Hi there!
Shall we greet with the traditional French cheek kiss or would you rather attempt one of those awkward North American hugs?
Think about it while I introduce myself properly.
I’m Juliette, aka “Zhu”—this is not random onomatopoeia but my Chinese name, 珠.
I was born in Nantes, France, in 1983—go ahead, do the math, I age more quickly than I update this page. At 16, I travelled solo to China to attend summer classes at a Beijing university and caught a bad case of wanderlust. I left France a few days after graduating high school and I arranged to complete my Chinese studies university degree while abroad. I worked in Hong Kong, then joined Feng, my Chinese-Canadian then-travel partner and now-husband for several backpacking adventures through Latin America and the South Pacific.
We eventually picked Ottawa, Canada’s national capital, as our home base. I was granted permanent resident status in 2005 and became a Canadian citizen on July 3, 2009. I have dual citizenship, French and Canadian. You can read my full immigration story here.
I worked as a French as a second language teacher from 2005 to 2009, then embarked on a translation career. After several positions in the public sector, I decided to go freelance to embrace different roles—English-to-French and French-to-English translator, as well bilingual copywriter, editor and proofreader.
Our son, Mark Floyd, was born in 2012—not quite fluent in Mandarin and French yet, but he does love some cheese on his Chinese noodles, so that’s a start.
Overall, I consider myself lucky. I absolutely love my job and I know what makes me happy in life.
The only tiny problem is, I can’t just pick one road, one storyline… so I divide life into several chapters.
In Canada, I’m productive. On the road, I’m creative.
When I’m in Canada, I work long hours and translate as many words as needed. In my spare time, I write stories I try to get published—no luck so far, life isn’t that perfect. I’m not quite the perfect North American mother either and even though I’ve been living in Canada for half of my life, I still find cultural differences amusing and occasionally puzzling.
But everything of value I own fits in a backpack, which is just as well because there’s always a point when I just pack up and go travelling. This is not a holiday but a way of life—whether it’s the three of us or just me alone, there are no plans and no hotels booked, only the thrill of jumping into the unknown and waking up in a new city every few days. On the road, I’m still working, but I’m also focusing on photography projects and writing.
I can’t settle down, and I can’t travel all the time, so I try to balance both lives—coffee and to-do lists help, and so does a sense of humour.
Obviously, it’s a bit more complicated than I make it sound but that’s the gist of it.
Yeah, well, I am not the easiest person to live with. I know.
Correr es mi destino… isn’t it?
Zhu (珠）
Hey there,
How come I didn’t come across your blog earlier!?!!!
I am myself kinda new immigrant, originally from Europe, but have spent the last 10 years living & working in Shanghai, so relocating to Canada gave me a HUGE culture shock. It’s been a year and I’m still not fully rooted in this culture.
And needless to say I sill feel more confident expressing myself in Mandarin rather than English. My partner is of Asian descent so he doesn’t mind me mixing up both languages, but when talking to others it sometimes can get pretty rough. :):)
It’s not easy to find somebody here whom I can relate to, so finding your blog is just awesome!
Keep up the good job, and if you ever come to Vancouver, I’d love to meet you. (Hope I didn’t come across too creepy)
Cheers!
Hi Zhu,
I have just discovered you blog as I’m willing to immigrate to Canada. You really did a nice job. I added you to my favorites !
Hi Zhu. All the best from Croatia.
I have the same feeling about my life….
Brazilian neurologist, new landed immigrant!
Welcome to Canada! 🙂
Hi Zhu..
I am Ashiesh..and Indian working in USA for the past 4 years..I have recently gotten my Canadain PR and thinking of moving to Canada..I was searching for ‘How to find a Job in Canada’ and found your site..I must say you are doing an amazing job publishing so much information for people wanting to migrate..God bless you..
I had few questions regarding Jobs in Canada. If you help me with that, I would be very grateful to you..
1. Can I put my USA adress on my resume while applying for Canadain Jobs.? Do I have any disadvantage..meaning do the employers look for a Canadian Address.??
