can use your card. However, if you move to another province, you will need to apply for a new card.

All members of your family, even newborn babies, must have their own card. You can get an application form from the provincial ministry of health office, any doctor’s office, a hospital or a pharmacy. The immigrant-serving organization in your area can help you fill out the form. To apply for a health card, you will need your birth certificate, passport and PR card. (They may ask for one or all of these depending on the person)

Some provinces give you the health card right away...but the province of Ontario, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Quebec take three months. It is a good idea to take private insurance for these three months in case of any health emergencies. You can find many insurance companies listed in the yellow pages, or ask your friends or neighbors.


SIN card or SIN number


To work in Canada, you must have a Social Insurance Number. This is a nine-digit number that you will need to look for a job and to receive government benefits. Sometimes, you will hear people call it the SIN number. You can get a SIN application form through the Human Resources Centre near you. These centres are run by the federal government. You can also get a form through your local immigrant-serving organization or from the post office, or on the Internet at www.servicecanada.gc.ca/en/sc/sin/index.shtml. The SIN card will be sent to you in the mail. There is a small fee for processing the application.

You can find all this information and more at this website:


http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/index.asp


*Also remember:

Your life in Canada will be different than in your home country. You may have to take a job with lower pay while you upgrade your skills or get experience working here. That means your financial status could change. Even if you earn a higher salary in Canada than you were earning in your home country, the cost of living here may be higher than you are used to.

April 22 - Earth Day!!

It is earth day today..and the schools have 'walk to school Wednesdays', the government has 'clean your park weekends' and the television programs are all aimed at educating everyone to keep their environment clean.

My daughters school started a 'Walk to School Wednesdays', encouraging kids on that day to walk to school instead of being dropped off by car. Many kids live withing walking distance of the school, but come by car anyway. So this is a good idea to introduce the art...of using ones legs!

In Toronto, many of the spring and summer places are opening up; Wonderland Theme Park, The Maid of the Mist at Niagara and Water Parks.

Go to www.toronto.com for more info on what is happening here.

Happy Earth Day!

Agent who can help you find a place

So many readers have emailed me in the past couple of weeks, asking if I could name someone who could help them find a home or apartment in Toronto.

A good friend of mine, suggested a person who helped her find a nice apartment in a good area for their budget. He was very professional and knew the areas well.

Please email me if you would like his contact information. I didn't want to give it here on the blog before getting his permission! So until then, you can always write to me.

Seems to be re-roofing season. Everywhere I go, I see work men on top of roof's, putting up new tiles or shingles. Scary! Some of them don't seem to be using safety cords.

Lots of immigrants moving to Canada in the next couple of months. Many writing to me from India and the Gulf. Many in the IT industry and hoping for a change of life here in Canada. All the best to all of you!!

Regards,
Nal

April and everbody's enjoying the start of Spring

If you are already in Canada, you will know what I'm talking about when I say, "Yea, Spring is finally here!!!"

After months of snow, early sunsets and wearing layers and layers of clothes and carrying around gloves, hats and scarves.......it is time to put all of that away and take out shorts and t-shirts. You can see the general up swing in the mood of everyone around you, bikers and cyclists are out on the streets and the stores are full of swim wear and lighter clothing.

With the start of Spring and Summer, we as a family look forward to receiving our copy of the 'Recreation Program Guide' for our area. This booklet gives us all the information on the activities in Brampton (you can get this for any area that you live in). From lessons for Ice skating, tennis, swimming, roller skating, musical instruments and dance to hiking trips, adventure camps, rock climbing and clubs, you can sign up your kids or your selves for various activities. Some of them are free, but most have a nominal fee that you pay at your local Community Centre. We have signed up our kids for Ice Skating, In Line roller skating classes and tennis. If you live in Ontario, go to your local Community Centre and get the guide. You can also get their schedule for using the Swimming pool (if you already know how to swim), using the Ice Arena or the library.

Kids in school are also happy to be out playing and learning field sports. My son has been playing badminton this month and my daughter is learning how to play soccer. Both are going on field trips this month and working on projects in Science.

This is a wonderful time to go on drives, to check out the new leaves and the budding flowers all around Toronto. Stunning colours of green everywhere! Horse riding is available at local stables for those who are interested as well as Motor Cycle lessons for those who want their two wheeler license.

