On the way to the East

After the ski resort closed due to the Corona pandemic, everything in Canada happened very quickly. The spread occurs here with a delay of about 2 weeks. However, Canadians and the Canadian government were able to see the drastic effects in Europe and were therefore able to prepare early for the upcoming crisis. Stores, restaurants, and public gatherings were closed even at a low number of cases to prevent spread. The border with the USA was also closed early, and a travel ban was imposed for travelers. A low population density also has a positive effect on the spread. Canada is about 30 times the size of Germany with a population of only 37 million. Of course, the spread is comparable in larger cities and metropolitan areas. Similar to Germany, the individual provinces act very differently, which in my opinion makes more sense due to the different circumstances. For example, northern provinces completely sealed off due to the long distances.

Help for workers who have lost their jobs is now available very uncomplicatedly and can be requested with a few clicks via the internet. 2000 Can$ (1200€) per month is available for up to 4 months. Currently, there are about 18,000 reported cases in Canada.

Unfortunately, due to the developments, neither my friends nor my family were able to come to Canada, and the plan for the next months has changed drastically. But we're making the best of it.

Now to the journey: The first route took Paul, Jordan, and me through the Coast Mountains directly into the Rocky Mountains. The drive is very beautiful and leads through deserted mountain regions. While in the Alps, small villages and huts appear everywhere, in Canada, you drive through large forests or bare mountain regions. Occasionally, you pass small reserves on the route. Cars rarely pass by. The further inland you go, the colder it gets again. Even in early April, many days are still very cold (-15) and partly snowy. The first stop is Jasper in Jasper National Park. Some restaurants are still open here, but the ski mountain has already closed here as well. We stayed here for two nights and went for a walk in a frozen canyon. The frozen creek leaves behind beautiful ice blocks.

The original plan was to continue north, but after considering the situation, we thought it made more sense to refrain from traveling around. That's why we rented a cheap little vacation home in Milo. Milo is located 120 km southeast of Calgary in the province of Alberta. To get here, you drive 50 km south (straight ahead), then turn left once and continue straight for another 75 km. The route passes by huge fields and farms. Milo itself has only 90 inhabitants but has a lot to offer. There is a small hotel, a small supermarket, a post office, a school, and a small bank. There is also an ice hockey rink, which is kind of the German "Bolzplatz" in Canada, and even a curling rink. The whole setting reminds me of small villages in Germany in the 70s when all these things were still available in the village. Except for the supermarket, everything is closed here due to Corona. The people here are farmers or work in the oil industry. They are also just as curious as the rural population in Germany. We hadn't been here for 5 minutes when our car with foreign license plates was inspected, and we were questioned. I know this from home and find it rather interesting because you learn a lot about the people if you are willing to provide information as well. A woman gave us her number in case we need help or have any questions. In the surrounding area, there are plenty of birds and small ground squirrels (gophers), but they are very difficult to photograph as they keep disappearing into their holes.

We spend our time watching a lot of TV, playing cards, and doing outdoor sports. We are very different types, but we get along very well.

Since the current situation is not conducive to traveling, we have been looking for farm jobs and found something for the three of us. Farms, like in Germany, depend on foreign workers. Moreover, agriculture is currently one of the few employers that are hiring. The tourism industry has come to a complete standstill. Therefore, after 2 weeks in Milo, we will move another 3500 km east to work in a large tree nursery near Toronto. Hopefully, at the end of May, we will still be able to travel the eastern part of the country, which was originally the plan.

A flight has now also been booked, and in early June, we will go back to Germany. I'm looking forward to home, but I'm also sad to have to leave again, but it's still a good two months until then :)!