Will you live in Calgary for the rest of your life?

[habernac]

10 weeks? More like 10 months.

[stampsx2]

Originally Posted by TorqueDog

But one thing I keep having to tell family in Winnipeg: I am never moving back to Winnipeg. Neeeeeevvvvvveeeeeeerrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.

My thoughts exactly. Not a chance. Lived there and no thank you.

[stampsx2]

Originally Posted by Locke

Dont forget about copious amounts of affordable cocaine, efficient tax shelters and general lawlessness! Huge positive points there!

Wait are you talking about panama or calgary?

[Hemi-Cuda]

Originally Posted by GirlySports

Could you really live on Asia? Ive thought about it and the society there just seems erratic for lack of a better term. Like how Panama was mentioned. I need structure in my life

I've done trips to the Philippines, Hong Kong, and Thailand 3 times. Absolutely love SE Asia in general, and had Vietnam next on my list anyways before meeting my wife. Everytime I've gone it's been harder to leave. Beautiful weather, some of the nicest and most hospitable people on the planet, laid back cultures (especially compared to Japan or Korea), and amazing food wherever you go. Structure doesn't mater much to me, every trip I've ever gone on I've done no more planning past buying the plane ticket

[Puppet Guy]

I've lived in Calgary and Alberta most of my life, but I think the nine years I lived away from here (1993-2002) shaped my outlook/attitude more. I've got few complaints about Calgary, and Alberta's not a bad place to be. But the East Coast will call me back home.

[Muta]

Originally Posted by Hemi-Cuda

Structure doesn't mater much to me, every trip I've ever gone on I've done no more planning past buying the plane ticket

You hit the nail right on the head. If there's one thing I've learned in all my travels, it's this. The best trips are the the ones where you're not bound by an agenda; the only thing planned is the flight. Decide what to do when you get there. This is simply the best, most stress-free way to travel.

[FlamingHomer]

Originally Posted by stampsx2

So what are the bad points again? The driving sucks and so does the customer service. Same thing you get in Calgary? Warm weather and a more efficient medical system seems pretty good. The wait in Calgary to see a specialist is 10 weeks.

The bad points I mentioned are definitely worse than what is going on in Calgary. Believe me. But you are right, the good points are pretty good. I could get an MRI tomorrow if I wanted. I didn't mention having the best tasting pineapples I've ever had at 3 for a dollar. Or whole watermelons for $1.50. Or all the amazing wildlife you see. I could argue with myself all day about it. No regrets coming here but there are still some great benefits about living in Calgary.

[FlamingHomer]

Originally Posted by Locke

Dont forget about copious amounts of affordable cocaine, efficient tax shelters and general lawlessness! Huge positive points there!

Don't forget they use the US$ here so the cocaine costs over 30% more now.

[Violator]

Originally Posted by FlamingHomer

I didn't mention having the best tasting pineapples I've ever had at 3 for a dollar. Or whole watermelons for $1.50. Or all the amazing wildlife you see.

That settles it I'm moving to panama.

My only problem is with the wildlife in neighboring Costa Rica i once saw a documentary about an American businessman that had opened a zoo on an island.

[Sainters7]

Considering the obscene amount of times I've already moved in my life, I doubt it. But I have no plans of leaving my hometown again any time soon. Though I suspect it will happen eventually, we'll see..

[Locke]

Originally Posted by FlamingHomer

Don't forget they use the US$ here so the cocaine costs over 30% more now.

Those greedy bastards! They even get you on the damned exchange rate!

Is there no honour in drug dealing anymore??

[loob job]

Originally Posted by stampsx2

I'd like to stay in Calgary but if the ndp gets voted in again i'll probably move.

You would move because you don't like the temporary gov't that is in place that will likely change every four years?

[FlamingHomer]

Originally Posted by Locke

Those greedy bastards! They even get you on the damned exchange rate!

Is there no honour in drug dealing anymore??

Calm down, calm down. They do offer volume discounts. How much can I put you down for?

[Locke]

Originally Posted by FlamingHomer

Calm down, calm down. They do offer volume discounts. How much can I put you down for?

Is it pickup or delivery?

[Table 5]

Originally Posted by FlamingHomer

The bad points I mentioned are definitely worse than what is going on in Calgary.

I was only in and around Panama City (and only for 4 days or so), but I found the inequality there to be some of the worst I've ever seen. I'm not sure I could ever be comfortable as a human being in an environment where on one block you have tax-sheltered millionaires in gleaming towers, and a few blocks down you have poverty-stricken favelas. It came across as particularly cruel and unfair.

Also as you alluded to, I also didn't find the people to be particularly friendly... especially compared to a place like Ecuador where I found the people really nice. Maybe because there you don't have quite that disparity.

[Kybosh]

Originally Posted by Muta

You hit the nail right on the head. If there's one thing I've learned in all my travels, it's this. The best trips are the the ones where you're not bound by an agenda; the only thing planned is the flight. Decide what to do when you get there. This is simply the best, most stress-free way to travel.

While I agree, I do typically put together a very loose plan which I give to family back home. The only reason I do this is so that they approximately know where I am in case something goes wrong. Other than that, ya, I agree. I rarely book anything beyond 2 days in advance when I'm on a trip unless it's some sort of hot ticket.

[FlamingHomer]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I was only in and around Panama City (and only for 4 days or so), but I found the inequality there to be some of the worst I've ever seen. I'm not sure I could ever be comfortable as a human being in an environment where on one block you have tax-sheltered millionaires in gleaming towers, and a few blocks down you have poverty-stricken favelas. It came across as particularly cruel and unfair.

Also as you alluded to, I also didn't find the people to be particularly friendly... especially compared to a place like Ecuador where I found the people really nice. Maybe because there you don't have quite that disparity.

You are absolutely correct on all points. The scenes of poverty are very gut wrenching. You really don't get used to it.

[AcGold]

Originally Posted by Table 5

I was only in and around Panama City (and only for 4 days or so), but I found the inequality there to be some of the worst I've ever seen. I'm not sure I could ever be comfortable as a human being in an environment where on one block you have tax-sheltered millionaires in gleaming towers, and a few blocks down you have poverty-stricken favelas. It came across as particularly cruel and unfair.

Also as you alluded to, I also didn't find the people to be particularly friendly... especially compared to a place like Ecuador where I found the people really nice. Maybe because there you don't have quite that disparity.

New Orleans is comparable. Millionaire politician mansions that are a relic from the days of slavery directly across the street from minorities being held up by cops in the ghetto. On the left side of the road giant mansions with fine landscaping and massive fences, on the right side of the road 10 people against a cement wall with guns pointed at them.

[Erick Estrada]

As far as Canadian big cities go I don't see any that I would rather live in over Calgary but I could see myself retiring on Vancouver Island or Penticton.

[jayswin]

Originally Posted by FlamingHomer

You are absolutely correct on all points. The scenes of poverty are very gut wrenching. You really don't get used to it.

To be honest, all in, it doesn't sound like a very good place to live at all.