Anna vs. the Canadians - Page 4

sstars · 10-30-2002

Well, I love being canadian, but right now I'm really happy that I get to live in California and visit Canada when I want to! With all the complaints about the weather,etc...that I get from family back in Ottawa, they have made me swear to live here as long as I can! 8)

Sure the rent is high here, and I can't work, but we still make way more money than if we lived in Canada, cost of most things is alot cheaper here, and the rent and job market in Ottawa is just as bad...so I'll stick with my 70F winters anyday! :P

thecuz · 10-31-2002

OK, let's try and compare the cost of living between cities in Canada, the USA and the town of Playa del Carmen. I live in Vancouver, BC about ten minutes from downtown. Family income (Lisa and I) approx. $100,000. Tax Burden including federal and provincial (state) income, sales and municipal taxes = approx. 50%.

The Less Than Empirically Accurate Cuz Index.

ITEM COST
Vancouver Townhouse $175,000 (value)
USA City
Playa

Vancouver 98 Nissan Pathfinder $18,000 (value)
USA City
Playa

Vancouver Gasoline $0.7/litre = $2.9/gal
USA City
Playa

Vancouver 4 litres = 1 gal milk $4
USA City
Playa

Vancouver Strip Loin Steak $9/kilo = $20/lb
USA City
Playa

Vancouver Pack of 20 cigarettes $7
USA City
Playa

Vancouver Tall Starbucks Latte $3.25
USA City
Playa

Vancouver Dozen Beer $18
USA City
Playa

Vancouver Dinner for two w/wine $90 (med. rest./tip)
USA City
Playa

Vancouver Prem. Cable w/internet $70/month
USA City
Playa

Vancouver Flight to Cancun $800
USA City
Playa

Please provide the comparisons for the US and Playa if this interests you. If it is of no interest to anyone at least I've made the longest post in this already ridiculously long thread!

BobW · 10-31-2002

Air Transat has flights to Cancun in January for $649 Cdn plus $156 tax. Well done on the longest post, I hope this doesn't become a competion.

Karon · 10-31-2002

It's nice to hear that people are enjoying our beautiful Island (Vancouver Island). I am lucky to get to live here in Victoria. I went camping recently just north of Sooke, it really is spectacular there as well as up island in Tofino and we do get some of the best weather in Canada,,,,, but today walking to work I almost slipped on ice on the side walk. And it only Halloween today, so we do get our share of cold weather here too.

Happy Halloween, I can't wait for the beaches in Q. Roo...

Oh, I see I just graduated to serious beach bum....Yoo hoo.

sydeslpr · 11-01-2002

Ok one more comment on Canada, then I throw in the towel

Last fall in late September we took four days to visit Victoria. I hadnt been in ten years...and it was just as lovely as I remembered. My girlfriend had never been. She loved it...of course we did tea at the Empress...and I groaned at shelling out a hundred bucks, visited all the shops along the waterfront etc. but we also got out into "the real city". Everyone was friendly and made us feel welcome. In fact it was funny, clearing customs, they asked about weapons...and me being a bit sarcastic by nature, patted my coat and said dang, I knew I forgot something. He looked at me and winked and replied "dont worry, your in Canada...your safe now". You know what...it really felt that way. One more thought before I give up....it may or may not be more expensive...it depends on your lifestyle and purchasing habits. Sure I might spend a buck more for milk or gas....but the Crown Royal was HALF the price...now THAT is a bargain!!!! See ya in 4....

sydeslpr

thecuz · 11-01-2002

Rye Whisky...THAT we can do!

Only problem is when you get all liquored up on the stuff and are in the mood for a little old fashioned shoot up the town action..."Dang - I knew I forgot somethin'!

theresalynn · 11-01-2002

We visited Vancouver Island in August. Got off the ferry, drove to downtown Victoria, parked in a city ramp, walked around and enjoyed the sights. 3 hours later we discovered our car had been broken into. The kids' CD players, gameboys and games were all stolen. They went through our luggage looking for more. Total amount stolen was over $500 USD. We couldn't wait to get off that island! I know, I know...it could happen anywhere. But it didn't. I've lived in a major metropolitan area for 20 years and it hasn't happened to me here. Didn't happen to us in Playa either. (The Victoria police told us it happens alot there, especially in city ramps. The thieves are looking for laptops and digital cameras.)

