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01/11/2003 Archived Entry: "Being Canadian"

I have been in BC now for two months... and I have seen many different things that differ from where I grew up in Alabama. As it may be that southern BC is a melting pot of several nationalities, there is many things that are just about being Canadian.
Shoes in Canada have a tradition all their own, and it is one I am growing used to , but took me completely by surprise the first time I experienced it.
In Canada, when people enter the house, they take their shoes off at the door. This might not sound odd, because in the south most cases I took my shoes off when I got home. The difference is you take your shoes off no matter whose home it is. It is just common courtesy to take your shoes off at the door... as weird as it seems, you go to someones house, and their are a pile of shoes at the door. Now, I asked Greg is there a time when you don't take your shoes off, like maybe a party, and he said no not unless you are going to be at an outside gathering, otherwise the shoes come off. I am getting used to this concept now, but let me tell you being new here, it was little strange taking my shoes off in someone's home, I barely knew at all. :) People come to our apartment, the shoes come off...in one case the people were only here about 5 minutes!!! a little odd to me, but nothing that can't be lived with.
Another thing big here about being "Canadian" is a little place called Tim Hortons restaurant. This place is all about Canada...it is a place names after a hockey player, and they serve soups, sandwiches, coffee, and DOUGHNUTS! Very good doughnuts at that. Doughnuts are huge here. I love doughnuts so this I definately like. Krispy Kreme is making its way into Canada, so look out Tim Hortons... I heard on the news that in Canada a man waited over 30 hours for a new Krispy Kreme to open, now that is someone who loves doughnuts, or a little psychotic. Now Tim Hortons, and America's Wendy's have merged, and Tim Hortons will be making it's way to a town near you.
So in order to be a good Canadian, you must love Hockey & Doughnuts, and I think I can do both. I think I will be just fine here.
Jen