For those of you planning a trip to Canada, this is a great time to visit. Good weather and you can actually get to see places without worrying about snow or ice on the roads!

Lots of emails coming in from people all around the world planning on moving to Canada. The job front is looking up.

For those who are here: Look in the local newspapers for Job Fairs. Also, register yourselves at the Community Centre near your home, with the settlement worker. They will help all newcomers with their resume, getting starting jobs and learning new skills.

For now.......I'm clearing out our closet of jackets and coats and shopping for Spring!

Keep writing :)

Spring just around the corner!!

It is March, and for the first time in ages, we can feel the warmth of the sun and walk outside without all those layers!! The bikers are out, in their leather gear and loud engines, the snow is melting and people are out in t-shirts. What a drastic change in just three days.

In the news for the last week has been the Canadian National Anthem, and should the Government change some of the wordings in it. During the Winter Olympics, Canada won 14 gold medals, which means that the anthem was played that many times. Later, people wrote in to newspapers saying that their young daughters wanted to know, why the anthem mentioned 'sons' and not 'daughters'. The offending line was “in all thy sons command”, and they wanted it changed to "in thou dost us command”. But after many debates, angry letters and loud opinions on television, Prime Minister Stephen Harper tabled the idea.

Other than, the housing market seems to be on a high here in Canada, with a 77% increase in home sales compared to last year at the same time. The average price of a home is also up by 19%.

Next week the schools close for Spring Break. Tons of activities going on around the city at that time, from ice skating classes to tennis lessons and soccer camps. Also, daylight savings time!!

More next week. Let me know if there is anything in specific you would like to know!

Nal

Go Team Canada - Go Canada Go!!!!!!!!

It has been an amazing two weeks of an extremely successful Olympics for Canada, I must say!! From screams of 'Go, Canada Go' to people everywhere wearing Red and White colours, to 'Canada' written all over any kind of clothing........the spirit, patriotism and pride of a Country was practically in your face for two weeks. And what a glorious two weeks it has been!

Canada finished third in the overall ranking, behind the US and Germany, but if you ask any Canadian, they will tell you that after beating the US in BOTH women's and men's hockey, that they came out the winners!

14 Gold medals, more than any other host country for any Winter Olympics before 2010. That is just awesome! Today, most of Canada was sitting on the edge of their seats, watching the men's hockey finals. At one point, the US and Canada were both neck and neck with two goals each, and then at the last second possible, Sidney Crosby scored the third goad for Canada. The entire Country erupted in unision..........screaming with joy....that the impossible had finally become possible. (Like India playing Pakistan in a cricket finals!!)

It is late, just watching the Closing ceremony. Will fill you in tomorrow and add some pictures at this spectacular finale of a truly memorable Winter Olympic Games!

We're up to 7 golds and counting!! Canada in fourth place right now.

The Olympics took a back seat this week for many Canadians who got hit with two days of continuous snow, and another three more days to go. So instead of watching the Olympics on t.v or reading the newspaper, most people were out shoveling snow and cleaning their car windows! Also, driving anywhere took longer because of the slippery roads and iced road conditions.

Canada is doing pretty well considering the odds when they first started. In fourth place, ahead of Russia is something to cheer, although the US seems to be way ahead in the medal tally. Doesn't look like there are enough medals left now to catch up!!

The biggest medals left now are of course the men's and woman's hockey finals. The woman's team made the finals and will be playing the US. The men still have to qualify. I'll keep you posted on what is happening.

One really interesting piece of news that I'm sure every Indian knows already is that Sachin Tendulkar became the first person to get 200 runs in a one day international cricket tournament!!! It was so awesome to see him cross that line and get that run.....then to have him later dedicate it to the Country. Congrats Sachin from all Indo-Canadians too!!

Canada is up to Four Golds!!!

Jon Montgomery

We have a new hero in Canada today!!!

Jon Montgomery claimed victory in the men's skeleton event on Friday night. He says his gold is "Canada's medal." Jon is a 30 year old used car salesman from Manitoba, Canada.

Jon's win is the second straight victory in men's skeleton for Canada at the Winter Games. Duff Gibson won the event at the Turin Olympics four years ago.

