proud to be canadian

i had to go to the immigration office today to prove that i was in good health and able to stay in the country. i had to wait several times and talk to 4 different people because there is ALWAYS a line to be in another line in france. though in my 2 hours at the immigration office and after talking to 2 very lovely nurses/doctors i realized just how lucky i am to be a canadian.

the first nurse as soon as she read i was from canada told me all about her summer vacation to niagra falls and how lovely it was to go to canada and that she cannot wait to go back. she from then on was very warm and nice to me when questioning me if i've had any major illnesses in my life (thankfully, i have not).

the second lady i spoke to, the doctor, was an even bigger fan of canada and we had a lovely chat as she listened to my heart rate and went over my chest X-ray. she was telling me (in french mind you) that she has never been to canada but she would love to go and she has only ever met the nicest people from canada. she then proceeded to tell me that france could learn some lessons from us. i told her how i found it weird that people don't really smile often here, unless you know them. no friendly smiles on the streets or public places, no "bon jours" while walking past someone on the sidewalk.. unlike in canada where i feel comfortable smiling at anyone i pass by. she said the french can often be cold and always are occupied (especially with the popularity in cellphones and personal electronics).

she told me that it is easier for most canadians to adapt in france since the language is easier for us to pick up with our accents and we don't feel as homesick because we're all so nice and social that we try our bests to integrate as well we can and we are also used to french since it's our country's second language, or first language if you're in quebec. though i will point out, the french generally dislike quebecers-- which is unfortunate (but i always tell people i'm english speaking canadian to win brownie points with the general population).

this wasn't the first time during my stay so far that i've been proud to be canadian, but i was a fairly significant one. i also have realized how lucky we are with our health-care and education systems.

it is strange being a "foreigner" but at the same time, i am happy that of any language, english is my first language. it is the language most used around the world and everyone here seems to wan to know it. we have it easy. i have never appreciated knowing a language, especially english, until i got to a place where only a small population speak english fluently. learning a second language is very tough-- but so interesting and fun. french is a beautiful language, much prettier than english, but i do realize how easy people who speak english have it-- all over the world.

i love many places, and can't wait to travel and live in several different countries.. but at the end of the day, canada is my home and i am so grateful for my life there with my family and friends. it's an amazing place to be born and live longterm. being canadian is nothing i am ashamed to tell anyone when traveling, if anything people are more accepting of me after they know my nationality.. which says a lot about our reputation.