2. What are the good headhunters and staffing agencies you would recommend.?
3. Do I have to be in canada to find a job.? Can I work in USA and apply for jobs from here.?
4. I am currently applying thorugh Workapolis and some head hunters..Is that the right approach.
I know so many questions..Pls reply them at your convenience and as I mentioned you are rocking..thanks so much for all the help u are doing to people..
And BTW I am also a traveller at heart..haven’t travelled much but one day..I also feel like throwing everythiung away and just packing ny bags and move on from one place to another..hopefully oen day..
Thanks again and may be one of these days will see u in canada 🙂
Thanks..
Ashiesh
hello
well my name is Arturo Martinez Madriz and I write the next question:
if is possible you let to me to place an affiliate banner on your page?
and if so, how much cost to me?
so I am very interested and I decided to ask if it was possible
this in the case of being authorized
I really believe that both parties it can benefit substantially
thank you very much anyway
be all for now
I say goodbye
greetings
atte
ARTURO
soloizrra@gmail.com
Bonjour
Ca va?
J’ai découvri son site par hasard et j’ai le trouve intéressant!
Je vais aller a La Poctiere cet ete. J’ai une question, je pense a obtenir mon permis de conduire au Qc, mais je ne sais pas la procédure. Ce n’est pas clair sur le site!!!
Est-ce que tu peux m’ expliquer? Et il est possible que je l’obtiens en deux mois? Ou puis-je emprunter les livres?
A bientot
I Fan
Bonjour,
Je ne vis pas au Québec mais en Ontario, alors je ne connais pas vraiment la procédure pour le Québec. Je sais que ce n’est pas très cher et qu’il fait prendre des cours maintenant pour apprendre à conduire. As-tu regardé le site :
Il y aussi des infos ici :
J’espère que ça pourra aider !
Hi Zhu,
It is nice to reach about you. What do you do as a profession? You seem to be a good photographer and a good traveler. Thanks Ruan
salut..
woow interesting..!!
you’re so lucky for living in Canada oh i love this country too..
as what u said coz it’s multicultural country ^__^
merci
Zhu,
I am excited you want to participate in the City Swap! I’m not a pro at the whole blogging thing, so here’s what I need from you.
Name you want package shipped to:
Address:
You can send this directly to me@ lahall@comcast.net or Internationalcityswap@gmail.com
Thanks,
Laura
Hello,
i really love your story, having a decision on an application in 4 months!!
I applied in January at the Abidjan office (Federal Skilled Worker) and targeted the 4 months but almost landed in hot waters.
The fact is i omitted 4 important documents, the visa office wrote to me exactly 4 months outlining the missing items but NO REFUSAL.
In the instructions on the CIC WEBSITE,it says “If you submit incomplete documentation, your application will be returned to you with a list identifying the missing items, documents must be sent in a single package’
To my greatest consternation, the letter identifying the missing items was sent to me and ended with this:
‘YOU HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUEST.YOU MUST DO SO IN WRITING TO THIS OFFICE WITHIN 60 DAYS,IF YOU DO NOT RESPOND, A DECISION REGARDING YOUR APPLICATION WILL BE TAKEN BASED ON THE INFORMATION ON YOUR FILE.THIS MAY LEAD TO YOUR APPLICATION BEING REFUSED AND NO FURTHER CONSIDERATION GIVEN TO THE REQUEST FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE UNLESS A NEW APPLICATION IS FILED’
I cant believe my stupidity and my obvious luck.I think the visa officer had a possitve discretion towards my case.
Despite giving me 60 days,I ensured that they received the requested documents 11 days after the request,that i think will let the visa officer know his consideration was appreciated by me.
I know of someone whose application was refused outrightly for failure to include vital documents.
Now, my application has taken 10months (November makes it 10)
With the precious strange consideration,i cant complain of anything.
I guess i just have to keep on waiting, i am very optimistic that it will be accepted.
The kind consideration above implies to me the visa officer has come to the conclusion that i will economically succeed in Canada.If my application had to be refused, why was i given that kind of strange consideration????
I would really love to thank the ‘SIR’ who is handling my case, its a shame we never get to know them personally!
What do you think of my case dearest ZHU?????????????
I will like you to comment on this by emailing me and suggesting to me how mush longer i have to wait, if you have the time!
LOVE!!!!!!!