Canada is in fourth place with four gold medals, three silver and one bronze.

First Canadian Woman to win a Gold Olympic Medal on homeland!!

Canada's Maelle Ricker - Gold Medalist 2010 Olympics!!

Canadian Maelle Ricker won the first ever Gold Medal by a female athlete during a winter Olympic games on Canadian soil for Snowboard Cross!!

It was really exciting to watch and the expressions on the faces of the spectators was just priceless when they realized that she had won.

Keep reading this blog for updated information on how the Canadian and Indian athletes are doing.

Moving to Canada? Start reading my blog from the July 2008 posts.

Many readers keep asking me about the schools, how to find a house, and other questions relating to things I've written all about in my earlier posts. If you are moving to Canada, I suggest you start reading the posts, basically 'backwards', starting from July 2008.

If you see the right hand side of the blog and scroll down, you will find the calendar year and click on 2008. Then click on July. You will find information on everything from what you need for school admissions, school rankings and what to look for when buying or renting a house.

This month I know of four readers who are moving and making the final 'landing' to Canada. I wish them all the best and hope they like it here as much as we do!

Medals so far

Day five of the Olympics and so far the medals table looks like this:


USA 2 gold 2 silver 4 bronze

Germany 1 3 1

France 2 0 2

Canada 1 2 1

Switzerland 3


With many more events to go, we'll keep watching the scoreboard closely to see if Canada can rise up the ranks. (Which I'm pretty sure they'll do!!)

Discovered on YouTube and showcased to the world during the Olympics!

Shane Koyczan

Shane until the Olympics was an ordinary guy who wrote poems. Then he was discovered on YouTube and asked to say his poem during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Vancouver. It was the highlight to many Canadians, and with that, Shane became an over night sensation! Here is his poem:

A transcript of Shane Koyczan's poem, "We Are More," as delivered during the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Olympic Games:

"Define Canada

You might say the home of the Rocket

Or The Great One

Who inspired little No. 9s and little No. 99s

But we're more than just hockey and fishing lines

Off of the rocky coast of the Maritimes

And some say what defines us

Is something as simple as 'please' and 'thank you'

And as for 'you're welcome,' well, we say that, too

But we are more than genteel or civilized

We are an idea in the process of being realized

We are young, we are cultures strung together then woven into a tapestry

And the design is what makes us more than the sum totals of our history

We are an experiment going right for a change

With influences that range from A to Zed

And yes, we say 'Zed' instead of 'Zee'

We are the brightness of Chinatown and the laughter of Little Italy

We dream so big that there are those

Who would call our ambition an industry

Because we are vineyards of good year after good year

We reforest what we clear

Because we believe in generations beyond our own

Knowing now that so many of us

Have grown past what we used to be

We can stand here today

Filled with all the hope people have

When they say things like 'someday'

Because we are more

Than a laundry list of things to do and places to see

More than hills to ski

Or countryside ponds to skate

We are the abandoned hesitation of all those who can't wait

We are first-rate greasy spoon diners and healthy living cafes

A country that is all the ways you choose to live

A nation that can give you variety

Because we are choices

We are millions upon millions of voices

Shouting, keep exploring

We are more

We are the surprise the world has in store for you, it's true

Canada is the 'what' in 'what's new'

So don't let your luggage define your travels

Each life unravels differently

And experiences are what make up

The colours of our tapestry

We are the true North

Strong and free

And what's more

Is that we didn't just say it

We made it be"

Canada wins its first ever Home Won Gold!!! Bilodeau makes history!!

Alexandre Bilodeau carved his way into Canadian history Sunday at the Vancouver Winter Olympics.

The 22-year-old from Rosemère, Que., became the first Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal at home, finishing first in the men's moguls skiing final at Cypress Mountain.

No Canadians won gold at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal or the 1988 Winter Games in Calgary. Over 500 Canadian athletes had missed reaching the podium's peak on home soil and Canada had been the only multiple Olympic host never to win gold at home. So you can imagine the pressure that Vancouver was under!!

Until Bilodeau won gold yesterday!!

The opening ceremony opened with a bang leaving everyone who watched with wonderment and excitement over what was to come. Well let me tell you, that the pas two days of events like the ski-jump, luge and the 10km Cross Country has been nothing short of exhilarating to watch!

