Being Canadian

I don’t think I have really taken being Canadian for granted. I was raised by parents who lived through German occupied Denmark in WWII and I heard plenty of stories about little food, no bananas or oranges, using ropes for tires on bicycles, getting shot at in the streets and so forth. I understood at an early age that my parents planned their immigration carefully. For instance, Dad rejected South Africa because there were snakes (my phobia does come from somewhere but that’s for another time). He rejected Australia for the same reason (Black Mamba). He rejected the United States because they had the draft. Canada was the place for us.

I reconfirm that decision wholeheartedly after my trip to Ecuador. Things that I have taken for granted are things you probably also use or do without a second thought. Like turning on the tap and getting hot water. Drawing a bath and having a bubble bath, in hot water. Doing your dishes, in hot water. Brushing your teeth without fearing the tap water will make you throw up. Flushing toilet paper down after doing your duty (in Ecuador you have to throw the tissue in the bin). Walking down the street and not seeing men guarding a shop or casino with machine guns (the first time I saw this the guys actually wore masks. I quickly crossed the street and tried to breath normally). Walking to the restroom by the food court in a mall and not seeing 4 guards with machine guns. Going to bed and not waking up with your arms completely covered in bites (still to be determined if they were bed bugs or mosquitoes, let’s hope the latter). Getting a proper education. Being able to speak English, the international language (get a clue people).

Gosh, that last comment makes me sound like an American who thinks the world revolves around America. Sorry folks, but truly, don’t you think that an international airport ought to have staff that speak English?

Oh yes, one more thing. When you go to pay your cab, your restaurant bill or other purchase, let’s make sure the vendors have change for a $10 or $20 since that is the currency that comes out of the ATM machine. Hello people, we know you want us to give up and walk away from the $5.91 change because we are impatient. If you are in business, at least have the stupid change to run the business.

Canada is safe to walk the streets in the daytime at least. Even at night, most places you can walk around your neighbourhood in safety. And if, God forbid, something should happen to you at least you know the police are not corrupt.

I’m so proud to be Canadian and so thankful that I live in the best place in the world. I’m thankful that I have a job that allows me to live above the poverty line and allows me to save a pittance for my little vacations. Next year, Canada is the place for me! I have a friend in Nova Scotia that will be surprised to see me. J