I moved to the U.S. in August this year and I'm missing Canada. I miss being in touch with the activist community, I miss instinctively knowing the background and significance of an issue just by reading the newspaper headline, I miss being able to be treated at ANY walk-in clinic, and most of all, I miss Vancouver's cheap produce and outdoor fruit stands.

It took me a month to realize that when people talked about the "Kings" they were not refering to the LA Kings, but the Sacramento Kings, a basketball team. Thank the goddess I kept my mouth shut during those conversations.

Anyone else suffering the same ailment out there? You don't need to be living in the U.S. Share your stories of culture shock wherever you are.

Doubtless this had something to do with "security." A glance at their ID badges revealed they were actually from the California National Guard, i.e., probably about as tough as me. And probably about as much use in preventing terrorist attacks. I'm certain they were there to "reassure" the travelling public, no more.

Edited to add:

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Someone here asked me what the "Canadian identity" is. I said that it's being "not American." Oops. Shouldn't of said that.

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I haven't been asked that much. But my favourite response has always been to smile serenely, and ask "Well, what's the American [or British, or whatever] identity?" That generally stops them.

[ December 31, 2001: Message edited by: 'lance ]

I finally asked one what an American looks like. He shrugged his shoulders as if to say 'you got me there' then answered, "British, German, Polish..."

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The American government tells its citizens to wear a Canadian flag when travelling.

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Really? I might have heard this too, at some point, but I can't be sure. Do you recall where you heard it?

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Most people get annoyed when others assume they are from a country they are not from. I think Canadians just take it to a slightly different level.

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If you want to see annoyance, try assuming New Zealanders are Australian...

OK, I haven't too much experience of this. But one night I was waiting for a Subway sandwich when two slightly drunken guys came in and starting talking away at me. They were funny and all, but a little of this went a long way, and it wore away at my patience. I half-guessed they were from New Zealand, but when asked where I thought they were from, I said innocently "Australia?"

Ooo-whee! They were not pleased. But I felt I'd got them back a bit for being such pains.

Come to think of it, I could probably fill a longish post with things that struck me oddly while in Australia. This is just a place-marker -- I'll be proverbially back.

[ January 04, 2002: Message edited by: 'lance ]

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The American government tells its citizens to wear a Canadian flag when travelling.

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Really? I might have heard this too, at some point, but I can't be sure. Do you recall where you heard it?

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From a couple of Americans (separate conversations) who have travelled overseas. They said the government suggests they wear the Canadian flag in order to ensure their safety.

I'll ask around and see if I can find an official source.

[ January 04, 2002: Message edited by: chatnoir ]