**james** · 11-02-2002

OK, won't this one be fun to uncover via the search function later?

I'm going to close this one, as the Canadians obviously beat Anna. She just ran out of steam.

Rissask · 03-15-2007

Quote:

Originally Posted by james

OK, won't this one be fun to uncover via the search function later?

I'm going to close this one, as the Canadians obviously beat Anna. She just ran out of steam.

hee hee hee, James

someone mentioned this old thang the other day and I was curious enough to go search it out...I haven't read it all yet but after page 1, I was howling..and a couple thing struck me:

#1 - it is true, I have heard some of my countryfolk whine "But it's more expensive for us!"

and''#2- this was way back in 2002, and isn't it funny how things change....our dollar is doing so much better now...maybe Anna hasn't heard anyone say that lately, thus the reason this thread hasn't been seen in awhile?

BarbC · 03-15-2007

Hi Maggie!
Nice to see our little corner getting some action..

. that was 5 years ago!! How time flies.

I would not recommend visiting Ottawa in March: we have snowstorms, melting, ice, rain, wind, cold and quite warm springlike weather, too (Just like Vancouver in January), but there are still piles of dirty snow on lawns and roadsides. Right now, we have 2 Ghanaian visitors trying to figure this out, and borrowing hats and mitts.

Canadians do like to travel, and have discovered the pleasures of warmer climates in winter, but do not like to be mistaken for USAmericans... even though the latter are mostly very nice folks. We just want to be noticed a bit.

Tommygurl · 03-15-2007

I worked at a ski hill for 5 years....At first the US dollar was alot higher than the Canadian $....so the Americans would gloat about how "cheap" it was for them to come here....As the years went on & the Canadian $ gained I cannot tell you how many Washington tourists who complained that there milk etc should be cheaper because it costs them more to come.....so it goes both ways.

And yes it sucked to travel to the US with our dollar being so low....Vegas one time the exchange was 65.....So basically when dinner out in Vegas costs as much as at home plus you are paying a 35% difference..it sucks.

But darn I love Canada..& the US & Mexico so who gives a rats behind how much it all costs...eh?

Ginger · 03-15-2007

funny thing, I haven't had subscribed to threads on this board in 5 years, and suddenly I get an email about activity on this subscribed thread...

jsotherj · 03-15-2007

I just looked at sstars public profile and their last post was 12-31-1969! Holy cow! I know - probably from when the site went 'wonky' - but it made me chuckle

Dianita · 03-15-2007

The Canadian $ is a commodity currency as is the Aussie $ which have risen quite sharply in the last few years. Niagara Falls, Canada doesn't get the hoardes of shoppers from Buffallo because our currency has strengthened so much. The US $ index has fallen since 9/11 and portfolio managers around the world are watching to see if it cracks below the $.80 level, a level that has held for 30 years. Since the Japanese own the vast majority of US Treasury bonds and they recently snubbed Cheney, that's not a good sign. If they ever decided to unload a portion of the holdings the US $ would take a hit, and interest rates would rise dramatically (anyone else remember mortgages 1980 at 22%?)....

The yen carry trade is another mine in the field, with the DOW taking a big hit on Feb. 27 and this Tuesday, the next few months (at least) could be pretty nasty. With 25,000 heldge funds around the world there are bound to be a few on the wrong side of the fence and it will take some time before we find out just how much of a mess there is that they are hiding.

The P&F charts for the US $ on Stockcharts.com are $.76 and $1.16 for the Canadian $ longer term.

The good news is you can just going down to the beach, have a beer and watch the waves come in, no matter where the currencies are.

James A. · 03-15-2007

Ahhh...aught two. Now those were the days.

