N is for Nationality

I AM CANADIAN!

Canada (IPA: /ˈkænədə/) is a country occupying most of northern North America, extending from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west and northward into the Arctic Ocean. It is the world's second largest country by total area[7] and shares land borders with the United States to the south and northwest. (from Wikipedia)

So just what does it mean to be Canadian? Well, I'm not a lumberjack or a fur trader and I don't live in an igloo or eat blubber, or even own a dogsled. I have a Prime Minister instead of a President and the last letter of our alphabet is pronounced "ZED." I eat beaver tails in honour of our national animal - the beaver. (beaver tails = pastries covered in cinammon and sugar) Being Canadian also means:

1. You know that Canada has the largest French population in the world that never surrendered to Germany.

2. You know that the Hudson Bay Company once owned 1/11th of the Earth's surface.

3. You know who "The Rocket" is.

4. You dismiss all beers under 6% as "for children and the elderly."

5. You can eat more than one maple sugar candy without puking.

6. You know that Mounties don't always look like that.

7. You understand the sentence, "Could you please pass me a serviette? I just spilled my poutine".

8. You can drink legally while still a teenager.

9. You know what a "toque" is.

10. You drink pop, not soda.

Canada is now very much a multicultural society so it's pretty hard to really define a "Canadian." New Canadians come from almost every country in the world, especially from the Asia Pacific area. However, most foreigners like Canadians because of our gentle, kind attitudes that echo around the globe. Canada also has magnificent scenery that we all love to brag about. Here are the top 10 places to see in Canada and why:

10. Prince Edward Island - the earth is really red there and there are stunning cliffs along the Atlantic Ocean.

9. Ottawa, Ontario - I lived here for 3 years and can vouch that it's a great place to visit. It's our capital city where you can view the changing of the guard (Mounties) at Parliament Hill and in the winter, skate on Rideau Canal - the longest skating rink in the world.

8. Kelowna, British Columbia - warm in the summer and mild in the winter, the valley produces Canada's world famous B.C. apples and wine. The Okanagan Valley has a marina for avid boaters and many golf courses. Relaxing at the beach or sitting on the porch of a lakeside cottage is everyone's idea of the perfect destination. We're hoping to retire there one day.

7. Churchill, Manitoba - the polar bear capital of the world AND the beluga whale capital of the world because it's situated on Hudson Bay along with being one of the best places to catch a glimpse of an Aurora Borealis or Northern-Lights.

6. Vancouver, British Columbia - my home and the best climate in the entire country. You can enjoy the city's night life, ski at Whistler and go whale-watching along the coast. Camping, hiking, and boating are also just a few other things to do here.

5. Niagra Falls, Ontario - a popular place to get married, you can also see the falls from the USA side of the border.

4. Quebec City, Quebec - rich in French culture. The Old-City is contained in an stone wall that once protected the city from the British Navy. The City Fortress makes Quebec City one of the last walled cities in the world.

3. Montreal, Quebec - the world's second largest French speaking city (second only to Paris) some would compare it to France.

2. Banff, Alberta - With the guaranteed wildlife sightings of bears, elk, moose, deer, and mountain goats it's best to go in off-season. It's also home to the famous Banff Springs Hotel where you can take a dip in their outdoor hotsprings.

1. Lake Louise, Alberta - Deep in the Canadian Rockies, a large turquoise lake trickles from the thousands year old glacier in the distance.

So today N is for NATIONALITY and my nationality is CANADIAN ~ and I'm proud of it!

ABC Wednesday is brought to you courtesy of Mrs. Nesbitt's Place.