Chapter 2




	What the World Thinks of Canada by Joe Bourgeois

	Chapter 2 - Foreigners Outside Canada

		In this chapter we hear from people outside Canada commenting on what they know or think of Canada and Canadians. These comments were collected by a group of Canadians travelling abroad. While the lower class in the US may be worse off than in Canada, we still do everything at a higher absolute quality than you do. And besides, if we cut off the aid to your country, you’d be nothing. Adam Philadelphia, PA U.S.A. * Canadians are like watered-down Americans, only less stupid. Natalie London, England * 'Out and about' with the Canooks. My confessions of what I have done to Canadians and what that land of the maple leaf has done to me. Well, it has been my pleasure to be exposed to the Canadian species for the past four or five months. I should place this in some context, I'm an Australian student living at a residence infested with Canadians. Over that time I've witnessed many odd and culturally explosive moments. My only impression of Canada before meeting 'real' Canadians behaving 'Canadian' was that you don't call them Americans and that it was a place where movies and TV shows have been filmed. However, since my exposure to Canadians I think I can impart a couple of impressions which stand out first and foremost about what I think of Canada and its people. Firstly, I think these Canadians I have met (I certainly wouldn't say they're representative of the Canadian people as a whole), as guys I talk to, drink with, laugh about, and drink with again, have left me with the feeling that Canadians are amongst the friendliest, most excitable and generally well-groomed people it's been my pleasure to know. They're love and pride for their country is the most unassuming and knowledgeable I have yet come across. They're intolerance of racism and sexism is highly commendable. As people they certainly command my respect and admiration. They are full of life and enthusiasm. One of my fondest memories of Canadians, which involves all I have discussed so far, is their celebration of Canada Day. Their love for their country was passionately obvious, and their enthusiasm for including everyone in the party was warming and embarrassing. You couldn't help but be infected by the little slice of Canadian enjoyment of life that was going on before my eyes. The Canadian flag strung up, great Canadian beer, and tons of Canadians and Australians enjoying each others company. Canada, for me, has shifted from a place that I associated with America and little else, to a place as distinctive and alive with a unique form of life as New Zealand is from Australia. And this is due to some of the greatest ambassadors to Australia, Canada, has ever produced: Canadian students! Craig Norris Adelaide, Australia * I think it was 1981, recently out of college, I hooked up with a friend in the Finger Lakes area of New York. We crossed into Canada in an old beat up Chevy. The muffler fell off regularly. We drove almost out west, to Lake Huron, and camped three to four days at a provincial park. Pup tents, cooked on open fires, primitive. We followed the coastline for about two weeks, stopping at each park, camping, hiking and exploring your beautiful country. Friendly people for the few we met. Finally we reached a point of lake and bay. I can't remember the name of the park, but it was very empty. We had the place pretty much to ourselves. We camped just uphill from the water and I remember waking up in middle of night, walking down to water and taking a long swim in the park alone. Natural solitude, silent still, maybe a little dangerous. That's my Canada. Ken S. Pittsburgh, U.S.A. * When I think of Canada, I think of the time I went to Toronto to visit my uncle. He moved there to start a jewelry business and marry a Canadian woman named Kathy. I know I was surprised how modern and big the city was. Very much like Madrid but cleaner. The people I met were very friendly, and I got very excited to hear Spanish in the street. I loved to go to Kensington area where I felt very much at home. I ate empanadas and churros with me uncle and his wife. I did not know Toronto was so international - I wonder if the rest of the country is also. My uncle is very happy in Canada but he says it is expensive. But Kathy works as a teacher so they can afford their apartment, this is not so easily done in Spain. Women work but the man is expected to do more. I saw so many women at work, I think this is good thing about Canada. I would like to come back one day to see more of the country. Inaki SB Madrid, Spain * Geographically, Canada brings to mind vast forests and mountains and a glimpse of Toronto from the airplane on the way to New York. Canadians are big, polite, drink a lot of beer and say ‘eh’ a lot. They also have a tendency towards plaid flannel shirts. From what I’ve read and seen on TV, Canada has some of the most humane, sensible and fair legislation in the world. The best country to live in? Could be. So what? Shari Kibbutz Hannaton, Israel * I have only been to Canada to see Niagara Falls (a great place) but I have waited on many Canadians when as a high school student I worked as a waitress in a restaurant in Daytona Beach, Florida. Some of my customers seemed quite put out that we wouldn’t accept Canadian money as payment for the bill (I was, in contrast, baffled that they would expect us to, and disappointed to receive Canadians coins as a tip, since I could do nothing with them). One man was angry with me and said ‘You should take it Canadian money is much more stable than yours!’ Later, when I was on university training as a lab technician I met a Canadian tourist receiving dialysis in our renal unit. She was eager to explain how much better the Canadian medical system was, and seemed disgusted by her surroundings. I wondered why the Canadians I met seemed so eager to prove they were the equal of America. Lynn G. Daytona Beach, Florida U.S.A. * Stereotyping Canada = great donuts, fantastic hockey players, strong beer and a lot of competent beer drinkers and frigid temperatures with a lot of snow. This is what Canada is all a-bout – Eh! However I live by Buffalo, New York which is less than one hour from the Canadian border. I find Canada and its people much the same as I find people in my country - very friendly and willing to give a hand if needed. Beautiful and peaceful scenery, with so many gorgeous lakes. Rae Ann E. Holland, New York * I find Canadians to be very friendly and outgoing. They know how to have fun and how to make foreigners feel welcome. They have a quality about them that is, how do you say, non lo so! Being Italian, I have had nothing but wonderful experiences with Canadians and will hopefully make it to Canada someday soon to visit. I have heard that it is a beautiful country and everyone