11-01-2002	#52 (permalink)
theresalynn lost on fifth Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Shoreview, MN Posts: 11	Canada is expensive in more ways than one We visited Vancouver Island in August. Got off the ferry, drove to downtown Victoria, parked in a city ramp, walked around and enjoyed the sights. 3 hours later we discovered our car had been broken into. The kids' CD players, gameboys and games were all stolen. They went through our luggage looking for more. Total amount stolen was over $500 USD. We couldn't wait to get off that island! I know, I know...it could happen anywhere. But it didn't. I've lived in a major metropolitan area for 20 years and it hasn't happened to me here. Didn't happen to us in Playa either. (The Victoria police told us it happens alot there, especially in city ramps. The thieves are looking for laptops and digital cameras.)

11-02-2002	#53 (permalink)
james beach geek admin Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: 10 year Playa resident lost in Sweden Posts: 12,278	OK, won't this one be fun to uncover via the search function later? I'm going to close this one, as the Canadians obviously beat Anna. She just ran out of steam. __________________ Get your own signature countdown image!

03-15-2007	#56 (permalink)
Tommygurl crab killer Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: I am Canadian!! Posts: 15,165	I worked at a ski hill for 5 years....At first the US dollar was alot higher than the Canadian $....so the Americans would gloat about how "cheap" it was for them to come here....As the years went on & the Canadian $ gained I cannot tell you how many Washington tourists who complained that there milk etc should be cheaper because it costs them more to come.....so it goes both ways. And yes it sucked to travel to the US with our dollar being so low....Vegas one time the exchange was 65.....So basically when dinner out in Vegas costs as much as at home plus you are paying a 35% difference..it sucks. But darn I love Canada..& the US & Mexico so who gives a rats behind how much it all costs...eh? Last edited by Tommygurl; 03-15-2007 at 05:24 PM..

03-15-2007	#59 (permalink)
Dianita reposado Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Kingston, Ontario/Florida Keys/Playa Posts: 1,118	Currencies, etc. The Canadian $ is a commodity currency as is the Aussie $ which have risen quite sharply in the last few years. Niagara Falls, Canada doesn't get the hoardes of shoppers from Buffallo because our currency has strengthened so much. The US $ index has fallen since 9/11 and portfolio managers around the world are watching to see if it cracks below the $.80 level, a level that has held for 30 years. Since the Japanese own the vast majority of US Treasury bonds and they recently snubbed Cheney, that's not a good sign. If they ever decided to unload a portion of the holdings the US $ would take a hit, and interest rates would rise dramatically (anyone else remember mortgages 1980 at 22%?).... The yen carry trade is another mine in the field, with the DOW taking a big hit on Feb. 27 and this Tuesday, the next few months (at least) could be pretty nasty. With 25,000 heldge funds around the world there are bound to be a few on the wrong side of the fence and it will take some time before we find out just how much of a mess there is that they are hiding. The P&F charts for the US $ on Stockcharts.com are $.76 and $1.16 for the Canadian $ longer term. The good news is you can just going down to the beach, have a beer and watch the waves come in, no matter where the currencies are.

10-30-2002	#46 (permalink)
sstars way into it Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: San Jose, CA Posts: 121	Well, I love being canadian, but right now I'm really happy that I get to live in California and visit Canada when I want to! With all the complaints about the weather,etc...that I get from family back in Ottawa, they have made me swear to live here as long as I can! 8) Sure the rent is high here, and I can't work, but we still make way more money than if we lived in Canada, cost of most things is alot cheaper here, and the rent and job market in Ottawa is just as bad...so I'll stick with my 70F winters anyday! :P

10-31-2002	#47 (permalink)
thecuz beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 479	OK, let's try and compare the cost of living between cities in Canada, the USA and the town of Playa del Carmen. I live in Vancouver, BC about ten minutes from downtown. Family income (Lisa and I) approx. $100,000. Tax Burden including federal and provincial (state) income, sales and municipal taxes = approx. 50%. The Less Than Empirically Accurate Cuz Index. ITEM COST Vancouver Townhouse $175,000 (value) USA City Playa Vancouver 98 Nissan Pathfinder $18,000 (value) USA City Playa Vancouver Gasoline $0.7/litre = $2.9/gal USA City Playa Vancouver 4 litres = 1 gal milk $4 USA City Playa Vancouver Strip Loin Steak $9/kilo = $20/lb USA City Playa Vancouver Pack of 20 cigarettes $7 USA City Playa Vancouver Tall Starbucks Latte $3.25 USA City Playa Vancouver Dozen Beer $18 USA City Playa Vancouver Dinner for two w/wine $90 (med. rest./tip) USA City Playa Vancouver Prem. Cable w/internet $70/month USA City Playa Vancouver Flight to Cancun $800 USA City Playa Please provide the comparisons for the US and Playa if this interests you. If it is of no interest to anyone at least I've made the longest post in this already ridiculously long thread!

