Canada, eh?

So I made a very recent discovery that was most surprising to me: apparently, my three favorite children's shows growing up were Canadian shows, and I didn't even realize it! Sharon, Lois, and Bram; Fred Penner's Place; and Under the Umbrella Tree are all products of the CBC. Who would have thought? Although, in retrospect, it totally makes sense as to why one of the quintessential S,L,&B's songs, "One Elephant, Deux Éléphants" includes both English and French lyrics. Perhaps this discovery was a long time coming...

Making the distinctions between Canadian and American cultures is actually an interesting pastime among my Canadian and American friends here. I now have picked up several regional slang from my friends, including the all-time favorite "deec." Derived from the word "decent," this word is comparable to "awesome" or "sweet." I have learned that I wear not a snowcap, a ski hat, winter hat (or, incidentally, a toboggan) but instead a toque/tuque (sp?). And, if I were to order coffee and want two sugars and creams, such a drink is commonly referred to as a double-double. Of course, this drink is often associated with the famous Tim Horton's--or Timmie's, as it is sometimes called.

Now, having had a fascination with Canada for years, I am even more interested for some reason in light of this realization. The U.S. and Canada are so similar in many ways but are also so very different. The relationship between the two nations, the politics, and the perceptions of each other are quite interesting to study, and my interest in doing so has been compounded by the fact that many of my relatives are or once were Canadian citizens. I have been to Ottawa once and absolutely loved it, but it is due time for me to take the road trip there that I've always wanted, and now I have many friends with whom I can stay!