Articles in Canadian Life
Food In Numbers
You won’t find any nutritional information on products in France. I guess it doesn’t matter that much because most people follow a commonsense diet, or at least try to: eat more veggies than Nutella, nibble on bread but go easy on the mayonnaise, enjoy some dessert but a small portion of it. But in North America, a lot of restaurants offer super-fatty dishes.
Of Bathrooms and Cultural Differences
As a French, I have being taught that bathroom humour is a low form of humour. But I cannot hold it any longer (pun intended) – I’m Canadian now, and if I want to write an article about bathrooms, well so be it.
So, are Canadian and French bathrooms different? You bet they are. And it is definitely part of the funny cultural differences you discover when you travel or live in a foreign country.
The Road To Hell
As the saying goes, “the road to hell is paved with good intention”. But for Canadians, the saying takes a very deep and literal meaning in the spring.
A popular Canadian joke claims that there are only two seasons in Canada: winter and construction. Indeed, after our long and harsh winters, crews of construction workers are dispatched all over Canada to tackle new projects, fix the roads and repair the many cracks in the pavement.
The Corner Store
In North America, not spending money is almost a sin – what, don’t you want to help the economy? That’s probably why everything is conveniently set up so that people can shop anywhere, anytime.
In France, consumers have to abide by retailers’ will. Not so long ago, stores were closed between noon and 2 pm so that shopkeepers could go have a lengthy French lunch.
Free Stuff in Ottawa... and in Canada!
Who doesn’t like free stuff?
Free activities, free services, free goodies… it’s always good to take! Canadians are pretty generous, there are tons of free stuff out there — you just have to find them. I put up a list of ten free-everything available in Ottawa.
Many of the finds here are also available in other cities across Canada, you don’t necessarily have to live in Ottawa to benefit from them.
Lipstick For The Girls
I fought hard with my parents for the right to put make-up on when I was in my very early teens and I intended to use that right fully. Pretty much all of my friends wore make-up (including some guys, but that’s another matter). I felt naked without it, I felt grown-up and mature with it.
A Very French Taboo
If you really want to offend a French man, don’t ask him if you can see his wife naked – there is always the risk you will end up in one of Paris’ seedy swinging clubs. Instead, just ask him how much money he makes. That would certainly stop the conservation dead.
5 Things That Get You In Financial Trouble
Amid the recession, money is tight for everybody.
Let’s face it, immigration can bring a fair share of financial trouble. First, applying for permanent residence and relocating in Canada isn’t cheap. Then, finding a good job may take time. And above all, managing your money in a new country isn’t easy, as you may not be as “street smart” yet as residents.
