Exploring Ontario

Juha had two weeks off from school and to make it feel like a real holiday we had decided to go away for a weekend. Juha had found a deal for a two-night stay in Huntsville, Ontario. Huntsville is about 220 km north of Toronto and lies in the municipality of Muskoka. Muskoka is known for its cottages and lakes and is very similar to mid-Finland.

On Friday after my work we drove to Huntsville with a rental car. On our way there, we saw beautiful scenery and it had snowed a little bit. We stayed at the Hidden Valley resort, which was situated at a lake and had a ski hill beside it. The hill was not open anymore and therefore it was very quiet in the hotel. We got a bottle of red wine upon arrival and that night we went early to bed.

The next morning we started with a hot breakfast and drove north-east to Algonquin National Park. We'd decided to hike the track and tower trail, which was about 7,5 km long and promised lakeside views. The trail showed us beautiful places and everything looked even nicer because the sun was shining. Half-way we found a fallen tree on a pond, where we sat down and ate our home-made sandwiches. The park is full with wildlife and we saw three moose beside the road. They were very calm and even posed while people were taking pictures.

After the hike we went back to the town of Huntsville where we had a snack and well deserved beer and cider. The town is very idyllic and the buildings and boutiques were renovated in the old style. There even was a bakery called "Schat", which means honey in Dutch :)

When we woke up this morning the world was white.. it had snowed a few cm. Such a big difference with Saturday, when the sun was shining the whole day.

We fell in love with Huntsville and its surrounding area. We'll definitely go back in the summer. It's worthwhile visiting. Hopefully some day we can own our cottage there :)

Our rental car: Nissan Rogue

Lunch

Dutch and Finnish candy

Going Dutch

Even though we have been in Canada for only 6 months, finding a job which would suit my education felt sometimes impossible. I have been working part-time in a Portuguese restaurant and two different pediatric offices for the last six months, but I have also been applying constantly on full-time jobs. Most of the time I did not even get a reaction back and by the day I got more frustrated. Although I liked working in the restaurant and the pediatric offices, it was not something I wanted to do for the rest of the time we would stay in Canada.

Then, as some weird sign I googled on the right time the words Dutch jobs and Toronto. Guess what.. I found a job posting for an immediate position at the Dutch Consulate-General in Toronto. Finally a position which was right for me and where I had all the right requirements for. After I had sent them my resume, they invited me for an interview at the Consulate. The Consul-General himself and the Consul interviewed me. It was not a typical interview where they asked me questions, but more a nice chat, where they told me everything about the Consulate. I had to confirm them how motivated I was and that the job would be excited enough for me. The position which I was applying on was for the General department and would consist mostly of financial administration and internal affairs. However, because it`s a small office I would need to help with consular an economic affairs as well. A very diverse position, which is what I like.

Then the waiting started.. they said they have two other candidates and that they would let me know within a week. The longest week of my life, with a roller coaster ride of emotions, thinking one minute I am perfect for the position, the other minute being sure they won`t hire me. Finally on Monday I got the call.... and they wanted me!

I can`t even explain how happy I am, or we both are. It secures a lot for us and makes our stay in Canada much easier and fun. I will start my new job on Tuesday and then I will see what I`m exactly going to do.

Here`s another sign... A few days ago I found stroopwafels (Dutch syrup cookies) in the store.

Daylight saving

Tonight Canada clocked on Daylight Saving Time, which means longer days and more light. Like a miracle, the weather changed into its spring mode as well. It was already 10 degrees in the morning and for the afternoon the forecast shows 14 degrees. The wind is very mild as well and in the sun it feels like summer :)
We have had a very mild winter in Toronto or actually no winter at all. Which has been nice for a change, after various years of cold, snowy and long winters in Finland.

The coming week will be very warm as well, with double digit temperatures and on Thursday even 20 degrees. Let the spring begin!