I don't even know where to start. Seven months ago, I announced that we were leaving Sydney, Australia and moving to Montréal, Canada. I was going back to school to study marketing at McGill University. You can read all about it here. And now, we're moving back temporarily to Sydney. Wait, what?!
This is not because of Canada
First, I wanted to say that this is not because of Canada. When I told my Australian friends that we were moving back to Sydney, all of them said something along the line of "I knew you couldn't survive Canadian winters". Of course they were joking; and honestly my Canadian winter really wasn't that terrible. Oh we did have a few days at -20C (that's -4 Fahrenheit) but overall, it was just fine. With the right equipment, I can actually fight the cold (and I'm pretty proud of it haha).
No, we're not going back because we didn't like our life in Canada. We were lucky to travel around the country; last November we visited Toronto, Vancouver and crossed the country by train, stopping at Winnipeg and the Rockies among other places (read about it here). Last month, we discovered the capital Ottawa and next week we're going to Quebec city. We had the chance to get a glimpse of Canada, and we loved it. Not only is Canada's scenery breathtaking, its people are beautiful too. Everywhere we went people were nice, warm and always trying to make us feel welcome. I also just finished my semester at McGill and loved it. I learned tons of valuable things, about marketing of course, but also about myself and people.
Honestly, I though we would stay in Canada for at least 5 years. Maybe more. And I would have been very happy about it. Our plan was for me to finish McGill and then, maybe move to Toronto? But I'm starting to learn that life doesn't always go as planned. Or should I say, never goes as planned? But in this case, I think it's positive.
Here's what's going on...
Ok, so I'm just gonna spill the beans and stop teasing you. Here's the deal. Solal (my hubby!) has the opportunity to be transferred to the United States through his job. And for that to happen he has to be back to the Sydney office for a year. I'll skip all the legal and administrative stuff but bottom line is: we will be able move to the US. Miami, Florida to be exact.
Guys, this is a huge deal for us! Actually, a "huge deal" doesn't even begin to describe what we are feeling. Moving to the US has been a dream of ours for years - and for my hubby, it would simply be his childhood dream come true (he'll probably hate me for saying that in public, but here you go, now you know ❤️).
This photo is like ancient but it's from my very first trip in the USA back in 2009 so I thought it was appropriate. It was either that - my first Eagles football game in Philadelphia! - or me posing in front of the White House. Consider yourself lucky! haha
Immigration restrictions made it impossible for us to move to the US until now because we didn't fit into any visa categories, so we had kind of given up on our dream. Until we met with a lawyer a couple months ago (ironically to talk about Canadian immigration)... who told us that 1. It would be a long and complicated process to be able to stay in Canada long-term and 2. It might actually be "easier" immigration-wise to move to the US because we had this new visa option. Wait, WHAT? Honestly, this was just shocking news to hear and we zoned out like zombies for a whole day after the meeting. Solal calls her fee "the 200 dollars that changed our life" and he's considering framing the receipt (but I said...honey, maybe not).
Now to be honest, this is pretty scary. We are taking a risk. There is no guarantee that we will indeed get this visa - or should I call it, this golden ticket. Solal's company did consult with a bunch of legal experts and it should be all good; but you know, a year from today is a long time and s##t happens.
We just moved here, I'm going to university and we love Canada. And yet, we are willing to put all of that behind us, move across the globe and move again in a year because when an opportunity like this one arises, you just have to take it. Are we plain crazy? I hope not. I believe we have made the right decision, but only time will tell.
I've said it before, but I'm really happy to share this bumpy journey of ours with all of you. Stay tuned until the next episode 🙂 Hugs!
Janet
Congratulations and best wishes in this new adventure.
marie
Thanks so much!
Jenna
Wow! That's huge news! Congratulations!
As an American, I think you're crazy and would gladly trade places with you -- living in Canada and studying at McGill OR living in Australia. Whatever happens between now and then, I hope it all works out for the best for you.
marie
You know what they say, the grass is always greener on the other side of the fence! But honestly, I'd consider myself lucky and be happy with either three options 🙂 Thanks for your kind words Jenna!
lori
super excited for both of you! what an amazing journey!
marie
Thank you Lori! I'm super excited too!! 🙂
Linda
How exciting for you both. Not many people get to realize their dream. What is the new visa catagory you got for 200?
marie
Oh I wish the visa was only $200! It was only her consultation fee haha. We will apply for a L1 next year.
