₦airaland Forum

Fisiryorh:
She would be fine. She would only need time to adjust but, tell her to drop all Nigerian old people wahala at the airport before she comes over...

ndidibabe:
My mum will be visiting me in Canada for the first time by January and she is 69 years old. She will also be going UK to see my younger ones. I need advice on the basic necessities that will make her stay worthwhile. I do not want to a miss thing paticularly as regards keeping her healthy. Any suggestions on where to get her suitable clothing in Nigeria for that age travelling to a cold region for the first time? Guys, I need your kind suggestions.

Originalsly:
Why would you ...and your younger ones invite your mother during winter? You know it is blistering cold in January... why torture her? Young healthy people travelling for the first time be crying about how cold it is....during late Spring ... and here you are bringing her to spend the middle of winter. Whatever she did to you and your younger ones ... instead of getting back at her ... forgive her. On clothing ...why can't you send her clothing? ...at least you can get her the right outfits and the right sizes. Is she travelling alone?...what if air pressure gets to her and her ears begin to "ring"? ....long distance air travel no be bus ride. My advice ... postpone her flight to July or August when the weather is much more like what she is used to ... she can move about comfortably and not be locked in during her stay

ndidibabe:
My mum will be visiting me in Canada for the first time by January and she is 69 years old. She will also be going UK to see my younger ones. I need advice on the basic necessities that will make her stay worthwhile. I do not want to a miss thing paticularly as regards keeping her healthy. Any suggestions on where to get her suitable clothing in Nigeria for that age travelling to a cold region for the first time? Guys, I need your kind suggestions.

ndidibabe:
You guys are getting me really scared now..

Kenn55:
Except you live in British Columbia that have a mild winter, it would have been better to let her come early spring to summer.

My own parents come every year but the come from May and go back by September. You need them to enjoy and get the best experience, winter period especially January and February is the worst month to do that.

It's not like anything will happen to her in winter after all there are mothers who are doing omugo for their children all year round in canada. Just that if it is about enjoying her stay to the fullest then it is a wrong time

ndidibabe:
I live in Ontario and my siblings live in Manchester UK. She will be visiting all between Jan and March to return back March ending. All tickets booked.. We have all chosen this period due to less time at work.

ndidibabe:
You guys are getting me really scared now..

Aaronsrod:
Do not be afraid rather be glad.

Winter is a wonderful season. Especially in Canada.

Surprise Mummy with a trip to one of the beautiful hiking trails accessible to all.

If you live in Ontario take her to Nassagaweya Trail. It is only 5 miles long and the scenery is stunning.

If your area is Montreal visit Montmorency Falls. Enjoy frozen waterfalls from high suspended bridges.

Wherever you decide to go you will have an unforgettable family bonding experience and the best introduction to the true beauty of Canada.

ndidibabe:
My mum will be visiting me in Canada for the first time by January and she is 69 years old. She will also be going UK to see my younger ones. I need advice on the basic necessities that will make her stay worthwhile. I do not want to a miss thing paticularly as regards keeping her healthy. Any suggestions on where to get her suitable clothing in Nigeria for that age travelling to a cold region for the first time? Guys, I need your kind suggestions.

ndidibabe:
I live in Ontario and my siblings live in Manchester UK. She will be visiting all between Jan and March to return back March ending. All tickets booked.. We have all chosen this period due to less time at work.

10thTenthMan:
The concern of people about the season for this journey is justified. Winter limits movement, make pains like rheumatism and arthritis worse and the cold leads to other health vulnerabilities. So do not mind the method they have communicated this but their concerns ARE VERY VALID.

So what are the factors to consider

1. Weather: Get her a good jacket, neck warmer, winter hat, and shoes, she can arrive with, From Tejuosho/Yaba markets if she is in Lagos if she is not, then get her something very good from a close by market. Please DO NOT LOOK FOR SOMETHING FASHIONABLE. LOOK FOR SOMETHING PRACTICAL . You are in Canada. I am too. If you haven’t experienced the cold, you won’t know. No matter how it is explained, you won’t understand until your ears, eye, nostrils, fingers, toenails freeze and suffer frost bites.
Be prepared to get her something better in Canada when she lands in Canada. I stay in the Prairies. No cloth sold in Nigeria can match -45 degrees Celsius. You would have to use multiple layers.

2. Food: please do not fill her bags with only what you miss in Nigeria. Let her bring things she will eat. They are healthier. Plant based. Unprocessed. The spices and seasonings she is used to. I am not saying she shouldn’t bring stuff for you but let her bring things for herself too. If she has spices and other natural herbs she takes, let her pack them too. Prioritize her comfort and wellbeing over the spices and things you miss in Nigeria.

