So I’m back in Canada for a summer holiday with the whole fam jam and I’m happy to report I’ve already done a ton of “very Canadian things”:
Celebrated Canada Day? ✔ Went camping in the woods?✔ Ate Spitzs and S’mores by a camp fire? ✔ Hiked in bear-country? ✔Sipped Caesars? ✔ Ate Ketchup and all-dressed chips? ✔ Brunched on Canadian back-bacon and maple syrup? ✔✔
Canada is and will always be my home, but since I’ve lived in the Netherlands for so long now (12 years, holy crap!) I can’t help but notice all the weird and wacky “stuff that Canadians like” every time I come back. Canadians are a unique breed with some fairly odd behaviours …and you thought I only spoke that way about the Dutchies! hah!
Here’s the top 5 weird and wonderful things I’ve noticed about Canadians these past 3 weeks:
#1: Why hello there:
Canadians – especially Winnipeggers – are so darn friendly. Now, now Dutchies, I hear ya already: “But it’s fake! It’s not real.” Well, I’m here to tell you this just ain’t so, at least in these parts. Canadians, like their American counterparts are a really friendly genuine folk. I always forget how chipper Canadians are and how they strike up small-talk with strangers just about anywhere. It’s definitely up there with the things I miss most.
#2: Service with a smile:
Ahhh…..nothing warms my heart like kick-ass customer service. Helpful, efficient and friendly, who could argue with that? But don’t forget to tip! I’ve sure noticed that the added 15-20% gratuity does make for some pricier meals than in the Lowlands. Good service (at a price) vs the basics (with a savings): which would you pick??
#3: Activewear overload:
You knew it was coming right? It couldn’t be all rainbows and sunshines here in Canaidia. Ok friends, so things are much more laid-back here; no multi-lane highway traffic jams, no overwhelming crowds and no cramped quarters. I totally get that the wide open spaces and big skies make for relaxing times, but what’s with all the activewear?? Do you need to be that comfortable and relaxed all the freakin’ time?! Or is it that you are all constantly en route to some 24-hour gym?? The moment I stepped off the plane, I immediately noticed the fashion (or any many, cases lack-there-of): t-shirts, yoga pants, runners, hoodies and sweats.
Canadian ladies: I get it. It’s comfy. It’s easy. It’s practical. And for the most part you seem to be doing it with style. [ I can’t lie. There is something so darn tempting about all this comfiness….and it appears to be somewhat contagious. Perhaps I found myself out for a dinner at a nice restaurant last week in yoga pants and a t-shirt. And perhaps I liked it. Perhaps.] Who am I to judge?
Canadian Men:We need to talk. Yep, you. And you. And YOU. Can you try just a little harder? (Or at least pretend to?) Do you have to wear those ‘Dad-jeans’ and that over-sized t-shirt with the chicken-wing stain from yesterday, again? And what’s with all the facial hair and baseball caps? It’s going a bit far. Don’t you agree? We know you invented lumber-sexual, but it’s time for a visit to the barber shop. Ok?
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