1. Canadians are so polite.
Just the other day Sonia and I were talking about how you can always tell an American by their blatant "me-first" attitude. You can tell them by their driving, even by the way they walk... When a Canadian walks down the street, they talk to strangers, "hi, nice day out today. How are you?" They hold open doors for other people, they are there to lend a helping hand. Now, I am not trying to bash my American neighbours over there, to be honest I don't blame them. There are so many people in the States, if you don't think of yourself, you get mowed over down there! And there is no question that not everyone is like that. But the fact remains, Canada is a kind country, and I am thankful to be a part of that.
2. Canada is Beautiful
When I see pictures of different countries, Greece, Mexico, Italy, I am envious and wish I could go there, see their beauty. We may not be surrounded by blue-green waters, but we are surrounded by beauty. We have forests and lakes, rivers and stunning waterfalls, islands, amazing wildlife! This country is beautiful! It is raw, it is natural, and I love that.
3. Canada is Versatile
If you go to the Amazon, you can expect to find the hot and humid rainforest. If you go to anywhere along the equator, you can expect to find hot climates. In Canada, nothing is to be expected. There is rain and snow, wind and cold. It is hot in the summer and cold in the winter. Along the west coast there is rain, up north it is cooler. We are surrounded by mountain ranges and passes. Canada is a versatile country, and every year is different than the last.
4. Canadians are inspirational
I was trying to think of what word to use here, a word to describe how we aim for the best. We aren't necessarily the "best". We don't have the best singers in the world, we are not the hub of famous actors. (although apparently we are the best athletically this year :) But we always try. Watching the olympics, I felt a sense of community I have never felt before, and I was inspired. Inspired by these day to day people I was watching do extraordinary things. Inspired by the people shamelessly cheering their country on. Inspired by the faces of expectation, by the very heart of our country expressed so openly. Yes, we are an inspirational country.
5. Canadians are accepting
To our detriment at times, we accept. We accept people and races of every kind, Canada is sought after by thousands of immigrants each year. We provide jobs for them, we provide education for them, we accept them into our communities and circles. We are an attractive country to come to, it is strange to think that as much as I want to go and travel, people want to travel here! :)
These are just a few of the many reasons I am proud to be a Canadian this holiday. Not to mention our healthcare system as being one of the best in the world. With three small children, I could not imagine having to pay each time they needed an x-ray or a test. I trust this country to take care of me and my family, I think this country is beautiful, and I am honored to bear the name: "Canadian" this day!
