On June 26, 1996 a Cathay Pacific flight landed at the Vancouver International Airport. We exited that plane, went through customs, and took a taxi to a hotel address that was scribbled on slip of paper. Prior to leaving Dubai, we'd called to make reservations at the Patricia Hotel on East Hastings Street. Little did we know that it's the worst postal code in Canada. From a third floor window, we could watch hookers high on drugs stagger by in high heels. Drug addicts and alcoholics slept in doorways. The streets and alleys were dirty but we never felt in any sort of danger. It was most certainly an interesting neighbourhood as an introduction to our new home. We had a great deal of luggage although shipping cargo was enroute. We had no real idea of the region, where we'd end up taking up residence, or what we'd do for a living.It's been all uphill from there.
Today, I cannot believe that we've been in Canada for ten years and are now long-time, Canadian citizens!