a canadian list.

It's the end of the semester, and I just realized ... I haven't updated this blog in months. Oops.

Since there's no way for me to update you all on everything that has happened over the past 3 and 1/2 months, I'm going to write down some of my impressions of Canada so far.  Most are good, a few are bad, and several are indifferent.  But it's all honest and real.  More importantly, each and every experience has added to my evolution as a kinder, more compassionate and aware human being.

Herewith, my list ...

* Sunlight reflecting off snow is beautiful. 
* Rabbits apparently don't hibernate.
* Neither do pigeons or magpies.
* There are coyotes in the River Valley here ... in a city of almost a million people. Nature will always win, no matter what humans think.
* When you have the northern pattern of short days and long nights, you learn to love the sun.  You crave it and miss it like an old friend.
* The human body can't tell the difference between -30C and -40C.  Or, more accurately, my body can't tell the difference.
* Food really is more expensive up north.
* Yes, Canadians do say cute things like "eh" and "aboot."
* Speaking of which ... the east coast is where the steretypical Canadian accent comes from.  The western accent is completely different.
* There were northern lights on the night of my birthday. I took that as a good omen.
* Everyone talks about how Americans love their flag, but let me tell you this -- Canadians looooove maple leaves.  I can't go one block without seeing at least fifty maple leaves plastered on signs, clothing and even food wrappers.  Even the McDonald's here uses the maple leaf inside the golden arches. 
* The media here is just as biased as back in the States.
* Albertans love their pickup trucks.  The bigger and louder, the better.
* The squirrels here are all midgets.  What happened to the normal sized rodents that live back home?
* It's perfectly normal for locals to walk around in -10C weather with no jackets, hats or mittens. 'Cuz, you know, it's warm by northern Canadian standards.
* I love how international the cities are here. 
* Punjabi Radio Hour = my favorite time of day.  The music is amazing.
* Health insurance provided by the government is really useful.  To everyone in the States freaking out over 'Obamacare' ... look to your neighbors up north.
* Don't pronounce 'New Foundland' wrong in front of a classroom full of giggling freshmen. 
* You can buy elk sausage at the local farmer's market.  This fact amazes me.  I have yet to try it, but when I do ... you'll be the first to know.
* Driving in the Canadian Rockies is a frightening experience, unless you like zipping along roads designed by suicidal maniacs.
* On the subject of the Rockies -- go! They are gorgeous. 
* However, avoid the German tourists that will inevitably be there.
* By the way, the Canadians who express disdain for the United States usually have only been to 1 or 2 states, or never been there at all. It's kind of funny.
* The culture really is different.  In general, Canadians are more reserved than Americans.  I've met 1 Canadian so far who actually hugs people. 
* Then again, if you want to watch a normally laid back Canadian get riled up, give him a couple beers and a hockey game to watch.
* Oh, and please don't say 'Canadia.'
* Poutine! French fried greasiness!
* It's 'colour,' not 'color.' Other British-isms that are used in Canada: centre and labour. 
* I honestly still don't understand the metric system.
* If you want to take photos on a cold winter's day, expect your camera to freeze and stop working.  I found this out the hard way.
* When you first arrive here, and tell people you're new ... they'll invite you home for a "nice home cooked meal."
* You can't avoid American TV. I realized this after an entire classroom of students began quoting lines from 'The Big Bang Theory.'
* You can never quite escape the feeling that Canadians hold you personally responsible for George Bush.
* Apparently the entire population of Ireland has moved to Canada.  Or maybe I just have a talent for meeting Irish people. Is it in my genes?
* You are as likely to meet someone from India or China as you are a native Canadian.  Fortunately, this has lead to an array of really good places to get Indian and Chinese food.
* Being an immigrant is really, really hard and people should treat foreigners with kindness.  I came from the USA and I'm going through culture shock ... I can't even imagine what someone from Asia or Africa must go through when they first come here. I was so hurt when I read a news item in the local paper about a young Canadian woman who attacked an African imigrant.  She squirted him with bear spray (used in hunting) and told him to "go back where you came from." I just wonder how she would feel if the tables were turned and she were forced to move to Africa in search of a better life.