3. Bills: Be realistic and ready to know that cost might go up. Of course this isn’t an issue I hope. It is hoped you have planned for her to come. Know that you might run your heaters, water, etc more hence expect some 100-200 CAD Spike in total bills.

4. Checks, Confirmation and Enlightenment: Inform her about the way of life of Canadians or any other important information around where you reside. Luckily, Canadians are a bit more laidback. Brief her if she is traveling to Canada for the first time. Go through all the essentials and let those helping her prep ensure she has everything she needs. Inform her about keeping her passport and travel documents and cash in the same purse/bag/ and keep those close to her and secure. Brief her about avoiding making quick “ stranger friends” at the airport. She should not accept anything or leave her bag with anyone, etc. etc.

5. Health. Let her visit a doctor in Nigeria. A quick medical check. Then like someone mentioned she should treat Malaria and Typhoid. ALSO IF SHE IS ON MEDICATION, please let her BUY AS MUCH AS WILL LAST HER OVERSEAS. Remember that the Canadian Healthcare system is SHIT! They have the equipment and tech, but their administration and availability are limited. If there are things like BP machines she uses, let her pack those too. They are portable. Get her good supplements when she arrives. Vitamin D, and others for bones and general health. I have seen and know of cases of aged folks in Nigeria who got a lot of relief and health benefits due to the health supplements they take from overseas.

6. Essentials: Please let her bring her creams and moisturizer, lip balm, etc. A lot of people bring Shea butter. But this has a high freezing point hence does not do much good when you go out. I bought and mixed Castor Oil and Flaxseed Oil. Then I mixed them with some glycerin, and a 2k perfume oil I bought in Nigeria for fragrance. This is what I use. Why do I use this mixture. I realize with freezing point of about -17 to - 20 degrees Celsius, these oils stay on my skin under the cold. Sunflower oil also has freezing temperatures of -17 degrees Celsius. Yeah, don’t mind me, I had to ''science'' the hell out of the issue of making my own appropriate homemade body oil which I used as cream/lotion. The beauty of science. Note I avoided almond oil because of its strong smell but it has a -18 freezing point hence should have been a good oil to rub as well. Other local creams freeze under the harsh Canadian Weather.

7. Fun: Winter is “too somehow” or “one kind” as we say in Nigeria. The walks we see in Summer and the Grandparents taking kids to join the bus in summer mornings will not be so easy. Of course, if the cold isn’t so bad where she is, she can perform these duties that they so love doing for their grandkids if any. Some things to do include:

-Walk children to the bus
-Walk kids back from the bus
-Mind the Children and baby sit
-Go out and visit close friends and family members
-Attend Church programs, outreaches, and simple volunteering.
-Visit downtown and major malls
-Evening neighborhood walks if the weather permits and conditions are not slippery. (AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AVOID THE DANGEROUS SLIPS AND FALLS !!!!!!!! It is usually bad for aged people)
-Visit Nigerian Restaurant like Global Pot, etc. if in the Prairies.
-Visit Canadian Cafes and Restaurants
-Take Winter Photographs and Videos
-Take the kids sledding with their Toboggans if you have kids and they have toboggans.
-Visit farmers or flea markets if any in your area.

If you have other things, you have thought of for fun, you can add them to the list so other people who have parents and parent-in-laws coming can also get ideas.

Kenn55:
I forgot to add, buy her travel insurance to cover her stay even if it is for one week.

Years ago, my healthy mother inlaw who came visiting had a health issue during her stay. One night around 1am she managed to call my wife, when we saw that unusual call, we rushed to her room only to find her collapsing. For the first time I called 911, they came under 4 minutes with their equipment, stabilized her and rushed her to emergency where she was diagnosed and treated. This all happened between 1am and 2am.She spent a week in hospital before she was discharged

The medical bill was more than $20k and insurance paid everything. That's how I would have coughed out more than $20k just like that.

Please don't forget insurance even if it is 1 day visit.

Fisiryorh:
She would be fine. She would only need time to adjust but, tell her to drop all Nigerian old people wahala at the airport before she comes over ...

Nicepoker:
Is your dad alive? If yes. Tell him to start looking for another woman. . Your mom is about to fall in love with one White man over there.

ndidibabe:
My mum will be visiting me in Canada for the first time by January and she is 69 years old. She will also be going to UK to see my younger ones.

I need advice on the basic necessities that will make her stay worthwhile. I do not want to a miss thing paticularly as regards keeping her healthy.

Any suggestions on where to get her suitable clothing in Nigeria for that age travelling to a cold region for the first time? Guys, I need your kind suggestions.