Hi Zhu, i read you blog from time to time, and i always enjoy it. But i always wonder about the name of you blog…. you’re french, live in Canadá, studied chinese and have an english-written blog with a spanish name! What a mix, isn’t it? This is not actually a question, but if you have the time i would like to know the story behind the name 🙂
Best regards,
Fede (from Córdoba, Argentina)
Hola Córdoba!
The name of the blog is the lyrics of Clandestino, a song by Mnau Chao, one of my favorite French and Spanish singer 🙂 The explanation can be found here: https://correresmidestino.com/about-this-blog/
Thanks for visiting my blog. I just started it and feel great to have other bloggers pay their visits. You made my day! Woo hoo! 🙂
I just realized when I post a comment on your blog, it shows trackback to mine. Don’t know how to do that yet. – -‘
Hi Zhu…
How I just came to your blog is really funny– I was looking up French bakeries in Los Angeles- (I’m from there and my friend just sent me a pic of one in L.A.) I actually live in France (I’m Barbara’s friend in Antony) and know of you from her! I’ve looked at your blog a few times in the past few years and have seen you comment on her blog before.
Well, funny enough, after finding your blog again through a picture on Google images search – I then realized that you did some traveling in Costa Rica a year or two ago.. Well, my husband and I are leaving for Costa Rica in less than two weeks now to visit family.
I’m going to create a blog for my travels- http://costarica4ever2.blogspot.com so if you’d like to check it out in a few weeks- I should have some pics up.. I just put up an introductory post to start but until there, I won’t have any pics to display…
Anyhow.. I just wanted to say hi and tell you all that.. Small world…
Take care and Happy New Year to you and yours…
Leesa
Hi Zhu,
What a great, informative website – the information on immigation has been especially helpful to me. I have a question regarding some of the information posted – could you respond to my email address with your email address? It’s pretty lengthy so I hesitated posting on your website. Thanks in advance!
Salut Miss,
très inspirante ton expérience!
Je pense depuis le début de l’année à l’immigration, et justement dans une ville comme Ottawa ou Ontario mais je me demande si je peux décrocher un boulot avant, histoire de gagner des points dans mon dossier d’immigration…
Comme j’en suis à l’étape collecte d’info, pourrais-tu me dire stp s’il y a une différence entre une demande adressée au côté francophone et celle au côté anglophone?
Voila, Sinon je peux dire que j’ai géré ma propore boite d’édition durant 5 ans, et là je veux changer carrément de vie.
Merci pour ce blog plein de fraîcheur
Bises
Well Zhu… Thanks for commenting on my photo and welcome to Canada. I’m in London Ontario now but I find it ironic that you’re in Ottawa. Ottawa is my hometown. I was living there over a year ago. Anyhow… I can’t imagine leaving France for Canada but it’s a good thing for us here.
All the best to you and to you future.
Vive le Canada !!!
Take Care,
Rick Carroll
Hi Rick,
I guess the grass is always greener on the other side! 😆
It’s funny, I found your website via a Tweet last night but I’m actually very familiar with your photography and I’ve admired it for quite a while. Will be back!
Well Zhu… you certainly are good for my ego. I actually saw your site a few months back and looked at it again a few days ago. You certainly have some great shots and a passion for photography. Today I was trying to see if there was a way I can get emailed when you post new photos. Your site has a lot to it and I’m a bit simple sometimes. I’m not sure where you get all the time to do all that you do. Anyhow… I’m a fan.
Keep in touch.
All the best,
Rick
Hi Rick, do take the praise, it comes from the heart! 🙂
Are you on Flickr? It,s a good way to see each pictures. My account is .
I know this site is quite busy, but as a general rule, the latest article is the one at the top of the front page. All the photo posts are in .
Hi Zhu… Thanks again. Yes I am on Flickr and I just sent you a “contact request”. That should be good for now to keep updated. Anyhow… it’s late. Have a great weekend and keep shooting.
All the best,
Rick
Thank you, I received the request! I’ll approve it today. Glad to see we can keep track of each other’s work easily 🙂
Hi Zhu,
I added your website to my blog. It’s easier for me + there is Flickr.