10-31-2002	#48 (permalink)
BobW into ruins Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Burnaby, BC Posts: 74	Air Transat has flights to Cancun in January for $649 Cdn plus $156 tax. Well done on the longest post, I hope this doesn't become a competion.

10-31-2002	#49 (permalink)
Karon way into it Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 115	It's nice to hear that people are enjoying our beautiful Island (Vancouver Island). I am lucky to get to live here in Victoria. I went camping recently just north of Sooke, it really is spectacular there as well as up island in Tofino and we do get some of the best weather in Canada,,,,, but today walking to work I almost slipped on ice on the side walk. And it only Halloween today, so we do get our share of cold weather here too. Happy Halloween, I can't wait for the beaches in Q. Roo... Oh, I see I just graduated to serious beach bum....Yoo hoo.

11-01-2002	#50 (permalink)
sydeslpr very sparkly Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: Ilwaco, WA Posts: 39	Ok one more comment on Canada, then I throw in the towel Last fall in late September we took four days to visit Victoria. I hadnt been in ten years...and it was just as lovely as I remembered. My girlfriend had never been. She loved it...of course we did tea at the Empress...and I groaned at shelling out a hundred bucks, visited all the shops along the waterfront etc. but we also got out into "the real city". Everyone was friendly and made us feel welcome. In fact it was funny, clearing customs, they asked about weapons...and me being a bit sarcastic by nature, patted my coat and said dang, I knew I forgot something. He looked at me and winked and replied "dont worry, your in Canada...your safe now". You know what...it really felt that way. One more thought before I give up....it may or may not be more expensive...it depends on your lifestyle and purchasing habits. Sure I might spend a buck more for milk or gas....but the Crown Royal was HALF the price...now THAT is a bargain!!!! See ya in 4.... sydeslpr

11-01-2002	#51 (permalink)
thecuz beachaholic Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 479	Rye Whisky...THAT we can do! Only problem is when you get all liquored up on the stuff and are in the mood for a little old fashioned shoot up the town action..."Dang - I knew I forgot somethin'!

03-15-2007	#55 (permalink)
BarbC life=playa Join Date: Apr 2001 Location: Ottawa, Canada Posts: 827	Hi Maggie! Nice to see our little corner getting some action.. . that was 5 years ago!! How time flies. I would not recommend visiting Ottawa in March: we have snowstorms, melting, ice, rain, wind, cold and quite warm springlike weather, too (Just like Vancouver in January), but there are still piles of dirty snow on lawns and roadsides. Right now, we have 2 Ghanaian visitors trying to figure this out, and borrowing hats and mitts. Canadians do like to travel, and have discovered the pleasures of warmer climates in winter, but do not like to be mistaken for USAmericans... even though the latter are mostly very nice folks. We just want to be noticed a bit.

03-15-2007	#57 (permalink)
Ginger añejo Join Date: Apr 2001 Posts: 11,229	funny thing, I haven't had subscribed to threads on this board in 5 years, and suddenly I get an email about activity on this subscribed thread...

03-15-2007	#58 (permalink)
jsotherj añejo Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Where the river meets the sea.... Posts: 1,928	I just looked at sstars public profile and their last post was 12-31-1969! Holy cow! I know - probably from when the site went 'wonky' - but it made me chuckle

03-15-2007	#60 (permalink)
James A. sandbagger vidiot Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Bell Buckle, TN Posts: 3,102	Ahhh...aught two. Now those were the days.

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