In the fall of 2009, we began a journey in Canada. Prior to that we were in Moscow, Russia, a place that still tugs on my heartstrings from time to time. I am amazed at the experience we’ve had here. As an American transplant, it doesn’t feel very different, but yet it does.
Open your ears. Hate-fueled speech does not get mass media coverage. Every country has its bad seeds, of course, but not every country feeds them. Sure, there’s a subtle anti-Americanism here just as in much of the world, but it is mostly playful. Canadians have a modest pride in their accomplishments, progressiveness and comparative status to the US.
Canada Day has always been a fun affair. The middle of summer, fire up the grill, and gather friends and family around. It’s usually warm enough to swim, bask in the sun and get completely worn out relaxing. What is your favourite Canada Day pastime? What foods bring back the best memories?
As Barack Obama recently remarked in the North American leaders summit, “The world needs more Canada.” And I couldn’t agree more. It’s hard not to feel exceptionally grateful for the opportunity to live here, when so much in the US and other parts of the world right now are uncertain. If the Canadian light were as strong as the US’s, we may all live in a more peaceful world.
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