Articles in Canadian Life
Picture of the Week: Canadian "I Love You"
The other day, I was shopping at Herbs & Spice, a food store on Bank Street. I walked out carrying heavy bags and in a hurry to go back home, and fell face to face with this sign from the shop next door, Wilde’s: “Nothing says ‘I love you’ like a dildo”.
I was sort of taken aback for a second, then it made me giggle like a schoolgirl.
10 Ways to Not Become Poor in Canada
Christmas shopping is underway in most parts of North America and a lot of consumers took advantage of Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals. So, how to not become poor in Canada? How to manage your money smartly?
Here are ten useful tips.
Ottawa Does Not Suck
Come on guys. Ottawa does not suck!
It’s funny how popular capital-bashing is in the new world: Australians with Canberra, Americans with Washington DC etc. The old world usually have capital envy—French may not like Parisians but most acknowledge that Paris is somewhat of an exciting place to be.
Charity Begins at Home (And is Everywhere)
All summer long, I bumped into canvassers wearing emblazoned binders and vests with the logo of the charity they were working for. “Do you have a minute for the environment?” some ask plaintively. “I don’t bite, come closer!” others plead.
Canadian Souvenirs
I admit it, I suck at buying souvenirs. First, I often don’t have room in my luggage. Second, most souvenirs are not exactly useful and can be downright tacky. What’s the point of spending money on trinkets that will just collect dust at home?
Recently, one reader asked me what Canadian souvenirs I would recommend visitors to buy.
Cocooning
Suddenly, the very same indoors malls I avoided all summer (it’s too cold with the air-con on!) look welcoming again and I don’t want to take quick cold showers anymore but lounge around in the steamy bathroom.
Little by little, I reverted to my winter accessories and products. I’m picky about my beauty products because I want them to be: 1) affordable; 2) easy to use; 3) effective.
The Same… Just Different
Thanks to globalization, no matter where you go these days, you will probably experience a lesser culture shock than the great explorers did a few centuries ago. Familiar brands and franchises took over the planet and local customs and lifestyles were exported well beyond their original boundaries. But it’s not always the same. Or rather, it’s the same… just different. Here are a few examples between France and North America.
The Pumpkin Massacre
I’m very ashamed to say that, for the past…er, 8 years, the pumpkin carving duty was often performed by my Chinese in-laws.
But this year, we decided to tackle the chore.
Cut me some slack, okay? Back in the days, October 31st was just a regular day in France—no pumpkin, no sugar-high kids, no candies.
