Canada takes a very different view of immigrants than the US. Integration - not assimilation. Diversity is welcome. Bienvenue à ceux qui viennent au Canada et qui respectent nos valeurs!
Well said. I’ve already left, and even just across the border you gain an amazing amount of calm perspective, even as the absurdity and apathy make you sadly shake your head.
Canada will be a good place to settle or transition. Once you're settled, the Liberal party or Tory party may need your know how. Ontario uses spelling closer to US spellings while BC is closer to British spelling. It's not exactly standardized
I had this discussion with my wife just last night. Your exploration is much more detailed but the core argument is the same. America lives within us. It will be interesting to see what effect we will have on other countries as the great exodus occurs.
Today I’m thinking of the many African Americans who found freedom in France over several centuries through today. It’s not that there's no racism in France, but it is/was directed in different directions. African Americans were welcomed as culturally interesting outsiders.
.."we will never fully belong anywhere else. I’ll live in Canada but never be Canadian. I could live in Italy, but never be Italian"
Good post, but would add a alternate point to your quote above....
Yes, you will belong. Agree maybe not fully, but for wherever you end up you will eventually belong in almost all ways that matter. It just takes time.
For me, I'm now approaching 20 years of living in Australia, with being a dual citizen for over 75% of that time. The first 4-5 years was obvious in my American-ness, but it slowly faded. I'm now generally feeling more Australian than American, and belong here much more than back in the states. Things slot in. For myself it was things like understanding the rules of cricket, for saying "mate" in sentences without any self-consciousness, cringing when I hear an American friend say "root for the home team", or flying into Sydney and seeing the Opera House and harbour sparkling on a summer's day and thinking "ahh, I'm home".
I still can't shake the accent though....
For those that are getting out. Best of luck and take the time. Keep the American optimism, and adopt the best of where you are going to.
Canada takes a very different view of immigrants than the US. Integration - not assimilation. Diversity is welcome. Bienvenue à ceux qui viennent au Canada et qui respectent nos valeurs!
Taking my ember to Portugal in 6 days!
Boa viagem!
I immediately thought of you when I read this, Karen! I’m excited to watch your next chapter unfold
Aw thanks amber! 💗🙌
Well said. I’ve already left, and even just across the border you gain an amazing amount of calm perspective, even as the absurdity and apathy make you sadly shake your head.
About that Thanksgiving turkey. Twice. We insist. Dual citizens abound, too.
As usual I can't argue with a thing you wrote. We're not in a position to leave now, but there's not a day goes by that i don't think about Canada.
Same here, John.
Went to college in Canada, and have always wanted to return.
Canada will be a good place to settle or transition. Once you're settled, the Liberal party or Tory party may need your know how. Ontario uses spelling closer to US spellings while BC is closer to British spelling. It's not exactly standardized
I think it depends on your age perhaps... I went to grades 2 to 8 in Ontario, did the rest in Quebec. British spelling all the way!
Yes no clear standards. Best to update spell check to English Canadian
Leaving the US 3 months ago was among the best decisions I’ve ever made. My physical and mental health has improved exponentially.
Happy to provide guidance, recommendations or introductions if you land in BC.
My family won't listen.
This is the reality for many people I know.
Also planning my exit very carefully as I read this. Québec, je viens. 🩵
Love this piece. And let's plan to meet once you are settled
I had this discussion with my wife just last night. Your exploration is much more detailed but the core argument is the same. America lives within us. It will be interesting to see what effect we will have on other countries as the great exodus occurs.
Reading this and sipping my coffee from BC. We’re a few weeks post-departure and the reality still hasn’t sunk in yet.
Today I’m thinking of the many African Americans who found freedom in France over several centuries through today. It’s not that there's no racism in France, but it is/was directed in different directions. African Americans were welcomed as culturally interesting outsiders.
.."we will never fully belong anywhere else. I’ll live in Canada but never be Canadian. I could live in Italy, but never be Italian"
Good post, but would add a alternate point to your quote above....
Yes, you will belong. Agree maybe not fully, but for wherever you end up you will eventually belong in almost all ways that matter. It just takes time.
For me, I'm now approaching 20 years of living in Australia, with being a dual citizen for over 75% of that time. The first 4-5 years was obvious in my American-ness, but it slowly faded. I'm now generally feeling more Australian than American, and belong here much more than back in the states. Things slot in. For myself it was things like understanding the rules of cricket, for saying "mate" in sentences without any self-consciousness, cringing when I hear an American friend say "root for the home team", or flying into Sydney and seeing the Opera House and harbour sparkling on a summer's day and thinking "ahh, I'm home".
I still can't shake the accent though....
For those that are getting out. Best of luck and take the time. Keep the American optimism, and adopt the best of where you are going to.
It is becoming more and more real. The post leaves me verklempt.
ja verklempt
Buona fortuna per il tuo nuovo inizio in Canada.