Skiing - a sport that has speed, tremendous expertise, skill and sometimes even spills.....adds to the thrill of watching a sport like that either live or on t.v.

The day before, all of Canada watched as the country just missed it's first Olympic gold on home ground. Jenn Heil came in second on the short downhill ski run, winning the Silver medal while her American rival, Hannah Kearney won the Gold.

So with the first Gold won, it can only go uphill from here on the medal tally.....

Go Canada!!

Feb 13th at the Winter Olympics

Spectacular opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics that started Feb 12th 2010

The Medals of the 2010 Vancouver Olympics

The Opening Ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympics

Yesterday, at 6pm Pacific time, the Opening Ceremony started with the singing of the National Anthem of Canada in front of 60,000 people at the indoor stadium, and millions watching on t.v.

The opening ceremony for the 2010 Winter Olympics began on a somber note Friday night as members of the delegation from Georgia mourned the loss of one of their fellow athletes, who died earlier in the day, in an accident at the Luge site where he was practicing for his event.

The seven-athlete delegation, wearing black armbands for 21 year old Nodar Kumaritashvili, entered the stadium to a standing ovation.

"The whole Olympic family is struck by this tragedy, which clearly casts a shadow over these Games," International Olympic Committee President Jacques Rogge said.

The ceremony then went on to lively performances from Canada's indigenous people, who danced throughout the lengthy introductions of the delegations from the 82 competing nations.

A high-flying snowboarder opened the ceremonies by jumping through a giant set of Olympic rings, prompting roars from the crowd inside the domed stadium -- a first for a Winter Games.

The crowd erupted when Canadian speed skater Clara Hughes, carrying the Canadian flag, led her team into the arena. The Canadians hope to top the medal tally at these games, and count on winning gold in both men's and women's hockey, the country's favorite sport.

After a tribute to the athletes, sung by Canadians Bryan Adams and Nelly Furtado, the ceremony turned into a technological spectacle celebrating the country's diversity and natural beauty. More than 100 screens around the stadium projected video and images to turn the venue into a re-creation of Canada's constellations, oceans, rivers and forests.

Singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan, a British Columbia resident, sang as members of the Alberta Ballet danced among holographic images of the huge trees of an old growth forest.

There was a mechanical glitch when four Canadian sports legends tried to light the Olympic cauldron. Hockey legend Wayne Gretzky, speed skating hero Catriona LeMay Doan, NBA star Steve Nash and alpine ski star Nancy Greene each were supposed to light one beam of the structure and then watch the flames rise to meet in the cauldron. But one beam failed to emerge from the floor of BC Place, the first indoor arena to host the opening ceremony.

A second cauldron, near Coal Harbour, was lit because the indoor caldron was too hot for a closed arena.

It is going to be exciting to see which countries win those medals. Keep reading my posts for the latest!!

The Winter Olympics is finally here!!

Part of the opening ceremony of the 2010 Winter Olympic games in Vancouver!

The Official 2o1o Olympic Logo

The Ilanaaq (stone carving meaning 'friend') after which the Olympic Logo was made.

The three Olympic mascots of the 2010 Winter Games

The 2010 Winter Olympics logo was unveiled on April 23, 2005, and is named Ilanaaq the Inunnguaq. Ilanaaq is the Inuit word for friend. The logo is based on the Inukshuk (stone landmark or cairn) built for the Northwest Territories Pavilion at Expo 86 and donated to the City of Vancouver after the event. It is now used as a landmark on English Bay Beach.

The mascots for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games were introduced on November 27, 2007. Inspired by traditional First Nations creatures, the mascots include:

• Miga — A mythical sea bear, part orca and part kermode bear.
• Quatchi — A sasquatch, who wears boots and earmuffs.
• Sumi — An animal guardian spirit who wears the hat of the orca whale, flies with the wings of the mighty Thunderbird and runs on the strong furry legs of the black bear.
• Mukmuk — A Vancouver Island marmot.

Miga and Quatchi are mascots for the Olympic Games, while Sumi is the mascot for the Paralympic Games. Mukmuk is considered a sidekick, not a full mascot.