I have met has offered me places to stay. Vicenzina Notte Isernia, Italy * I've sure Canada has their share of assholes. However, the ones that I've met travelling are incredible. Just never make the mistake when listening to their accent, 'Oh, you're from America'. They don't like that and have to correct you. K. West Sydney, Australia * Oh Canada! Prior to visiting there in 1989 my earliest thoughts were that they must be the 51st state of the US. My God these people sound so much like Americans, how could they be any different. Wrong! I spent two weeks in the US and found it to be almost another planet. The people there seem so obsessed with money and ambition I often wondered if they believed in the simple things in life. When I went to Canada the first thing that struck me was how similar they were to Aussies, in that they're very laid back, and make a real effort to be friendly. Within Canada they're very diverse. Quebec was really weird and would have to have been the biggest culture shock of my entire trip. I always thought of Quebec as being that part of Canada which spoke a bit of French, but didn't realise how dominant it was until I arrived in Montreal. A lot of the people there seemed to snub non-French speakers although I did notice that on most occasions they made allowances for foreigners. Charlie A. Canberra, Australia * Blaide's knowledge, insight about Canada. C - common wealth nation (Queen's picture on money... partake in the Commonwealth games). A - a beautiful country with old mountains and many huge lakes. N - nationalistic people (the majority of Canadians who I've met, and who live in Australia, live with a huge Canadian flag in their flats). A - an excellent singer. k.d.lang. Stunning voice, fantastic strong woman. D - down to earth people, who are friendly and open, and are surprisingly realistic about career choices. A - and a heap of education students. Blaide L. Australia * Working in the travel industry, I’ve meet and socialize with people from all over the world. I find Canadians to be friendly and very easy-going. They seem to be able to relate well with other people and generally have a good outlook as well as being open-minded. As an Australian, I see a lot of similarities between our nations, such as a strong individuality and sense of comradery. I hope to travel to Canada in the near future as I've not heard a bad thing about Canada or its people. My own experiences with Canadians is proof of that. Sam R. Adelaide, Australia * I really don't know that much about Canada but I will try to give my limited impressions of the country and it's people from what I have read or heard. I guess I think of Canada as being an extension geographically of the US and therefore very similar in other ways. I do know however that Canadians get very annoyed at being called American, and from the few loud brash Americans that I have met on my travels, I would much rather prefer to be with a Canadian as they don't seem to have these annoying characteristics. As for landmarks, I think of Niagara Falls and a lot of mountains. Politically, I know a little of the last referendum on Quebec's independence attempt and I admire that part of the country maintaining its French traditions and customs. I don't know about living there, as I having never visited the country. I wouldn't know, but I would like to visit there at some point - probably a skiing holiday, I have heard it's very good value. Sarah M. Edinburgh, Scotland * Well, how do I start? I had the opportunity to meet a lot of Canadians while in Australia and New Zealand. And, because my aunt lives in Ottawa and my dad visited her, I now know how beautiful Canada is. My first encounter with a Canadian was a bit unfortunate, I was cleaning in a hostel in Melbourne and I called one of my colleagues an American. Wow! World War III had broken out! I guess it was because she had none of the following items on her: baseball cap, backpack, day-pack, moneybelt or wallet, which all bore a bright maple leaf. But anyhow, after that I learned: when in doubt ask if they are Canadian. Americans are less fanatic about it. At the airport in Auckland, I met Danielle from Winnipeg, she had a Canadian accent but where were the maple leafs? I was confused. Danielle explained that she too found most Canadians a bit over sensitive and for that reason she had ripped her patches off. Danielle and I hitched together for a while and when she ran out of money and got a job we went our separate ways. Oh well, we had a great time. And I learned to make out the accent better. Overall, I had just one bad experience with a Canadian, a guy called Jeff, he stole my favourite tape. Pay in hell, you bastard! Maybe it was because I once said he resembled one of the chipmunks. One other thing that I must mention about Canadians is that they are usually really fit and active. Always ready to participate in something strenuous/sportive. But are also bad losers. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I've got the idea that people from the East Coast are more like Americans in their behaviour than other Canadians. By that I mean always mentioning something's price, talking really fast and with a lot of 'you knows'. As far as I know from Danielle's stories, Canada is an environmentally conscious country (she, like I did have a lot of problems with just tossing everything in the same bin). Social issues we talked about were 'little town mentality', for example her friends being teenage moms and drinking and driving. I know about Quebec wanting to separate and I know that Danielle found it another arrogant French action and well, to me it does sound a bit silly, splitting the country in half like that. I do know that British Columbia has beautiful shifields and it's a mecca for shibumms with ponder in tha brain! I guess that's “aboot” it. And I too sometimes get mistaken for an American and it is annoying. Esther VDW Den Haag, The Netherlands * I'm afraid to say that my experience of Canada is very limited. I have never been there. I was considering visiting Canada on this trip but I settled on a cheaper air fare and a slightly different routing so I've missed out on this occasion. All I really know about Canada is formed by people who have already been there. My aunt taught and travelled there for a year but it was 20 odd years ago. She has been back a number of times since then, so obviously she thinks it's pretty great. A friend of a friend has also spent three months in Canada and the only thing I can remember him telling me is about areas of forest that are so huge, the people who live there are able to grow a large number of marijuana plants, generally going undetected. Glad to see that someone has got their priorities right! The Canadians I have met over the past few months have been very similar to the New Zealanders I've