Wish you were here?

Aug 16 2009 by Michael Kelly, Sunday Sun

...or how about here

FORMER BBC Look North reporter Anne Kostalas emigrated to Montreal with her Canadian born husband Peter Wiegands last year.

Anne, 47, who was born in North Shields, North Tyneside, had lived most of her life in the North East until then.

She told the Sunday Sun: "I am always surprised when people ask me why I emigrated to Canada.

"Isn’t it obvious? The weather, the outdoor lifestyle, the heart-stopping scenery and the friendliness of the people certainly helped make up my mind.

"But I would be lying if I did not admit that part of the reason I made the leap was to leave behind the things I had grown tired of in England . . . the weather and the unfriendliness of the people in particular.

"ASBOs don’t exist in Canada and for good reason.

"Here in Montreal summer evenings are my favourite time of year.

"They’re so warm and balmy that they can plan outdoor music festivals and not worry about them being rained off. I think we sat out till late into the evening twice last year in Newcastle . . . and then, of course, we were wrapped in blankets to fight off the cold.

"The streets here are filled with diners as restaurants move their tables outdoors to take advantage of the long summer nights.

"Even a quiet night at home can be spent outside cooking on the barbecue and eating dinner on your deck. Homes have wrap-around porches and balconies here because it is warm enough to use them.

"City life is very different from Britain. For one thing you are not afraid to go into your city-centre on the weekend.

"They are not hijacked by drunken louts but full of families and couples. Walking home late at night you will see dog walkers and lovers strolling hand-in-hand. No pools of vomit or dodging the drunks.

"I keep being reminded of something as I spend more time in Canada. At first I could not quite recall what it was. Then it came to me. It’s how Britain used to be."