Canada

Dear Canada,


My newest friend, I don’t even know where to begin! You are everything I dreamed you would be and more! From your endearing accents to your delicious candy (Wunderbar wins!); from your gorgeous landscape to your Night Dancing moose – oh how I love thee!

I have often regretted that we didn’t meet on that fateful night all those years ago, but now I see that it wasn’t meant to be, because the timing wasn’t right (not to mention that the Detroit/Windsor area is nothing to write home about … err, I mean write a blog about). I am so glad that our first encounter was this last weekend: when I could more fully appreciate your beauty with some beautiful people.

Though I am having a hard time dealing with the reverse culture shock I’ve been experiencing since my return, it has caused me to reflect on the beauty of your culture and your people even more. And, as you can well imagine, what a rude “welcome home” I received upon my attempt to return to my homeland (that just might be my next letter). As unfortunate as that was, it made me appreciate the welcoming spirit of your people even more. And in that spirit, to the following I give a special “thank you”:

Ronda – the first Canadian to greet us warmly upon entering.
Warden Braden – warm smiles, handcuffs, free firewood, first Canadian handshake.
Warden Chris – free firewood, birch syrup advice.
Theo – a true Canadian chipmunk (the friendliest one I’ve met!)
Margaret – a fellow scat expert.
Tim Horton – after two days without, your coffee was much appreciated!

I do hope that we are able to enjoy each other’s company soon.

Much Affection,

Julie