met. Basically I haven't met anyone I haven't liked (so far) and they all have the same friendly, easy going attitude. Lindsey Bradford, England * One thing that continually strikes me about Canadians is their insistence about having the maple leaf flag sewn on their backpacks. Ten months ago when I started this trip I thought that they must be a particularly patriotic race. I have learnt over these months that the primary reason for the ever present flag is so that 'they don't think I'm a yank.' Seems sensible enough to me. The majority of Canadians I have met have been friendly, outgoing folk, very easy going and easy to get along with. Although they tend to like being the centre of attention, and their speech is sprinkled with too many 'know what I mean's' and 'see ya's'. I guess being so close to the states can rub off on you. My image of Canada is pretty romanticized in that it consists of huge tracts of evergreen trees, endless snow fields in wintertime and the old men in their shooting gear. I guess I imagine it to be a very beautiful country - kind of like the states but with a more country town feel to it. Many of the Canadians I've met have been from small rural towns and have been dying to get out and move to the cities - like country kids the world over I guess. I really don't know enough about Canada to comment on the political issues, but from what I gather the Quebec separatist issue doesn't seem like a good idea as in the end the whole country would probably lose out. Most Canadians from both sides of the argument have been anti-separation. It seems to be a nice country to live in, in that it is physically beautiful and Canadians themselves do seem aware of and care for the issues which affect them. Most are very articulate and well-educated about their country, and from the little I know it appears that they are justifiably proud. Emma H. Bedfordshire, England * Well I'll say that I am not an expert on people, but I have met a few. Canadians are a little more relaxed than the yanks. Let's not talk about them. Where is Canada? Is it the tropics or the Arctic? One minute it's hot then it's cold. My pictures of Canada are of a big country with rolling hills and mountains where Bigfoot can run free in harmony with nature. But soon there will be loads of Japanese tourists to spoil that because I think they will get bored going to oz all the time. French Canadians are different than the rest. The French Canadians are less adventurous. They seem to be on drugs or sleeping pills. Anyhow, I can't think now so I will say one thing, they are nice people who can mix easily. They mostly travel in parts of girls or boys. Healthy people but they are just not into heavy drinking like me. Bernard W. Donegal, Ireland * When I think of Canada I immediately separate Canada into English speaking and French speaking. To me they are two distinct cultures with people not at all like each other. Latin/Anglo-Saxon differences. Being more attracted to Latin cultures (being Anglo-Saxon) I enjoy more the music, art, cinema produced in French speaking Canada. Canada conjures up images of vast amounts of open space, flatness, wilderness, wind, snow and glacial images in the north. Canadians are known to be nice, kind, considerate, polite people, especially English speakers who are also noted to be a bit dry and dull, paralleling their Midwestern American neighbours. As a place to live, Canada seems comfortable but cold. Too cold. I would choose the most to be in Montreal, a city that offers for me the best of Canada, culturally appealing with the most diversity of race and people. Charles L. Salvador, Brazil * Canada has brought life to me - what does that mean? The way people live and the way they are. I immediately fell in love with the 'cold country'. Although I've only been in Toronto and Montreal, I felt that the people were all very helpful and friendly. There are so many similarities to South Africa. Like what? The people are also very conservative (those that I met); they are very modest; friendly and helpful and care about others. The idea South Africans have about Canada is that the weather is cold and so are the people. Tough luck, I disagree. I am not only saying this, but this is my feeling. In fact, if things go well, I intend coming to live in the 'land of maple leaves and honey'. If this doesn't help you, I'll be back in Canada and tell you more of what I think. Theo R. Paarl, Cape Town South Africa * It's so cold in Canada - I don't think anyone there knows what summer is. It seems like people there are always skiing, playing hockey or skating. Aren't they really good at skating? I remember watching the Olympics in Calgary and seeing Canada do so well. I think Canadians are big sports people - you would have to be in a country so big. I can understand why people want to go there - there is so much space. But where do you go when it's too cold - I think I'd miss the summer. But I want to visit anyway, to go skiing out West. Suzie R. Lincoln, Nebraska * The nature alone is not why we make our journey to Manitoba and the lake. It is also the townspeople, the folks who rent out the canoes, the waitress at the diner and the park warden named Don. They are all warm, friendly and inviting. In general all the people in this area are like this. They seem to enjoy the simple pleasure in life and seem to relish their family lives. The youth, however, seem somewhat restless and bored. They drink and smoke a lot. But they, too, are friendly. I am drawn to Canada to enjoy this simplicity of life. It's just that simple. Kristin H. St. Paul, Minnesota, U.S.A. * I have travelled to many diverse places in Canada and I have many wonderful images of the beautiful countryside and the people. There is one place in particular that I have been to numerous times over the last 17 years that I will focus on. The place I visit with my family and friends is a little hamlet called Waldorf, in Ontario. It has one dirt road that goes over a set of railroad tracks and through the town. It is surrounded by many towering and fresh smelling pine trees. Trees that I love to listen to the sound that they make when the wind blows through them. The road leads to a resort called Cedar Point Lodge. It is there that we put down our little canvas homes and splash our boats into the water. It sits on Eagle Lake, a huge lake that one could get lost on because of it's hundreds of islands. The lake offers the challenge of being explored. One never knows what's around the corner, it's a pristine wilderness that is a soul cleansing experience. Susan B. Mankato, Minnesota * I visualize Canada as being flat land with snow drifts and a mountainous background. The Canadians I have met seem somewhat overfriendly, a bit false perhaps, but that's just my perception based on a small minority. Nicola S. Sheffield, England * Snow-capped