Have a great weekend,
Rick
Great, we will stay in touch!
hello thank you for contacting me for an interview. It would be my pleasure. can you call me on 647 300 4751?
me gusta mucho tu blog.gracias. I very like your blog. thanks
Muchas gracias! Thank you for taking the time to let me know 🙂
Nice Blog.Got to share and learn from you 🙂
Thank you!
Alors là ma belle, je suis bluffée. J’apprends que tu t’es mise à la photo???
Toujours aussi humble. On voit ton appareil sur une des photos, un joli petit bébé..!
J’adore, il est pratique, ludique, et tu es toujours aussi douée à l’écriture.
Congratulation my dear, you made it so far!
Mayon
Hey Zhu you’re going to think I’m a nut. I’ve closed my website to the public. It’s now for subscribers only.
I want to add you as a subscriber but I will need you to give me a username and password. I’m not sure if you’re comfortable emailing me or not. I leave that up to you.
Take Care,
Rick Carroll
hi,
glad I get to read your blog. It’s interesting and I learn a lot. I’ll be moving to Canada soon, the information you provided here will help me prepare in advance.
thanks 🙂
Thank you for the feedback! I’m glad you enjoyed the blog and I hope the information was useful. Welcome to Canada!
Hi Zhu
I like your website, It is specially funny to hear what you find strange in Canada since I also lived there for a while (like people walking in shorts where it is almost o degrees). I would love to contribute to your blog with an article, please email me so I can tell you more about it.
Will do!
Oh, one more question….
I have taken the English test w/ a result of 8.5 average. Do I HAVE to take the French test as well, or is the English test sufficient as we live in British Columbia? I speak French, but if the test is the same as the English one, I will definitely score “low” and the test is really expensive, so I might as well not take it?
thanks!
Anna
Love your blog I am also a Canadian citizen by way of Ghana, west Africa. Oh and I love Paris
Nice to meet you!
love your blog–i am a Canadian expat living in South Africa. Tuning into your blog once and awhile reminds me of home. Question: you say you used to teach–what do you do now? Or do you blog full-time?
Hello Sandra and nice to meet you! I answered on your blog. I now work as a translator and editor 🙂
why did you choose a spanish name for your website?
It’s from a song I love, “Clandestino” 🙂
Hi Zhu,
I liked your blog and learned a lot about the Canada immigration process.
I am a PhD student in Chicago, USA and I recently applied for my PR card in Canada. I received an email today (Nov. 17, 2011) from Buffalo office (which is processing my documents) stating they need my passport for issuing visa withing 30 days. However, I am going to my home country for couple of months (till Jan 8, 2012) and there is no way in which I can submit my passport at this point. In this scenario, would I be able to get the extension for stamping visa?
Please let me know soon..
Dhwanil
Ouch, that’s a tough one!
If I understand correctly, your permanent resident visa is ready to be issued, right? I’ did a bit of research and apparently, if you do not send your passport within the timeline given in the letter, your application is void.
I understand it’s not exactly convenient for you right now but I would send the passport and postpone the trip.
Hi Zhu ,
I want to thank you for many useful information that you are posting 🙂
Im a middle eastern single lady who finally got my visa to land in canada ,im planning to come soon to do my landing ,then go back to my country resign from work and back again in toronto in july.
The thing is i have an uncle who lives in Edmonton and im very confused in my first visit if it will be easier to apply for SIN and health insurance in his area as he can guide me around or its better to do it in Toronto as this is the city where i will be living for awhile ?
Another note every one have been telling me how cold canada can be in january ,as im planning to come around it ,any advices for clothing shopping ?
Im loving wt im reading and i wish u the best of luck n life 🙂
Hello,
You can apply for your SIN card anywhere, but Health Card are a provincial matter. If you live in Alberta, you will have an Alberta health care card, if you live in Toronto, you will go under OHIP, the provincial program. So you should apply for health card where you will actually live, ie Toronto. For the SIN, it doesn’t matter where you apply.
It will be cold! Expect -10C, at least. If you can find some warm clothes at home, ie thick sweaters, gloves, scarves etc. do bring. If you live in a hot country, maybe it’s better to buy your winter jacket in Canada.
And welcome here! 😉
Thanks alot 🙂