As a new arrival in Canada from the "The States" as they are referred to up north, one can't help but notice all the differences between the two countries. So here are my observations:
Good About Canada-
Tim Horton's. I'm sorry, but you just can't beat it. I know Dunkin Doughnuts is supposed to be close, but it's not. A large regular and you are well on your way.
Free Health Care- Canada got this one right. Very right. Though I'm not yet a part of the socialized health care, I can't wait to be. So at least one American will have free health care. Now, for the rest of the country!
The Candy- Canada has some awesome candy. Mr. Big, Coffee Crisp, Oh Henry, Aero. You just can't find that stuff in the States.
A more accepting attitude- It's true. Canada is just more open to the considered"outsiders" of the States. Gay, so what, let's have a party. And they do. Toronto Pride Week is out of control, and they just won the bid for the World Pride celebration in 2012.
Poutine- Only if made the traditional Quebecois way. Thick dark gravy, and actual cheese curds
Also: Bulk Barn, syrup.
Bad About Canada-
No clips on the gas pumps- Why oh why do you make people stand out in the cold and hold on the the gas pump!!! It's cold out in the winter! Put the little clippy things on your pumps so we can sit in the car while the gas pumps. So what if one stupid person, or one broken clip spilled gas all over the place. Don't punish us all!!
They punish us all- It's true. Something bad happens, and they want to see to it that it never happens again. A kid dies skiing, they want to make a law that everyone has to wear a helmet. Someone spills gas all over, they outlaw gas clips. A baby falls down some stairs, they outlaw the little rolly chair thingys. It's true, I've had to import them up here from the States.
The Metric System- I know the rest of the word uses it, but come on. Even the ahh hmm "more mature" of your citizens don't know the metric system considering Canada didn't implement it until 1970.
French- Most everything is in English and French. Not really that big of a deal, until you go to the grocery store, and the French label side is pointing out, and you don't know what it is that you are looking at. I know I just have to turn it over to the other side, but I don't want to!!
Hockey- I'm an American, I don't get it. What I get even less is curling. Why are they all yelling so loud?!
Also: No Target!!!Taxes, cost of shipping.
The Different-
The ketchup- It's sweeter in Canada. Whenever I'm in the States, I grab ketchup. Whenever people visit, I have them bring ketchup. This isn't me being crazy, a fellow American in Canada called the Heinz Customer Service and asked what about Canadian ketchup is so different. The answer- 10% more sugar in Canadian ketchup.
Canadian banks don't have drive through lanes- There is a drive through ATM sure, but actual drive through banking, not so much.
I'm sure there is more, but that's all I have at the top of my head. Anyone else have anything?
