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What I want to know, since this topic in general was directed at Americans, is why was it posted in the Canada forum? Why wasn't this topic started in one of the American forums where the Americans it's aimed at would read it and respond to it?
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Maybe this topic was directed to Americans like me that live in Canada and have an informed opinion.
Interesting. Most Americans I meet (maybe it's the fact I've met a few from San Francisco) seemed pretty critical of America in general.
I think that's true, but for different reasons. In America, everyone thinks "the other guy" is at fault for the mess we're in. As another poster said, Americans think: "It's all about me. What I want is 'right' and everyone else who doesn't think like me is 'wrong'."
When I used to live in Canada, the biggest difference I noticed was the weather. A majority of the time I lived in Montreal, it was dark and dull. Grey all the time. It was the worst. I hated it. I remember one day we traveled to Ottawa to see some friends and it was the best experience because it reminded me so much of the U.S. It was bright, sunny, newer, had suburban houses and neighborhoods, and most of all they spoke English! For the first time since moving, I felt normality. For all it was worth, I'm just glad to be back in the good ol' US of A. The differences between the countries are too vast. At least for me. I was only about 8 or 9 years old then but I seriously thought I was living in the twilight zone. I've never felt so disconnected from America in my life.
When I used to live in Canada, the biggest difference I noticed was the weather. A majority of the time I lived in Montreal, it was dark and dull. Grey all the time. It was the worst. I hated it. I remember one day we traveled to Ottawa to see some friends and it was the best experience because it reminded me so much of the U.S. It was bright, sunny, newer, had suburban houses and neighborhoods, and most of all they spoke English! For the first time since moving, I felt normality. For all it was worth, I'm just glad to be back in the good ol' US of A. The differences between the countries are too vast. At least for me. I was only about 8 or 9 years old then but I seriously thought I was living in the twilight zone. I've never felt so disconnected from America in my life.
That's probably more because you were living in a province where French is the sole official language and there is a unique Quebec culture different from the rest of North America, rather than Canada and the US are that "vastly different".
That's probably more because you were living in a province where French is the sole official language and there is a unique Quebec culture different from the rest of North America, rather than Canada and the US are that "vastly different".
Yes, I know that NOW. I didn't know that then. I was only 8. I'm just speaking from the way I felt then.
a few for me (but have spent alot of time in Canada so am more aware of the differences):
- smaller freeways (except Toronto) and hardly any (if any) flyovers, less development/ billboards alongside the freeways
- less master-planned and manicured communities as well as the other extreme of less ghetto-ized areas
- less extremes of social strata (less flaunting of wealthy but also less poor)
- less obese people of all variations
- far more British or British-influenced old people
- people are less likely to be preppy and more likely to be "granola"
- French on packaging of consumer goods
- less displays of patriotism, military affiliations, religion- no megachurches
- more cosmopolitan feeling in big cities vs US counterparts (hard to describe until you visit)
- more expensive
a few for me (but have spent alot of time in Canada so am more aware of the differences):
- smaller freeways (except Toronto) and hardly any (if any) flyovers, less development/ billboards alongside the freeways
- less master-planned and manicured communities as well as the other extreme of less ghetto-ized areas
- less extremes of social strata (less flaunting of wealthy but also less poor)
- less obese people of all variations
- far more British or British-influenced old people
- people are less likely to be preppy and more likely to be "granola"
- French on packaging of consumer goods
- less displays of patriotism, military affiliations, religion- no megachurches
- more cosmopolitan feeling in big cities vs US counterparts (hard to describe until you visit)
- more expensive
In other words, more people into Stuff White People Like:
^ Montreal is not meant for an 8 year old. Go back now and you'll love it. It's a beautiful city brimming with culture, historic (for North America) buildings, cobblestone streets, art shops, etc. I love visiting.
* Canada uses the Metric system (love it) * Quebec is French-speaking (Taste of some France) * Different currency * Taxes slightly higher/Things slightly more expensive
That sure isn't the case where I live. Niagara FallsOntario is a beautiful city. Go across the bridge to NF NY and it's pathetic. There just is not any comparison at all.
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