Life is indeed uncertain.  Just as we envisioned our calendar for the years to come to be filled with hectic flight itineraries and a number of social gatherings to attend to, the world has to drastically stop.

Without warnings and without plans.

 

The first quarter of 2020 was a game-changer for those in the spectrum who works full-time and wanders to the best of their might during the weekends and the holidays.  And I belong to that spectrum.  We were left with no choice but to adjust to the virtual life set – both business and leisure.

 

Life has to be in a confined space and we need to create ways on how to live by.

a view of Shanghai, China's landmark from the window (2017)

 

Entertainment, recreation and even meetings came in virtual set-ups.  While the economic and social disruption caused by the global pandemic is deadly and devastating, our lives have to move on and adapt to the so-called “new normal”.  Cliché as it may sound but the best that we can do is to simply stop loitering and just stay at home when work arrangements permit us to do so.

Hualien, Taiwan (2017)

 

Traveling within the comforts of our home became possible.   A plethora of documentaries, series, reality tv shows, movies and even vlogs became my instant companion.  This made me keep the sanity that I need while public commute and a flight were almost nil. 

window seat view enroute to Machu Picchu, Peru (2019)

 

Hours of watching these shows have at times tempted me to book a flight wherever possible, but safety comes first and so I have to be contented on reminiscing the travels I had and do a sketch of continuous travel plans in mind once the international borders open.

 

Weekends were scheduled for organizing souvenirs, collectibles and framing travel mementos and photos.  The usual online activity of searching for the best flight and hotel deals was converted to creating photobooks and checking out the latest online games.

 

The virtual world during this time has been maximized.  I could now count the number of times I attended physical social gatherings.  

a portion of the ref magnet collection - through the years

 

Mobile phones have been a constant source of news, information and at times, the latest recreational activities.  After a series of scheduled virtual meetings and teleconferences, lounging with the mobile phone on hand while watching videos and playing downloaded mobile-app games has been a constant.

 

Before the pandemic and when not visiting important landmarks, I had fond memories of instances where I would play video games with my travel buddies as we loiter.  Today, everything needs to be mobile including video games. 

at a hostel in Hualien, Taiwan (2017)

 

We could only reminisce for now of the pre-pandemic travels and leisure activities, but fortunate for our generation unlike the pandemic years ago, we still get to do certain things at whim and comfort.  

a view from the hotel room at Sydney, Australia (2018)

 

The pandemic is not yet over but I continue to learn and study more technical skills online given the less social interactions.  For a vast majority, we just have to survive the virtual world we currently live in.

 

My personal circumstance may quite be different from you but one thing is certain, we are all envisioned to move forward and adapt virtually.  And for now, we can only peek at the windows of our room and dream that one day the virtual world we are currently in shall slowly be replaced by personal meet-ups and interactions.

 

In an almost repetitive and resonating question posed when travel enthusiasts gather, I always include Canada when asked what is your favorite country to have visited so far.  A number of friends who moved out of my home country, the Philippines, have attested that Canada is indeed one of the livable countries in the world, of whatever city it may be.

Although almost everyone would like to save money, there are many other reasons people consider certain cities for moves.  Canada is a vast country with some of the most varied populations in everything from density to culture, and this can make choosing where to move hard.

 

What's the best place to buy real estate in Canada?

 

The answer is complicated and may come in a variety of reasons.

 

For The Views

 

Canada is a gorgeous country with beautiful icy mountains, flowing streams, peaceful plains, and sandy shores.  Every step you take in this country is unique and new and gives you the chance to have new experiences.

 

The most beautiful places to buy real estate are directly on the water or nestled into a mountainous area.  You can have both of these options in British Columbia.  Whistler has mountains like nowhere else, summers that will make you feel like you're escaping, and winters that leave you eager to tuck cozily into a thick blanket.  It's not unusual for tourists to visit this cozy ski resort and realize they want to start looking at real estate for sale in Whistler.

 

On the other hand, Vancouver is a beach town regardless of how much sun it gets.  Resting above the open water, the views from every window and doorway are beautiful.  Mountains in the distance on one side, and open water on the other, leaves you in a perfect mix of locations.

 

For The History

 

Why not learn more about the country you’re in?  Canada has more to offer than just snow and maple syrup taffy!  Instead, please get to know the area by following through on what made it the country.  That means looking into the history of indigenous people of the first nations and looking at the spread of people and automation from the east coast to the west.  You can learn about a lot of this if you live in the Ottawa area!  Museums, educational tours, permanent historical markers, and rotating exhibits allow you to immerse yourself in the area's history.  There's no better way to learn about a country than to live where all of its big decisions are made.

 

I oftentimes include in my travel and even a consideration for moving out, a place which values its culture and heritage.  A visit to every UNESCO-World Heritage Site has been a dream and a continuing part of my itineraries in every country.

 

For The Price

 

Quebec, the French Canadian home base, is a varied and fun province with a lot going for it.  Unfortunately, many don't consider moving here when they're getting ready to pick a new place because of the language barrier.  Although most people in Canada can understand and carry a conversation in French, only 23% of Canadians speak it as their first language.  Being non-native to the language and fearing the learning curve has dropped the property values in Quebec incredibly low.  You can buy a home for less than $250,000- which is far less than the national average in Canada or the United States!

 

 

For The Weather

Canada may have harsh winters in most areas, but some aren’t so bad!  Because of the heat from the ocean and how far south it is, Victoria, British Columbia, is the top place to move for the weather in Canada.  An occasional snowfall may drift in, but with ocean views like these, who could complain?

 

Just because everyone has to walk this path...

A post shared by Julius (@lakwatserongtsinelas) on Feb 6, 2018 at 8:33pm PST