The Torch from Turin, Italy 2006 Winter Olympics

Todays events:

Feb. 12, 10:00- Ski Jumping - NH Individual Qualification Round

Feb. 12, 18:00- General - Opening Ceremony

Feb. 13, 9:45- Ski Jumping - NH Individual 1st Round

Medal Event Feb. 13, 10:45- Ski Jumping - NH Individual Final Round

Everybody knows about the Summer Olympics in countries like India and the Middle East, but don't realize that there is also a Winter Olympics just for winter sports in countries like the US, Canada and parts of Europe.

Infact, only after going through the list of athletes did I come to know that Indians and Pakistanis were taking part in the Winter Olympics too!!! Did you know that? There are more details on the three Indians taking part later in this post.

Like the summer Olympics, the winter Olympics is also once every four years and has exactly the same extensive planning and importance.

In 2003 the IOC awarded the 2010 Winter Olympics to Vancouver, thus allowing Canada to host its second Winter Olympics. With a population of more than 2.5 million people, Vancouver will be the largest metropolitan area to ever host a Winter Olympic Games. Vancouver is a low-altitude, seaport city with a relatively mild oceanic climate. Most of the venues will be located in the Vancouver metropolitan area, with the exception of the alpine, Nordic, and sliding events, which will be held in Whistler.

Trivia: Did you know that Canada has never won a gold medal in Canada? The Govt. has spent 118 million dollars for this Olympics, to study each event in order to give Canadian athletes a scientific advantage. Let's see what happens!

The events that you will see are:

Alpine Skiing
Biathlon
Bobsleigh
Cross Country skiing
Curling
Figure Skating
Free style skiing
Ice Hockey
Luge
Nordic Combined
Short track
Skeleton
Snowboarding
Ski Jumping
Speed Skating


Countries represented include Russia, Switzerland, Canada, USA, France,India, Pakistan, Sweden and about 20 others.

For all the information on dates, events, schedules and all about every single Country and Athlete taking part, take a look at the official website:

www.vancouver2010.com

The 3 Indian Athletes taking part in the 2010 Olympics are:

K. P. KESHAVAN Shiva

Sport:Luge

LUNDUP Tashi

Sport:Cross-Country Skiing

NAMGIAL Jamyang

Sport:Alpine Skiing

Good luck to all the athletes!

The countdown clock is ticking and it will be so exciting to see who wins Gold at these Olympics!!!

Go Canada!

Shoveling the snow

All about shoveling snow and what to use:



Snow shovels

Electric snowblower

Man using the snowblower

Snow Plough used to clear the roads.

Snow can be both beautiful as well as a big pain to anyone who has a driveway, walkway and or sidewalk in front of their home.

Doctors and physiotherapists across Canada are seeing more patients than usual due to snow related injuries.

Chiropractor Steve Riggleman says poor shoveling technique and falls are major issues in the winter.

You should use the legs and arms more by keeping your back straight and bending at the knees. Push the snow forward and when lifting, straighten the knees.

Also, using a shovel that has a Teflon coating keeps the snow from sticking.

Avoid twisting and throwing while holding the weight of the snow as the turning motion can strain the back.

"You shouldn't lift you should push it forward but the problem with this snow is it's so heavy and wet you can't so you have to take little bites but if you pick it up, bend your knees, use your upper body, shoulders and muscles to lift it, you have less chance of an injury," said Riggleman.

Shoveling can be made more difficult by the weather. Cold air makes it harder to work and breathe, which adds some extra strain on the body. There also is the risk for hypothermia, a decrease in body temperature, if one is not dressed correctly for the weather conditions. Make sure you dress in layers to help keep your body heat trapped in between the clothing.

It can be dangerous to shovel snow if you have a heart condition or a bad back. Get someone else to do the hard work if you have any underlying medical condition. Fifteen minutes of shoveling snow is half the exercise you need in a day according to a study done in 1995.

Deciding whether to get a shovel or a snow blower is upto you. If you have a health problem that prevents you from shoveling, or too big an area, then the snowblower would be a better option.

Some people also buy salt that is available in most big stores to put on the driveway and sidewalk. This melts the snow to some extent, making it un-necessary to shovel if you have a very light snowfall. The salt is different from what you cook with, and is big and coarse. See the image below.

