It saddens my heart as I read through the thread without a deluge of updates as expected by the COPA members. Well, the family has taken a bold step by praying our way to a successful PRV process. I pray that the 'brighter morning star (God)' will make all of us to laugh very soon. I mean very, very soon.
Let me start by saying that I have missed the thread owing to preparation to fly with my one entrance PRV. It is not easy if I must be realistic. A moral here is that we should start preparation now because there won't be a luxury of time as soon as the Visa gets to you. Put your FAITH at work here because the decision is what we cannot determine but hope for.
My last day at work for my 3month resignation notice was supposed to be November 2, 2015 but I discussed with my manager and HR that I would be leaving October 23, 2015 so I can have at least, 2weeks to prepare for my flight booked for 5th November, 2015. For your information, I booked the same date with my man, gentleiphy and his wife.
I was not able to get my cash exchanged to dollars till I left work on the 23rd October, I was not even ready to exchange at the black market rate...1USD to 225NGN for wetin now!
Information reached me from gentleiphy that he was able to get dollars at sterling bank and as a sharp person, I took my wife and rushed to the bank on 28th October to open an account for her. I see reason why the bank is not growing that day as they were not able to open ordinary savings account within 24hrs because of one yeye KYC (know your customer). the funniest thing was that they lost the forms filled and the passport photograph and my wife had to go there with another passport and refilled the form (I could not scatter the bank because na dollar dey my mind!). Account number was eventually generated at 5pm on 29th November and banking operation had closed. Cash was transferred to the account against Monday morning, 2nd November, 2015.
Myself and wife went to another branch on Monday morning and we were able to get 5000USD with her account at the rate of 1USD to 199NGN without an extra charge. We could have gotten 4000USD each but my account no dey smile!. My advise is that if there is anyone who cares to get dollars with Sterling bank and or Ecobank, go open your account with them asap to avoid delays and frustration.
Started packing loads a day to my flight which was scheduled for 11:30pm with BA on the 5th November as earlier mentioned. Don't be like me as it is never a good way to go. Start packing your loads now and go get ziplocs (biggest size) to pack and label your foodstuffs if you plan to go with any.
My stories too much self! oya, make I fast forward................................
I arranged with Guyman1234 (who I am sure would get his Visa very soon) to pick me up on the day of my flight and it was fun all the way. I got cleared at the immigration and loads was removed from over-weighed bags to other light bags. my set of screwdrivers was seized and thrown away when my hand luggage was checked. Moral: pack and keep all important tools, liquids, etc in your check-in luggage.
Flight as scheduled was followed and gentleiphy with wife sat in front of myself and wifey (we planned all these while booking and selecting seats). we gisted and forgot ourselves for the in-flight entertainment. We got to Heathrow after 6hrs for a 10hrs layover. For real, 10hrs was like 1hr because we walked the area gisting and laughing. We then commenced our journey for another 9hrs to YYC with the same sitting arrangement.
It was pretty cool at YYC and landing was very smooth. Declaration card that was giving in the flight from UK to YYC was filled and shown to the CBSA person. He asked if i had cash on me and I showed him my jotter ( 5kUSD, 14kNGN (in case I dey come back Naija)) and he asked if the 14kNGN is anywhere near 5000CAD if converted. I laughed and said it is not even up to 100CAD. He released me and we went to claim our checked-in luggage.
Lest I forget, at MMIA, I forgot to padlock my luggages and I was just praying that nothing happens to them and alas, they were as I arranged them.
From there, luggages was pushed towards a moving queue for landing process. I took less than 15minutes because I don't have goods to accompany and COPR was stamped with the word ' you are now a Permanent Resident and your PR card would be ready and sent to the address filled in 6-8weeks'. I then asked if along the line, I changed my address, what should I do? A form was then given to me that I should fill and fax to an address in case such happens or I should visit a link in the form to log it online. That was all oooo.
I connected to the free Wifi and bingo! My friend was around with just 3 lines of BBM message. He snapped the two families and also snapped with us. Omo, when I got out to load the trunk of the car, I rushed back in to wear my jacket.....+10degrees wicked ooo. how e go come be with -25degrees... Na die be dat oooo
ordinary +10degrees tear my lips ;D ;D
I have not been normal since I landed at 7:10pm Calgary local time. Up till now, I am still suffering from jet lag. I will get over it tomorrow anyways if I set out to get SIN, Health card, line, and Bank account.
Canada is a lovely place with many rules. driving, conduct, etc. FYI, I witnessed the first snow today 8th November, 2015 and the adaptation don start be dat.
Lemme stop here and I promise to keep you all updated when I settle down fully.
Rain of PPR will kill all members this week IJN...
I remain your boy...... Technolee.