Peggy
Marie, this is awesome news and it is very nice you and Solal work together to achieve your dreams. Flexibility is so important in life and you both seem well equipped to get much out of life. It is wonderful you have all these experiences (and nice memories) already and are not afraid to meet new challenges. I wish you the very best for your future and thanks to both of you for sharing your experiences, thoughts, and feelings. It is very refreshing and an inspiration.
marie
Thanks a lot Peggy, it really means a lot because being flexible and always challenging myself is very important to me. And I feel very lucky indeed to be able to share all my projects and dreams with Solal, as a team 🙂 Thanks again!
Elizabeth
The USA needs educated, hard working people like you. I pray the immigration process goes quickly and smoothly. Blessings to you both.
marie
Thanks a lot Elizabeth, it means a lot!
Michelle
That is so exciting!! Congratulations you guys! I live in Miami, Florida and have been following your blog for a little over a year now. So exciting to have you nearby and hopefully attend all of the cool events here.
marie
Yay thank you!! I've never been to Miami so looking forward to discovering the city!
Allison Clark
Always...always...always, chase and live your dream! I know Solal has family state side as well. To pass up on that opportunity is CRAZY!
In all honesty it is very difficult to move to Canada unless you are claiming refugee status or something similar. My son and his girlfriend, who lives in the US, and wanted to move to Canada,split up after 5 years because even if we were to sponsor her she could not move to Canada and be able to work for up to 5 years! No guarantees she could come even if they were to get married. We have weird immigration laws here.
All the best as you make this transition! Sorry to hear that you won't be able to finish your McGill degree though.
I was so hoping to possibly hosting you to a Manitoba camping experience! Maybe one day yet!
Have fun back in Sydney! I'm sure this next year will fly by again! Oh and keep that parka...Florida might not have snow, but it occasionally gets down to 0C....it's humid and can be bone chilling cold! Lots of people there wear the same winter clothes we do...lol
marie
Oh I'm sorry to hear about your son's girlfriend, such a sad story 🙁 We could have stayed in Montréal for 3 years on my student visa but getting a more "stable" visa would have been much more complicated...
I was so hoping to visit you in Manitoba too but like you said, maybe one day! We never know what life is made of 🙂
Thanks so much for all your kind words and encouragement Allison, you are the best!!
Carolyn Harlow
Can't wait to welcome you to the U.S. be safe in your travels
marie
Yay thank you!!
Vicky @ Avocado Pesto
Wooowww just wanted to say congratulations on your new exciting life plans!!! I didn't know you guys were dreaming about coming to live in the US! SO exciting!!! Wishing you the best of luck and fingers crossed nothing changes with the visa status! Are you going to transfer to a uni in Australia to continue your studies or do something else for the next year? Once again congrats!!!
marie
Thanks so much Vicky! It was always in the back of my head but it wasn't a realistic option until now so I just didn't talk about it...
Unfortunately I won't be able to transfer to another uni so I'll be focusing 100% on growing my blog!! 🙂
William Salter
Why do you consider moving to the U.S. a "golden ticket?"
marie
Because it has been our dreams for many, many years and it has now become a possibility. This is just me being very excited 🙂
Mary Anne Lamb
Great news Marie - go for it! Wishing you both everything of the best in pursuit of your dreams.
God bless,
Mary Anne
marie
Thanks so much Mary Anne!
Susan
Marie, I really hope everything works out for you and Solal. The two of you are amazingly flexible and deserve for all the best to happen.
marie
Hi Susan, Welcome back!! Thanks a lot, I'm crossing my fingers! 🙂
Spring2befit
Super exciting! I live in Florida just 30 minutes north of Tampa. I am not a fan of Miami, it's like the slums so I suggest u look to live in a nicer town outside of Miami like Doral or near the keys. Key West is absolutely beautiful! And I've been a florida girl my whole life, traveled the states and I wouldn't choose to live anywhere else in America! Mayne we could meet someday! ?
marie
Yes that would be fun! 🙂 Thanks for the recommandations on where to live, I'll look everything up as the big move approaches!