In this eleventh installment of Sammy’s story, we pick up as the family leaves Italy and arrives in Calgary in late 1979. Sammy, joined by his grandson Ramone, reflects on first impressions of the city—its emptiness, its sprawl, and the early days spent downtown near Prince’s Island Park. He recalls landing a drafting job within weeks, launching a 38-year career with the same company during Calgary’s oil boom. He and Dinna quickly adapted to English through work, newspapers, and community life. Ramone prompts stories about school strikes, cultural gaps at Hebrew school, and the excitement of getting their first color TV—a massive set that introduced young Elliot to cartoons, hockey, and Battlestar Galactica.

In this episode, Sammy looks back on the six months he, Dinna, and their seven-year-old son spent in Italy after leaving the USSR — the first time any of them had lived in a new country. He shares what it was like adjusting to a completely different culture, finding a routine, and navigating the immigration process. The decision to move to Canada instead of the U.S. wasn’t random — it was a practical choice based on what made the most sense for their future. It’s a mix of culture shock, parenting, and figuring things out one step at a time.

Host Ramone and guest Sammy discuss their family’s immigration journey from the Soviet Union (now Russia) to Canada. Sammy shares that their family lived in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) before immigrating in 1979, undergoing a long and challenging process that included stops in Vienna and Italy before arriving in Canada as landed immigrants. They reflect on the difficulties of leaving behind loved ones, adjusting to a new culture, and learning English. Sammy found work as a civil engineer in Calgary, while his wife, formerly a teacher, transitioned into accounting. They also discuss how their traditions, particularly home cooking, have remained an important part of their lives in Canada.