Why did we choose Canada as our destination?
When we had an idea of when and for how long our trip would be, we decided to make separate lists of possible countries where each would like to visit and work. Then we compared those lists and were left with still quite many and andventurous options. (Uruguay, Oman, South Africa,...)
Important criteria for Sami:
- more or less developed country
- English- or German-speaking
- warm
Important criteria for Ela:
- not too warm climate
- being able to fly home quickly (<24 h, < 1.000 €/ticket) if necessary
- rich in nature, more than in cities
Due to these filters, some interesting Asian and Latin American countries were excluded.
At one point we were considering Namibia, as there is a substantial German-speaking minority. But then we decided it's a bit too exotic.
New Zeeland was a strong candidate until I realized that it's the cold season when we are travelling! Ela probably would have no problem with temperatures of 7-15 °C (45 - 60 °F), but I wanna enjoy summer. My climate requirement also ruled out Australia to some extent.
What about Europe? To Ela, Austria was not the hoped-for change as she works for the Austrian market for her current job. Britain was not interesting for either of us. Ireland was a bit too close and easy to visit often from Germany.
Out of the English-speaking, non-European countries in the northern hemisphere there were two options left. Ela ruled out the USA for various reasons that you can ask her ;)
Of course, Canada was not a choice by exclusion, as there were still plenty of countries left, like Malta, Scotland, Iceland or Israel for example. Both of us had warm fuzzy feelings for Canada for some time, read travel guides 2 years ago and have a very positive image of people & country.
So, without ever having talked about it much, when asked by family & friends we answered that it will probably be Canada. We made this decision without ever having agreed verbally; just following what seems to be our common gut feeling..
When we had an idea of when and for how long our trip would be, we decided to make separate lists of possible countries where each would like to visit and work. Then we compared those lists and were left with still quite many and andventurous options. (Uruguay, Oman, South Africa,...)
Important criteria for Sami:
- more or less developed country
- English- or German-speaking
- warm
Important criteria for Ela:
- not too warm climate
- being able to fly home quickly (<24 h, < 1.000 €/ticket) if necessary
- rich in nature, more than in cities
Due to these filters, some interesting Asian and Latin American countries were excluded.
At one point we were considering Namibia, as there is a substantial German-speaking minority. But then we decided it's a bit too exotic.
New Zeeland was a strong candidate until I realized that it's the cold season when we are travelling! Ela probably would have no problem with temperatures of 7-15 °C (45 - 60 °F), but I wanna enjoy summer. My climate requirement also ruled out Australia to some extent.
What about Europe? To Ela, Austria was not the hoped-for change as she works for the Austrian market for her current job. Britain was not interesting for either of us. Ireland was a bit too close and easy to visit often from Germany.
Out of the English-speaking, non-European countries in the northern hemisphere there were two options left. Ela ruled out the USA for various reasons that you can ask her ;)
Of course, Canada was not a choice by exclusion, as there were still plenty of countries left, like Malta, Scotland, Iceland or Israel for example. Both of us had warm fuzzy feelings for Canada for some time, read travel guides 2 years ago and have a very positive image of people & country.
So, without ever having talked about it much, when asked by family & friends we answered that it will probably be Canada. We made this decision without ever having agreed verbally; just following what seems to be our common gut feeling..
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