Francis is an old work colleague of mine who fled for pastures new not long before Covid-19 decided to pop in and ruin our year. However, Francis has certainly made the most of his move to Canada, this is his story.
Q1) What is your full name?
Francis Boyle.
Q2) How old are you?
I am 30 years young.
Q3) Where are you from and what region/area of Canada/Vancouver do you live in now?
I am from Donegal in Ireland. I am currently living in Vancouver city, Canada.
Q4) What do you do for work?
I was a restaurant manager until covid-19, since then I am a landscaper.
Q5) What is your average day?
It varies really, during the week it consists mostly of work. I usually get back from work around 5pm to 7pm and most of the time just chill out. Sometimes when the mood takes me, I go for a run along the seawall around Stanley park. The weekends I would usually get out and about exploring Vancouver. Anything from walking around the city to doing walking trails around the parks and surrounding mountains.
Q6) What is your favourite thing about Vancouver you have discovered?
Vancouver is called “Hollywood of the North”. I didn’t realise how many famous movies and TV shows are shot here until I got familiar with the city. It is a common sight to see movie trucks line a street of the city, although I have not run into anyone famous yet.
Also Stanley Park is the largest city park in the world, it is 10% larger than central park in New York. It is lovely to go for walks around and it has 3 beaches to chill on during the summer.
Q7) What is your hidden gem you have found so far?
I recently went on holidays to Vancouver Island, there are so many hidden gems there. Everything from unique accommodation, hot springs, caving and lovely scenery. I will need to visit the Island again to discover more of its hidden gems.
Q8) Where is the best place to get good food?
That’s the brilliant thing about Vancouver, it is so multi-cultural that every cuisine is available. I go through phases of different cuisine. When I first got here, I ate ramen twice a week until it was no longer a treat. I am currently on a Korean chicken phase at the moment, which is really popular here and almost as common as starbucks. I couldn’t narrow it down to one place but I think for me Japanese cuisine is excellent here and more so the sushi. The one food that I miss and struggle to find is a good Sunday roast, although some of the Irish bars have a good roast but its not quite as good as one at home.
Q9) What inspired the move to Canada?
The biggest thing for me was the visa, it is easy to get accepted and it last two years without having to do agricultural work to extend it like Australia. I chose Vancouver because the climate compared to the rest of Canada. The summers are nice and sunny here and the winters aren’t too cold. It would be strange to have snow more than a few days in the winter in the city, compared to the rest of Canada where there can be two feet of snow in all winter. There are also three mountains that are 20 minutes from the city with ski slopes and whistler is just a 2-hour drive. So, plenty of skiing in the winter.
Q10) Why should people visit Vancouver?
It is a lovely city with plenty to do and see without the fast city vibe. Vancouver is a very easy-going city and there is something for all interests. The city itself is not extremely large so it is easy to find your way around. Outside the city is a very outdoors place with plenty of sports and activities to keep everyone occupied.
Q11) What do you do for fun?
At the start of the year I bought a wetsuit and went swimming on one of the beaches. That inspired me to buy a stand-up paddle board because the water is so calm here. I also do go for hikes and walks on the mountains and trails. During the winter I ski on the local mountains and I always try and get to whistler once or twice a year for a skiing trip, it is brilliant there, but it is also very expensive.
Q12) What makes Vancouver unique?
I think it is living in a city without a city vibe. It is very laid back for a major city. If you walk through the city, it is very relaxed and a calm atmosphere.
Q13) Where would you most like to travel to?
I would like to visit Peru next, Machu Picchu has been on my bucket list for a long time. But I would like to travel south America and see the all the history and different cultures.
Q14) What is your top tip when travelling?
Remember the reason why you chose that destination. It is very easy to forget why you chose there especially if it is for a longer time period like a working holiday visa. Don’t worry about finding a job in your field of study or expertise. Don’t let anything get in the way of experiencing and discovering your travel destination.
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