“S'installer ici de la U.S. c'est comme être adopté par un parent proche. Presque comme tes parents, mais différent…”

That’s what American Brenda Kautz wrote in une récente Globe & Mail column about relocating from Denver to Calgary.

She goes on to say:

It’s been interesting to compare stereotypes with our Canadian neighbours. They find us Americans to be generally red-necked and dyed red, white and blue patriotic, while we find them to be mildly patriotic, hockey-loving fanatics….

Canadians are polite about Americans’ reverence for our Thanksgiving in November. They are so sweet about wishing us Happy Thanksgiving. If they knew it’s just about family, food and football, perhaps it would ruin the mystique. It’s also our kickoff to Christmas. Ici, au Canada, Thanksgiving is just the October long weekend….

Que pensez-vous? If you’ve relocated to Canada from the U.S., have your experiences been similar to hers? Vous pouvez read the complete essay here.

Photo © Carolyn B. Vrai démon