After all we're not getting any younger and we want a family of our own at some point and Norway would certainly be a good place to do that kind of thing.
Norway would certainly be an adventure and new experience for me. Not only new surroundings, culture and people, but a whole new language to becomet fluent in. The mountains and laid back pace of life certainly appeals to me.
But despite going back to Norway was Mari's idea, she never seemed particularly excited about it. I eventually realised that even though it would be the beginning of my adventure, it would be the end of hers. Whilst she had seen and done everything she wanted to in England, she would be returning 'home'.
When asked, she made sure I knew that this was something she wanted to do, but was not in any great hurry to do so. We quickly ruled out most of European countries as alternative. Norway was the best option by far.
But did if have to be Europe? She reminded me of my obsession of immigrating to Vancouver before moving to Bournemouth and putting things on the back burner.
"But it's too late now" I said as we sat on Bournemouth beach at the sun was setting with a rapidness that can only mean Autumn is on it's way. "they don't give you a visa after you're 30"......."but i'm not 31 yet" I realised. As long as I apply for it before I turn 31, I should get accepted." I'll have a year to activate it, then it's valid for a further year". "I have to successfully obtain a visa in the next 3 months, but it could work" " We could go next year"
We both lit up with the idea.
Norway was still the plan. No doubt about that.
But what about what about one more adventure?
Just one more year of recklessness before adulthood and it's seemingly mandatory responsibilities are forced upon us.
One more adventure.
Done.
Vancouver
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
A let down
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The same night, i'm on my laptop, looking for information on Canadian working holiday visas and saw something that made my heart sink.
Dissapointment coupled with desperation and disbelief. That feeling when you realise you've lost you wallet or mobile phone. Or when you've left a bag containing 4 days worth of spending money, travel documents, passports, digital camera and car keys in the back of a taxi in central Amsterdam. (Yes, I actually did that).
Anyway, the last thing I wanted or expected to see was:
The 2011 International Experience Canada of the United Kingdom is now closed.
As it turns out, they only have a limited number of visas to give out to UK passport holders every year. That allowance had now obviously run dry. It was too late. By the time they open visas for 2012, it will be too late for me. I will be refused because I will be 31. Infuriatingly if you're in Ireland, you can apply up to the age of 35(!?). I was gutted.
New Zealand however has unlimited visas for UK passport holders.
Plan B was born.
The more I think about things, the more I thought this should have been plan A. I'm not sure a whole year in Vancouver would be necessary and there is little else I find compelling about Canada. But New Zealand? I've know many people who have been there for a year and come back having not seen all they wanted to.
We quickly agreed this would be a great alternative plan.
