As we still consider ourselves newcomers, this post is going to be slightly different than Canadian blogger Alicia Taggio's, who thoughtfully tagged us for this game of blogger roulette. Originally started by Pamela of SpunkyGirl Monologues, the idea behind the roulette is clearly that we all love Canada, and in many different ways, so here it is, mine and Kierans 'How do I love thee,' an adaption of the poem by Elizabeth Barrett Browning.
Oh Canada, how do we love thee, let us count the ways
We love living in Canada for so many reasons. People here live for the outdoors. There are always new things to do and try, and whether its +30 degrees or below freezing, we still see people making the most of their surroundings. Since moving to Canada we've kayaked, climbed frozen waterfalls, hiked, biked, swam, paddle-boarded, ice skated, snowboarded and so much more! We love the pace of life here, how people live for their patios in the summer, and crave their caramel machiato-whatever's from Tim Horton's in the winter.
Paddle Board Master!
We love thee to the depth and breadth and height
Let's face it, Canada is freakin' gorgeous. Not that England isn't, but Canada has this wild, open, untouched feeling about it that is so breathtaking. It's not hard to find either, Toronto has a fantastic city skyline, and the islands are a fantastic spot to spend the day admiring it.
Just 2 hours outside of Toronto you can explore the wonders of the Canadian wilderness. Its crazy how much there is to explore and see. There are also incredible new cultures to get to know. Whilst we were living in the French River area we were invited by locals to learn more about the First Nation communities in Northern Ontario, an experience which opened our eyes to a historic Canadian culture not often discussed in Europe.
Inukshuk who?
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candlelight
With Banff, Calgary, Vancouver and Quebec on our 'still-to-see' list, its hard to say what our favourite place in Canada is so far. We love living in Toronto, but spent the weekend in Ottawa last summer (2012) and part of me could easily see us moving there. The idea of the market, the French quarter, the architectural beauty really draws me in, and I especially like the idea of skating up and down the canal in winter. Really, who can resist a sunset like this?!
Not to mention the architecture I mentioned earlier, from the government buildings to the Chateau Laurier, Ottawa has some striking places to visit, making the city a cultural paradise.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
Of course the longer we stay in Canada the more we can find faults, the colder climate, the expense of travel, but these negatives never outweigh the good. One of my personal favourite things about Canada comes back to the wilderness, and the wildlife Canadians can take for granted, or see as 'normal.' For us, seeing a moose hanging out on the side of the road, or stumbling upon a bear when we're hiking, or even finding a raccoon in our trash can is like life on constant safari compared to living in England, where you're lucky to see a squirrel.
Oh yeah, in my spare time I now train chipmunks. No big deal.
Love that endures, from life that disappears!
I've only just noticed that I have very few pictures of Canada in the winter. I tend to leave my camera behind a lot more when its cold, but this is something I'm going to change because Canada is still amazing in winter. The icicles that grow 2 feet long that hang from my parents roof, the powdery soft snow I've snowboarded on countless times, the beauty of a frozen lake, and the wonder that comes with walking across it. The sky is always blue in winter, so I find it hard to understand why anyone can be miserable. Yes its damned cold, but when its this pretty out, the cold can be ignored!
I could go on, there is so much more for us to see and do in Canada, and I can't wait to spend the next several years doing that, and then doing it all over again! Canada has so much to offer for newcomers and Canadians alike, and is a country like no other. It deserves to be celebrated for its beauty, diversity and for the warmth of its people. For that reason I continue the #mycanada roulette, and tag Candice Walsh, Natalia Sokolova and Audrey Bergner! Enjoy!
Written by Karin.
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Loved your ode to Canada! It’s interesting to hear a newcomer’s perspective – looking at Canada with fresh eyes and reminding us of the beauty that we sometimes take for granted. I know I appreciate the reminder that it’s still beautiful even when it’s freaking cold out! And I LOVE that photo of the Château Laurier with the red Muskoka chairs in the foreground – so Canadian!!
Thanks Lisa, you’re not the first to tell us that we’ve brought new perspective to people. Canada is beautiful and we’re glad that so many bloggers can appreciate it!
That chipmunk is adorable! Great post!!
Haha thanks Raymond! His name is Chippy..not very original I know, but he is a cute (but greedy) little thing!
How we live for our patios! Yes, I totally love that! It’s so wonderful when the first warm days of spring arrive and everyone is out on patios across Toronto. Those few summer months are total bliss for Canadians.
As Lisa said, it’s so nice to hear a perspective from newcomers – and to hear that you love it here as much as we do! Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy when I hear visitors and new residents say nice things about my home.
And great picture of the Rideau Canal!
Haha thanks Tammy, we get all warm and fuzzy too now when we meet new newcomers! In 5 years we both should be citizens, but after only 18 months we both feel like Canada really is our permanent home. Very much looking forward to Spring so we can find a patio too!