mountains, huskies, Mounties, CN Tower, maple leaf, Ben Johnson, icy rivers, whitewater rafting, giant redwoods, forests, lakes, vast open spaces, snow, skiing, snapshot images of Canada. Nigel S. Rotherham, England * I've never been to Canada but I would imagine it to be clean and to have a nice environment. I imagine it to have mountains with snow and lots of forests, with log cabins and fir trees. I think that Canadians would be friendly. Rebecca * I've never been to Canada but what I heard about it sounds great - snow covered mountains for skiing and hiking, huge green forests and nature everywhere. And the Canadians are said to be very friendly. A.W. Germany * Canada has a huge green countryside, big lakes everywhere, lots of snow and good mountains to ski. I've never been there but I'll go someday, sometime. Canadians, I think, are like everyone else in the world. Some good and some friendly, some stupid and some bad. I don't know much about Canadian politics, but here in Europe we just heard things when they are very problematic such as: fishing war against Spain (Spain has everything under the sun), about Quebec trying to become independent, and the joke about the journalist phone call with the Queen. What else can I say about Canada? Maybe someday we can have a talk. Arancho MI Spain * When I think of Canada, I always imagine big lakes and snowy mountains, an incredible landscape but unfortunately I've never been there, perhaps some day I will go. And about Canadians, how are they? I hope friendly people, as in Spain (well, it's generalizing). I know only a little bit about the fishing problem with Spain (of course, because I am Spanish), and about being the best country to live in, well, I have to say that I live very well in Spain, although, perhaps Canada could offer me a better living, who knows? Lourdes Malaga, Spain * My experience in Canada was wonderful, not because of the forest, lakes and wildlife, but the people. It seemed to me an environment similar to Peru which I wasn't expecting. The people were very kind and polite in the airport. They sorted a visa that I needed with no problems. But it's nature was very beautiful for me. I think it is one of the few places from which you can experience the real life because everything is almost natural - there is so many forests and hardly any buildings in the parts that I visited. I liked Canada as well as other countries, but I think each country is special in some way. The landscape and the panoramic view were breathtaking. It was something that I always wanted to do in Canada, to see its nature and compare it with Peru's, which I found very different and nice. The places that you can go in Canada are very peaceful and relaxing for me, it was a kind of escape from reality and the modern way of life. I know that I will always remember Canada and hopefully I will go back there once more. Henry Cusco, Peru * I heard that Canada is full of nature and very beautiful. There are a lot of lakes and woods so the scenery must be extremely beautiful. I'll definitely go there possibly with my boyfriend. Yuki Japan * Canada is excellent. I've been there two times now and I think I'll visit Canada this summer as well. The women are exotic! Antonis Cyprus * I have never before experienced Canada's landscape and culture. As my first impression, I would think it would be very open, very green with a lot of forest area and mountains. Whenever I have seen pictures of Canada's landscape it has always looks very clear and bright, not much pollution, a very healthy place - I'd love to go there. Keith W. England * I think that Canada has some of the most beautiful scenery in the world. There are lots of open spaces and crystal blue waters. The houses are very big and I love the cars too. It has open spaces and scenery like in India where I come from but Canada is a cleaner place. I would like to stay there one day for the rest of my days. B. Punjab, India * Canada must be a cold country with a lot of snow and wild land with wolves. I think that Canadians, when they speak French, have a real strong accent. I know that the Canadians are fond of eating a kind of pancakes with maple syrup. I imagine a woodcutter with red checked shirt, strong men who like to laugh together, drinking beer in a cosy wooden room. On the other hand, I think that in the big cities, the life must be the same as in Europe. We don't hear a lot of about Canada, it's quite a mysterious unknown country as far a I'm concerned. Isabelle S. Bordeaux, France * When I think of Canada, I think of cold weather and snow. I know that part of the country is French speaking. Last week, people who are living in Quebec had to decide if they wanted to be independent in a referendum. People who voted 'no' won. I know that there are a lot of pine trees forests like in the American sitcom 'Twin Peaks'. The story Twin Peaks is next to the Canadian frontier. I've just seen one Canadian movie 'Exotica' , I'm crazy about the film, it's one of my favourites. Atom Egoyan is the director of the movie. I also love Leonard Cohen, the singers and Daniel Lanois. Xavier Bordeaux, France * Canada is a large country in North America. I love this country, I've never been there, but if I could go there it would be fantastic. When I went to the Boston in the USA , I wanted to go to Canada, but my family couldn't bring me there. This is a very big regret. I love Canadians, they are very interesting people. Two years ago I was introduce to somebody that came from Quebec, he was very interesting. I know too, that Canada is next to Alaska and the United States. There was a referendum for the independence of Quebec, 'No' won against 'Yes' by four percent. What I love about Canada is the mountains, the lakes, the snow. Being in Canada during the autumn must be fantastic, all the woods in orange, yellow, green and brown. Living in Canadian forests must be fantastic, to be alone, in a house with only wild animals all around. Mathieu Bordeaux, France * I went to Montreal three years ago. I had a very nice trip but I don't know Canada very well. For me, Canada is a huge country, well-preserved with forests, lakes and mountains. I think that the Canadians are interested in ecology and the preservation of their natural environment. The Canadians I met during my trip were friendly and very nice. I was happy to see that they spoke French which made it easier for me to talk. But they told me that most of the Canadians speak English and that only the people who live in Quebec speak French. For me Canada is not only a huge natural country, it's a modern country too with high technology firms. I saw on TV that the robotic arm of the US space shuttle which fixed the space telescope 'Hubble' has been made by a Canadian firm. That firm is already working on a new more articulated arm which will be used to make the