Profile of Grace

An accidental expat blogger behind Open Brook Vivid

Grace Thompson - Founder of Open Brook Vivid Photo: Open Brook Vivid

Hello, I am Grace

Project manager. Parent. An expat based in Toronto, Canada.

A few years back, I moved here with my family. What began as a short-term assignment gradually opened a new chapter of life overseas.

How It Started

Moving to Canada wasn’t part of the grand plan. Like many international relocations, it began as a job chance and soon grew into something far larger.

The early months were demanding — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Routine tasks seemed more challenging than expected.

City skyline in Toronto, Canada
Life in Toronto has its surprises. Photo: Open Brook Vivid

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But slowly, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.

Why I Built Open Brook Vivid

Most information online was either corporate-level relocation advice or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was honest, day-to-day family perspective.

This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in Canada.

What This Website Represents (And Does Not)

This Site Represents:

  • Hands-on experience from living in Canada
  • Centered on family life and everyday realities
  • Updated when meaningful changes occur

This Site Is Not:

  • Not a tourism board resource
  • A paid review platform
  • A generic travel diary

Looking Forward

Our time in Canada continues, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains helpful, I’ll continue recording what we uncover.

If you have questions about family life in Toronto or anywhere in Canada, don't hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Grace

Toronto, Canada