I just got back from Canada this evening. It was a very emotional and a very good trip. I went to my Uncle Joe's funeral in Ottawa, by way of Chicago and I got to reacquaint myself with a good dozen of my cousins whom I hadn't seen in 35-odd years.
All are doing well, and there was much exchanging of telephone numbers and email. My uncle had a very nice funeral and my cousin Anne-Marie delivered a lovely eulogy.
I've got to say that Canada has come a very long way since I emigrated. When I left in the mid-70s the whole Francophone movement was just starting. It was mandated by the federal government that all documents produced by the government would be bilingual. Bilingual education (French and English) was already mandatory in the schools but I think honored more in the breach than in the observance.
Now, however, Ottawa at least seems completely integrated. As I walked the streets of the downtown, I heard French spoken as often as English. People seemed to use it interchangeably in stores and my hotel. Just great.
Canada is also very, very clean. A bit of relief after seeing the refuse on the side of American highways. Little things mark it as almost having more European sensibilities than American and I'm looking forward to going back next spring.
If time and the winds permit, I'll be back to visit my cousins against for Easter.
Posted by artandscience at November 5, 2006 05:55 PM