Some conclusive reflections on Canada

I’ve spent more than six weeks in Canada, and there are a few cultural features which have left a lasting impression on me and which I would like to point out to you.  

I must confess that already within 48h after my arrival, I felt fully adjusted to the North American habits of consumerism. It's sad but true: I didn't hesitate the least to frequent all the fastfood chains, to grab coffees-to-go along the way, to waste paper/plastic containers with every meal, to accept the plastic bags at the supermarket, to use paper napkins with every meal etc. All of these things I would never ever consider doing back home. In fact, in Cologne I even go to the trouble of buying beverages and dairy products in glass bottles/jars only, I do the best I can to avoid buying foods wrapped in plastic and so on. Here in Canada, I didn't bother at all, no one does actually. It's horrific how much trash they produce every single day.

Related to that, Canada seems generally stuck on the verge between the old days and modernity. On the one hand,  you'll find a lot of outdated public telephone booths everywhere. On the other hand, free wifi is available in literally every public space (bus terminals, train stations, shopping centers), bars, restaurants etc. This again came in very handy for me although by now I've probably not only sold all my personal data but also my soul to all the multimedia tycoons. It is what it is...

However, above all, there is the Canadian hospitality and friendliness. Having spent a fair deal with families, either working for them or visiting them, I was absolutely impressed by their way of welcoming people (even strangers as I was one to some of them) and making them feel at home and at ease. I find this is a very unique Canadian quality and I highly appreciate the fact that I was allowed to experience this hospitality first-hand a couple of times. It leaves me grateful and somewhat humble especially when comparing it to the German social intercourse. 

There was one incident just this morning that I would like to share with you so that you may better understand what I’m talking about: I needed to be at the airport in Toronto first thing in the morning at around 6:15 am in order to catch my flight to Mexico City. Having carefully planned my departure beforehand I had booked a hotel right at the airport intending to minimize the stress of getting there so early in the morning. However, due to the aircrafts flying over my head throughout the entire night, a fact I was totally oblivious to at the time of booking, I neither slept well nor much. So much for that idea!

Without breakfast (the hotel being comparatively cheap didn’t serve any) I boarded the shuttle bus at 6:00am and got off at the first stop having neglected to actually look up the terminal I needed to go to and, according to Murphy’s law, it was of course the wrong terminal. Half dragging half carrying my heavy backpack behind me I rushed to the right terminal only to find an incredulously long line in front of the Air Canada baggage drop-off. I already began to worry that I would not be able to make it in time (even though I had been at the airport 2h prior to departure) when passengers going to Mexico City were actually called out to skip the line and come up to the counter immediately.

To make long story short, I arrived at the gate 15 min prior to boarding, which left me just enough time to go find some breakfast. The one place around served sit-in food only. I ordered a coffee and a bagel with cream cheese and jam, and stressed as I was, it took me only two bites before the bagel went flying onto the floor, upside down of course. I took a deep breath and counted to three willing to accept my fate that I would go without breakfast (and probably even lunch because the airline offered purchase meals only). I pushed the plate with the messed up bagel aside. After a few moments a member of staff appeared out of nowhere inquiring whether she could take away my plate and upon seeing the almost untouched bagel she asked if it had not been to my taste. I admitted that I had accidentally dropped it onto the floor, to which she replied in a very gentle and compassionate voice: “Oh honey, I feel so sorry for you! Do you want me to replace it for you?” I was stunned by the affectionate nature of this offer.

All of this may sound trivial to you, but in that particular moment this lady totally moved my heart with this simple gesture. I guess I'm just very prone to people showing some kindness right now. However, this is exactly what I associate with Canada. I truly hope that I will be able to contain some of this great generosity and good-natured friendliness which, unfortunately is a rare find in Germany especially in the service sector!

My next destination is Mexico which will be completely different. I'm very excited!