international orbital station Alpha. I think that Canada is a very nice country and I agree with the United Nations when they say that the Canada was the best country to live in. Simon G. Bordeaux, France * PRIVATE Personally, I have never been to Canada but from what I hear it is beautiful. When I was in Holland I met a few Canadian vets and they were quite friendly. I’ve heard that it’s big, beautiful and truly worth seeing. Someday...someday. Tina California, U.S.A. * Canada is a wonderful country, particularly for young people whose manners are refreshingly impeccable, and whose integrity is unquestionable. I wish that their influence was more worldwide. Barbara Burley, England * Canadians are always very friendly, never been there - oops - yes, Niagara Falls - but so touristy. Good hockey players come from Canada, hey? Would love to go to Whistler someday! Carol San Diego * Canada where is it? Oh yes, isn’t it to the north of USA. Down a bit. It used to be pink on the atlas, but now it’s a muddy brown. It’s famous for its bears and Mounties and Turtle chocolates. London has a working population of 22 million, about the same as the whole of Canada. So can we all come over there?! Everything on labels are printed in French and English, why? B. Kingsbury, England * When I think of Canada the first thing that comes to mind is nationalism. Being right next door to the only remaining superpower, Canadians, in my view face an identity paradox. The easy option is to get sucked into the ‘American way’. However, I think, the Canadians chose the hard way to be Canadians. Did they succeed is a different question. Ahmed Sudan (now living in Boston) * Thinking of Canada (where I have never been) I always imagine an escape from a stressy world, nature, wildlife and ,for those of us who do want the luxuries of modern conveniences, stints in big cities. As for Canadians, I am biased, my favourite friend the poet Kris Kuntz lives in Whitehorse and he’s a wonderful person. I worked with a few French Canadians and they were great companions. I never got the impression that the country had major problems concerning politics etc. or rather not more than any other country battling with similar politics, native issues, language, etc. I’m sure my postcard image of Canada will dent once I get there but I would love to go over anyway. Bram Antwerp, Belgium * This line of thoughts starts with a flag: Red and white with this leaf from a big forest of tall thin trees filled with Moose and grizzly bears. Indians and fur hunters walking around living their life in this giant bit of nature. Sometimes they go to the cities to have a glass of whiskey. Some of them even live there with their wife and kids, cars and dogs. Here it stops. I have never been to Canada. Right now I’m in Egypt. It is so warm that my thoughts about a country way north is quite disturbed. Lars Denmark * The only information I have concerning Canada is from a disaffected exile from Newfoundland. Stories of alcoholism, domestic violence and unemployment were alleged to be the norm although this is a far cry from the cosy image of mountains and forests which I was given at school. Joe London, England * My first impression of Canada was with my parents - Expo ‘86 - a nightmare family vacation. Probably not related to the country but bad associations. As for Canadians I have met in my travels - they couldn’t be nicer. Friendly, open, fun - great people. Only problem I have with Canadians is for some reason they think that the most awful thing in the world is to be mistaken for an American - what is the story with that? Tracy Los Angeles, California * The many Canadians I have met stress the multicultural aspects of the city. They seem to be quite patriotic in their own way - always with the Canadian flag on their backpacks and they seem to have a great fear of being mistaken for U.S. citizens. I imagine a Canadian is not being unlike that in the U.S. The weather, I believe, is also similar with more severe winters. Canadians, in general, seem also to, be a bit on the defensive side when talking about their country: with non-Canadians as if to assert the fact that they don’t see themselves as under the shadow of the US. Cara Boston, U.S.A. * My only memories of Canada are a short trip to Quebec and Niagara Falls as a child. Quebec...My mother arguing with a French speaking person after attempting to go straight in a left turn only lane. In the process tearing off her bumper and scratching his paint. Niagara at 12...cold and wet, and lots of hookers, what’s the difference? Canadians in Israel, either friendly and helpful, or working as dishwashers. No, actually my experience with Canadians has been great. Having lived in Turkey for a year now, it has been nice to discuss crazy Canadian ‘British’ politics! Which I don't and can’t comprehend. Who is their Prime Minister anyway? Oh yeah, and how about those initiations in the military. Okay, and I thought that only happened in the South. Forrest Kalamazoo, Michigan U.S.A. * I am afraid that due to the fact that I know only four Canadians (all of whom are related to me) I am not willing to make any generalizations about Canadians themselves. As a New Zealander I have to disagree with the United Nations decision but from what I’ve heard Canada isn’t a bad place to live. Maybe one day I’ll come to Canada and be able to comment on the country and its people from personal experience. Pearla Auckland, New Zealand * I think of Canada as cleaner and more polite than the States (I went there once at age 12 and definitely thought it was clean)...in the general scheme of things. Canada and the US have a lot of shared culture - I guess I tend to think of Canada as a tidier version of the US. Tidier in all kinds of ways, politically, historically - Canada’s ties with Britain weakened gradually, not in a bloody melodramatic war; Canada’s not always throwing itself in the middle of international conflicts. Still Canada doesn’t seem to have the kind of leadership (politically, technologically, culturally) that the US does. Americans invented the lightbulb, the car. There’s an American stereotype that Canadians stereotype Americans as rude, semi-barbaric even. Still Canada buys into American pop culture, whereas the average American doesn’t know any Canadian rock group, TV shows or movies. (On the other hand, I do admire some Canadian writers - Margaret Atwood, Alice Munro). Debbie S. Dix Hills, New York U.S.A. * I think of Canadians as the type of folk who drive purple Cadillac’s, eat avocado pancakes and take long drives to the zoo. Bari G. Prescott, Arizona U.S.A. * I think of Canadians as basically another variety of American, sometimes a little ahead of the United States (health care), sometimes following after (the economy). Except for the French, who seem to be a separate country altogether, Canadians