Coarse driveway salt

During or after a heavy snowfall you will see snow ploughs (one of the pictures above) on the roads clearing it up immediately. Main roads get cleared first and then the side streets.


Remember, if there is any sidewalk in front of your house, you are responsible for clearing the snow off of that too. If anyone falls and gets hurt because you didn't shovel the walk, you could be fined.

You can a lot more information from this website : www.brampton.ca

Happy winter and safe shoveling everyone!!

What's happening here in Toronto

All about Canadian Ice hocky, Curling and American Football !!


Ice Hockey - This is the goalie of the Maple Leafs of Toronto

curling

American Football

This was a very exciting weekend, with the Superbowl on Sunday evening. When you move to Canada or if you live here already, to really integrate with your Canadian co-workers and friends, you have to learn something about the games that are played here. Mainly Ice hockey, Curling and American Football.

For Canadian Ice Hockey you can check out this website that will give you more information on the teams and the league.

www.hockeycanada.ca

www.nhl.com (The National Hockey League)

www.mapleleafs.nhl.com (The Maple Leafs is the name of the Toronto hockey team)

For Curling: www.curling.ca - This is a game played on ice in which heavy stones with handles are slid toward a target. This game is also played during the Winter Olympics.

Superbowl: In professional American football, the Super Bowl is the championship game of the National Football League (NFL).

www.superbowl.com

Yesterday was the Superbowl for the year 2010 played in Miami, Florida in the United States.

The two teams that played the finals were the Saints of New Orleans and the Colts of Indianapolis. The Saints won the game which was great for the state that got hit by the massive hurricane Katrina a few years ago, and deserved something worth celebrating after so much devastation.

This will give you a head start on learning about these games, the teams and the main players.

My next post will be on the Winter Olympics starting on Feb 12th in Vancouver!!!

Have a good week!!

Schooling in Canada

When you are moving to Canada with school or university age children, like most Indians, your top priority will be to get them into good if not the best educational institutions.

Every region of Canada has different school boards. Each board is in charge of a number of schools in the district and control the syllabus, teaching staff and anything to do with the students in those schools.

Some of the board sites are:

http://www.cdnsba.org/ This is the Canadian School board association

http://www.peel.edu.on.ca/ This is the Peel board for schools in Brampton, Mississauga and Caledon

http://www.vsb.bc.ca/ This is the Vancouver school board site

http://www.tdsb.on.ca/ This is the Toronto school board site

http://www.ucdsb.on.ca/ This is the Upper Canada school board website

http://www.yrdsb.edu.on.ca/ This is the York region school board

For information on rating of the schools:

www.fraserinstitute.org This institute rates schools and will give you an idea of where the top schools are. Don't forget, only the schools that have been in existence for at least five years only will be on the list. Also, a school that has a ranking of 200 may still be one of the top schools considering the number of schools in the region.

Hope this is of some help to you!
Here are some websites that will help you with the different types of schools and admissions processes.

http://www.studycanada.ca/ gives you information on higher studies and institutions.

http://www.schoolsincanada.com/ will give you more information on the same as above.

http://www.schoolfinder.com/ will help you find schools in different parts of Canada

If you have any specific questions please do write to me at the email id mentioned on the home page.

Thanks

Nal

Immigrating to Canada information

It is -17 C today, the sun is shining bright..and it is just another winter day here in Toronto.

The last month or so, I have been answering the dozens of emails I receive on a daily basis, from potential immigrants to Canada from all over the world. Mostly Indians who live in other countries and in India.

Some of the questions that many have are related to the actual paperwork, documentation and what is expected from the immigration officials on landing. One of the best websites that you can take a look at that gives this information is www.canadavisa.com

www.cic.gc.ca is another website that will give you information on many questions you may have regarding work, getting the different paperwork once you land (permanent resident cards, police check for a job, etc) and the different options you have for further studies.

www.vivelecanada.ca will give you first hand information on problems that other immigrants have faced, which may help you avoid making the same mistakes. Lots of good reading here.

www.garamchai.com/canada is another wonderful website that gives many first hand stories about people who have immigrated. Lots of advice and information here.

All the best to all those who are moving in to Canada this year!