Living in Canada

Moving and Living in Canada

Hey, nice to meet you! We are Mayuri and Salil, the creators of Canada Crossroads – a travel and living blog.

In this space, we will be sharing our journey to Canada, moving here, stories from everyday lives, and tips.

Salil and I moved to Toronto Canada in 2009 from our respective cities/towns in India. We both moved individually (didn’t know each other in India) to study and to gain some international work experience. 

I was the first one in my family to ever leave India, and at the age of 22 years, I did it. I moved to Toronto Canada, found a place with an Indian family, and started a new life. I loved Toronto (and still do), this is where I met Salil and made many acquaintances – friends for life!

Toronto was very different from Pune or Assam India, but Salil and I didn’t experience any culture shocks as many ex-pats would think. Communicating in English or understanding the nuances of day to day living was not difficult. 

We learned new things every day and were eager to understand and adjust with open arms. When moving to a new place, or a country, it means adjusting – but always remember to be kind to yourself and others.

Pause to understand. 

Understand – what the new rules and norms are,

Understand – your new friends, with different backgrounds

Be Kind – to others and yourself

Be kind – to your body, be mindful of eating and sleeping habits

Of places and company you keep

It is also super important to observe things, and your surroundings so that you are always learning, and bringing the best forward – to shine in a new place!

While doing all of this, don’t forget to enjoy the new city/country you are in

We arrived in Toronto in the fall of 2009, and in a matter of a few days, Salil and I became good friends and travel partners (which we still are). With a camera in my hand, and Tim Horton’s coffee in Salil’s we started photographing fall leaves, subway stations, downtown blocks, and many lanes in Toronto!

Our very first snowfall was in this shared apartment in Toronto! Oh, the joys of student life!

We have lived and worked in 3 different provinces in Canada, and we love to explore during weekends. Salil and I love the Canadian Rockies, and we also tied the knot in Banff in 2016. 

We invite you to follow us on our journey and life in Canada!

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