We can learn a lot from other countries. How to embrace the outdoor café from the French. How to deal with rain from the English. But what about one of our closest neighbors, the Canadians? As it turns out, there’s a lot we can learn from them, too. Here are eight things we can learn from our Canadian friends to the North.
1. How to laugh about anything.
Canadians, as a general rule, have a great sense of humor. Ellen Page, Cobie Smulders, Will Arnett, Nathan Fillion, and Michael J. Fox are just some of the funny people that Canada has so generously donated to make the rest of the world laugh. What more could you ask for?
2. How to be cold, constantly.
Canada is a cold, cold place. The record low temperature in Toronto in January was -24 degrees Fahrenheit. To me, that seems like a temperature at which you couldn’t even sustain life, let alone keep on with your daily routine. However, in a country that is often very close to zero degrees, its people continue living their lives. Are they superhuman, or are they just really good at dealing with the cold? The world may never know.
3. How to say sorry.
There is a stereotype about Canadians being constantly apologetic. Apparently, if someone even thinks that they might have breathed your air, they will say sorry more times than you know how to respond to. While many other people won’t apologize even if they run you down on the sidewalk, it is not so in Canada.
4. How to scarf down poutine.
Poutine is a Canadian specialty. It’s basically a dish of fries covered in gravy and cheese curds, and it is seriously one of the most delicious snacks in the world. When I was in seventh grade, my French teacher taught us about poutine and I thought it sounded disgusting. Several years later, on a trip to Montreal, I had some and it was the most wonderful thing I’ve ever eaten. Really, poutine is amazing. Everyone should move to Canada, eat poutine on a daily basis, and gain thirty pounds. It’s worth it.
5. How to master the quick breakfast eatery.
When in Canada, you will see some of its most common inhabitants: moose, apologetic people, the ever-present maple leaf, and Tim Hortons. Tim Hortons is a chain similar to Dunkin’ Donuts, only with better coffee and better donuts. It’s fast, efficient, delicious, and everywhere. There is a Tim Hortons on practically every corner of every street of every Canadian city, and it’s great. There are some Tim Hortons stores in the US, but visit a Canadian branch for the full experience.
6. How to show national pride.
Ah, the maple leaf. It’s everywhere, and unlike some other countries’ flags, it’s not annoying. Just a simple red and white background with a red leaf on top. Clean and simple. We could all take a leaf out of their book (pun intended) and show some tasteful pride in our heritage.
7. How to make anything maple.
Maple isn’t just for syrup these days (though real Canadian maple syrup is wonderful, and everyone should experience it — plus they sell it in really cute maple leaf-shaped bottles). The maple candies that come out of Canada are delicious, soft, and are sweet enough to rot your teeth. It’s no wonder Canadians celebrate the maple leaf.
8. How to get behind one sport.
Hockey, eh? It’s the first thing most people think of when they are asked about a Canadian team. And it’s only fitting that a sport played on ice would be so popular with the cold-loving people up North. While many people follow sports in other countries, it’s not with the same unity that Canadians follow their beloved hockey.
Featured photo credit: Francois Peladeau via flickr.com