speak the same language as the US. Well, “aboot” the same language from a to zed. I understand there is a lot of snow and ice up north but I have never ventured that far and I don’t want to. They can keep all of that cold stuff and in fact, I resent them sending their cold fronts down on us in Ohio every winter. Really, I don’t think about Canadians that much. As long as we have that long open border and similar cultures, I probably won’t notice them much in the future. Paul Columbus, Ohio * Having lived in Florida most of my life, and Daytona Beach in particular, when I think of Canada, I think of Canadian tourists. They would flock down to Florida in their vans or luxury cars bearing Quebec or Ontario license plates, walk the beaches in freezing weather, sunburn to a crisp. Since then, of course, I’ve actually gotten to know some Canadians, and have always found them to be friendly, warm people. Not all of them are Doug and Bob McKenzie from the Great White North. I’ve actually been caught listening to the CBC on my shortwave radio, listening to the problems with Quebec, the native populations, the environment, etc. I know it’s a beautiful country and I would like to visit someday (actually my grandfather was born in Toronto). In the meantime, take off, eh? Alan Daytona Beach, Florida * When I think of Canada I think of Montreal. It is one of the most beautiful cities I have visited. The people are friendly, the city is clean. It has a European atmosphere, and it’s great being there. The best restaurant I ever ate at in my life is Cafe Martin. Superior food! Ottawa is quaint and Toronto is like New York City. What else comes to mind while thinking about Canada? Canada Dry, Canadian Bacon (great for Eggs Benedict) and Canadian Club. Also, The Three Stooges routine of “Slowly I Turn” whenever Niagara Falls is mentioned, and Sergeant Preston of the Yukon! Gary C. Kibbutz Hannaton, Israel * When I think of Canada, I usually think of Montreal - the very French atmosphere of the city, which contrasts with the more ‘North American’ atmosphere of the suburbs. English bookstores, with signs in French, Portuguese immigrants grilling sardines on Saint Jean Baptiste Day. I also think of hardwood forests, brilliant green pastures, Niagara Falls, foliage season in the Maritimes, snow in October (being originally from Florida, I found this fascinating), Kraft ‘Canadian’ slices, imperial gallons and nice people (except when you ask for directions in Montreal). And last but not least the MacKenzie Brothers (take off, eh?) and great beer. Also beautiful women. T. Ben-Moshe Kibbutz Hannaton, Israel * I was in Canada from about Winnipeg to Banff/Jasper. It was beautiful! I remember crystal clean blueness everywhere - the skies, the water and big beautiful green and brown forests. The plains were wide and open. And everywhere was clean with no litter. I so fell in love with the country and I wanted to move there. But before you can get a job you need a work permit and before you can get a work permit, you need a job. Okay - so they’ve got stupid bureaucracy like everywhere else! On my sabbatical year in 2006 I want to spend lots of time in Canada - I haven’t seen eastern Canada which I don’t want to miss. See you there! Marcia Kibbutz Hannaton, Israel * I’ve been in Canada only twice. The first time I was about 20 years old and we went to Toronto. I remember only that such a large city was so incredibly clean. The other time I visited a friend in Ottawa. She took me into the Laurentians for a day. As I grew up in Chicago I was duelly impressed by the beauty of the mountains. The fact that Canada is so vast and yet not crowded means that its natural beauty is less subject to human abuse. My other lasting memories of Ottawa is skating on the Rideau Canal, watching sidewalk plows clear snow after 10 inches of snowfall, and the wonderfully sweet tap water. D. Kibbutz Hannaton, Israel * Having lived in Detroit all my life I have many memories of Canada. The best of them were at summer camp - the aurora borealis were amazing like a big vacuum cleaner was sucking up the atmosphere. Wow. And on the United Nations thing Canada may be a great place but anything approved by the UN stinks. Ezra Detroit * My graduation gift to myself upon finishing my bachelor’s degree was a week long trip in Canada. I found the country remarkably beautiful and clean, with beautiful countryside and campgrounds, and an incredible nightlife in the cities, starting after 10pm!? The people were pleasant but cool - no extra hospitality, just “proper” behavior. On the other hand our lack of French in Quebec turned out not to be a problem - I guess they’re used to us tourists. The scenery is stunning, large, full of water...not like my home in Israel. The Canadians who visit us here are almost without exception easygoing, kind people with a variety of experiences and willing to work hard to help if they are volunteers on the Kibbutz. Politically, Canada seems to be on the right track vis-a-vis women’s rights and roles, but messed up regarding foreigners. Sharon Kibbutz Hannaton, Israel * When I think of Canada - beauty, a vast landscape, and innocence come to mind. The Canadians that I know seem to be kind, gentle, friendly people. I have lived mostly in New York, California, and Israel and I visited Montreal once when I was 14. Compared to the places that I’ve lived and visited, I felt Canada was a clean and less violent country. Perhaps I tend toward a romantic and somewhat unrealistic viewpoint - but Canada and Canadians represent a freer society and less violent individually. D. Ben-Moshe Kibbutz Hannaton, Israel * The only pictures I have of Canada are of the Skydome and Strange Brew - I think a common perception among Americans is that Canucks live in the 51st state. It’s unbelievable to think that north of Buffalo, Toronto has an entirely different tax system and a prime minister. H. Chicago, U.S.A. * I have never been to Canada but from what I’ve heard it’s one of the cleanest destinations and is known to be crime-free. Canada is becoming a popular country for young people. The Canadians I’ve come across have been friendly and they also seem to be go-getters who know what they want out of life. Jackie Cape Town, South Africa * I grew up until age 23 in the East Coast of USA and then moved to Israel. Sadly, what we learn in the US about Canada is minimal. My associations are fighting for French vs. English in Montreal, good beer, ‘out’ and ‘about’ , my ex-brother-in-law (from) Ontario. Debbie US and Israel * When I think of Canada: Beautiful mountain ranges Mt. Whistler and skiiing Freezing cold climate Natural forests wildlife All the Canadians I have met have been very friendly and outgoing, seem to be much more outgoing than from the USA. Canada is very popular with Australians. Tom Australia * What comes to mind: Calgary Stampede. From Canadians I’ve met great personalities, easy going. Not loud and abrupt like other countries. Always helpful, willing to communicate. Good sportsmen, my brother played rugby in Canada and said it was always fair, and played in good spirits. Adrian L. Australia * Beautiful nature, Vancouver Island, rocky mountains, Whistler, good fishing - salmon. I have met numerous Canadians, they are always friendly and much less ‘loud’ than their American neighbours. Canada is very environmentally conscious. I think it is a good idea to have two official languages - it always helps to expand one’s horizons. I was in Canada for a couple of months and found this statement to be very true. I will definitely like to return! (Winters are cold!!) Peiter V.R. Pretoria, South Africa * I always had a dream in my mind about Canada - for me it like a postcard, just perfect! Lately I’ve heard somewhere (I think it a UN source) that Canada is the best place to live. Wish one day I can visit it. World on ice. S. Mohamed Cairo, Egypt * Being from the northeast US, I have had a lot of exposure to Canadians and have travelled in Ontario and Quebec. One thing I would like to comment on is the unspoken competition between Americans and Canadians. There seems to be instant friction when we meet, masked by outward friendliness. On the surface, it is as if we met one of our own (American and American or Canadian and Canadian), but there is definitely a difference. Americans often think that Canadians have an inferiority complex brought on by the size, strength, or wealth of the US. That may have something to do with American arrogance, maybe not. Canadians, on the other hand; I find they make an effort to prove that they are not American. Are they threatened by our size, wealth, strength? Or do they have an honest grievance? Are they offended when people assume they aren’t Canadian but American? It reminds me of the relationship between the big and little brother - they love each other, but compete constantly. The older feels superior and tends to lead the younger. The younger looks up to, yet despises the older, wanting to separate from and outdo the other. Scott M. Philadelphia, PA U.S.A. * My ex-boyfriend is Canadian. I liked them so I’ve lots of good things to say about them. I’ve visited Belleville (Ontario) and Toronto, my impressions of Toronto was that it was clean and somewhat clinical. I really wasn’t there long enough to form a definite impression. Kingston was beautiful, Belleville was boring. I’ve made many Canadian friends while travelling and I’ve always found them interesting, easy to talk to and fun. I wouldn’t like to live there, but I’d go back to visit. I’d like to travel to Prince Edward Island and then to Newfoundland where I have a good friend in Saint John’s. Joanne C. Ballydehob County Cork, Ireland * I went to Niagara Falls when I was 9 years old and was a bit disappointed. But the real problem with Canada is that it is an underestimated country. They need some more aggressive public relations strategies. Excellent actors, musicians and entertainers come out of Canada, but because they settle so quickly in USA we mistaken them as one of our own. It’s a country that seems to be overwhelmed by its wilderness. At the same time its rich immigrant population must offer true diversity amongst the evergreens. I’ve always seen Canada as the place to migrate to if you couldn’t get into the US. Viewed as the great imitator of America (psycho murders, serial killers), the people of Canada seem more thoughtful, deliberate, as if they never lost their European heritage. The more I think about it the more I would actually like to visit and see the country for myself. Angela F. Bergenfield, New Jersey U.S.A. * Because I have never visited Canada, it is hard to comment. From what I have heard, read and seen on TV, I have an impression of a cold, green, clean, mountainous, very pretty country perhaps somewhat like New Zealand where I grew up. I have met several Canadians in my life, all have been very friendly and easy to get along with without being over the top like some Americans. Leanne B. Sydney, Australia * Canadians, hmmm. They hate it when you ask them: “Hey, are you American?” I like the maple leaf in autumn colour. Dan London, England * Canada, a place where there is too much water and very little people. My general picture of Canada is a very beautiful and serene place. About the three or four Canadian people that I have met I can only say that they were very friendly and easy to communicate with. Johan Pietersburg, South Africa * I’ve met a few Canadians while I was travelling. They’ve made me change my impressions of Canada and Canadians. A few years ago I was not very positive towards Canada. I was very critical towards the ex-premier Malroney. His own natives are suffering so much and yet he was so critical towards South Africa. Geographically I know where Canada is on a map and I knew about the French in Canada and about Quebec and Toronto and maybe a few more facts. These days I think I’ve learned that civilians can be much nicer than their leaders. Usually I find the Canadians friendly and nice people. Oh yes, I know that they lost against South Africa in the 1995 Rugby World Cup. C. Olivier South Africa * I think Canadians who are mistaken for Americans are only offended in the same way as say Australians are mistaken for New Zealanders and vice versa. There is a definite distinction between Canadians and Americans and the fact that it is we mostly assume, when we meet them, they are Americans. Maybe it’s the accent. I admit I have done it but now take the time to say ‘Canadian?’ first rather than ‘American?’ Janine Australia * Personally I have had positive experiences and relations with Canadians in general. Although I worked in a ski rental shop in western New York for 10 years and I have to say a lot of the drunk obnoxious skiers I came across were Canadians. I was younger then and believed all Canadians were like this but I am more educated and mature now to escape stereotypes. Honestly, the general consensus I observe towards Canadians in my area are negative stereotypes. People say they (Canadians) drink too much, say ‘eh’ at least 20 times in every sentence and are not as intelligent as say the average person in the States. Even though it is sometimes hard to ignore these stereotypes, I myself, see people as individuals. This usually doesn’t fail me, and as a result I have travelled with, studied with, (at Canisius College in Buffalo) and have befriended some great Canadians. Nathan south of Buffalo, New York U.S.A. * Canadians, hmmm. I’ve met a dozen or so Canadians. Vancouver thinks Toronto is American. Toronto thinks it’s multicultural. I get the impression Quebecers think they’re French. They’re all Canadian to me. If they’re not the 51st state