“Paglipat dito mula sa U.S. ay tulad na pinagtibay sa pamamagitan ng isang malapit na kamag-anak. Halos tulad ng iyong mga magulang, but different…”

That’s what American Brenda Kautz wrote in sa kamakailang Globo & Koreo column about relocating from Denver to Calgary.

She goes on to say:

It’s been interesting to compare stereotypes with our Canadian neighbours. They find us Americans to be generally red-necked and dyed red, white and blue patriotic, while we find them to be mildly patriotic, hockey-loving fanatics….

Canadians are polite about Americans’ reverence for our Thanksgiving in November. They are so sweet about wishing us Happy Thanksgiving. If they knew it’s just about family, food and football, perhaps it would ruin the mystique. It’s also our kickoff to Christmas. Dito sa Canada, Thanksgiving is just the October long weekend….

Ano sa tingin ninyo? If you’ve relocated to Canada from the U.S., have your experiences been similar to hers? Maaari mong read the complete essay here.

Larawan © Carolyn B. Heller