of the US then they’ve got to be pretty close. In the same vien Australians are just a protectorate. But Canadians all sound left of the loony US. Politics, pretty similar to Australia. Actually the two countries sound pretty similar in a lot of things, standard of living, US sitcoms, etc. I have noticed Canadians denying they’re American but to me it’s no big deal. I quite like a lot of Americans I’ve met. One thing I have discovered is that I know no - zero - Canadian geography. Where is Quebec? East is Vancouver I have discovered. I’m pretty sure Montreal is in Quebec. Toronto? I don’t know where it is. But I know what your flag is. But who doesn’t? Tim Y. Australia * As Korea is a small country, its mountains and valleys are not so steep or big, I think the Canadian mountains (forests) are so impressive. I have met about thirty or forty Canadians when I was in Seoul and during my travelling around I think they are quite friendly. But it’s hard to say in a word who Canadians are because many (various) people consist of Canadian people. Usually Korean people think that Canada is very nice place to live in. So do I. I’ve heard that so many friends want to live in Canada. But we do not know much of Canada, especially about the Canadian society. I don’t know what is the most serious problem in Canada, and it will be same with other Korean students. Serkin P. Seoul, Korea * I like Canadians and can’t wait to get to Canada, we are due in Montreal in the winter. The people I have met at home (generally) share the same interests and values as a lot of us. The dollars are almost identical and we are both part of the Commonwealth. I think Canada is quite different to the USA because the people are interested in the rest of the world and its issues, not its back pocket. However, I have heard the government has pulled out of a couple of major aid programs making it hard and often expensive for travellers. I don’t know anything about the politics or native issues but we all have them, and it’s too hard to judge when you don’t know the history. I think of snowy mountains, green forests and tranquil lakes as well as busy cities. If it is the best country in the world to live, we might stay a while. It will have to do good to be better than home. Glenn Sydney, Australia * Canada, I consider a vast wilderness of differing landscapes from the dense forests of British Columbia to the flat tundra plains. I also think of herds of caribou and bears and spawning salmon. Canadians are always patriotic with the maple leaf on backpacks and lapels. Some have been drinkers, some smokers, all friendly, all hate being called American. Unfortunately some influences from their near southern neighbours, the septic tank ‘yanks’ have creeped across the border. As for politics I know very little, I admired and applauded their stand against the Spanish and their fishermen. Scott Brighton, England * Most Canadians I’ve met are different to their septic tank neighbours next door. Canada please keep it that way. As I’ve not visited the country yet my experience of Canadians is from my world travels. I’ve learnt not to judge a book by its cover. Often in large groups, behaviour differs from a single traveller i.e. not as loud as people often say that they are, the same can be said for any group of travellers. North Americans on the whole tend to be more confident and up front than others countries. This is not a bad point though some people do find it to be. Thus most Canadians I’ve met have been friendly and 9/10 good listeners and interesting to talk to. Like New Zealanders, Canadians love the outdoors and look after their environment. Canadians seem to be trying to address the problems with the native North Americans. Best country to live in? Maybe! Could be due to the fact that each city is not too big. Wide open spaces for people to visit. And finally Canadians seem to have an open mind to most things that concern them. Keep up the good work Canada. Most Canadians I’ve met while travelling have been great ambassadors to their country. Rob P. Christchurch, New Zealand * My impressions of Canada: stunningly beautiful but also at times ferociously cold. The picture in my head matches most peoples in this book - lush greens, snowy mountains, etc. But I imagine a far emptier country than the United States, far more spread out, consequently perhaps Canadians feel less hectic and more relaxed. I found them very welcoming in their own country, as have friends, and less invasive than Americans. However, as someone mentioned before, they do seem highly patriotic - not only their country’s flag on rucksacks but one Canadian I met even had it tattooed on his leg! Travelling Canadians are definitely talkative - a nightmare to get from A to B with as they feel the need to stop and talk to almost every native along the way! Better like that than not friendly at all though. Well done for standing up against the Spanish fishermen - made headline news in England! Definitely somewhere I’d like to go back to one day. Shame it’s so bloody far away really. Taz Brighton, England * Canadians! Very friendly from those I’ve met travelling around, they often have more to say than just where they’ve been and where they’re going to - they also give you the feeling that you’ve got their complete attention, whether that’s true or not I don’t know. They do seem to be quite patriotic; proud of their identity, however I feel that the Canada vs. USA competition is often hyped up and that issue has never really come into my experience of Canadians. Canadians always seem to be game, willing to get up and do things with enthusiasm - also they’re quite expressive about things, giving opinions quite avidy. Canada, having never been there I have no firsthand experience, I suppose the same goes for most of the other entries in this book as I do have an impression of greenery, trees, Niagara Falls, space, but also of modern cosmopolitan cities, the islands off the coast. I hope to visit one day. Alison C. Berkshire, England * Canada? Only two crimes come to mind. Firstly, sharing a border with the USA. Erecting the ‘Great Wall of Canada’ could mitigate the damage. Secondly, harbouring the French, who at the time of writing persist with their attempts to blast radiation through our South Pacific. Otherwise, what to say? Never been there, but images of Wayne Gretzky, Toronto Blue Jays, Montreal and Calgary, Ben Johnson, Canada Dry softdrink, mountains, blue lakes, green trees, trout, skiing, maple leaf badges on backpacks. Bruce A. Launceston, Tasmania Australia * Canada - they made an enormous country, but no one showed up for it! Mark College Park, Maryland U.S.A.

In this chapter we hear from people outside Canada commenting on what they know or think of Canada and Canadians. These comments were collected by a group of Canadians travelling abroad.