#848 Go to Canada ✔

Why Canada? You ask. Good question. I've always been interested in the idea that "all Canadians are friendly, kind and nice to talk to." I wanted to experience this for myself. This time round I was unable to visit the main land, but instead, I got to visit a beautiful Canadian Island called Newfoundland and Labrador, well known for its fishing industry. Whilst there I was able to meet some extraordinarily nice and friendly people, and experienced the full force of its winter. I was so cold and got so blown by the wind that at the end of the night (on the day of the lighthouse adventure) I got extremely, and I mean extremely sick. Not exactly the best way to send a holiday, but c'est la vie.

What I got to learn a lot about during my visit to Newfoundland was a lot to do with the Aboriginal culture. I have always loved American Aboriginal culture. I used to watch cowboy and indian movies as a child. In fact, I think my love for Aboriginals derived from repeatedly watching a movie called 'The Indian in the Cupboard' (my favourite childhood movie), which was based off of a children's book. I love their simplistic way of living. I love their spirituality and love/appreciation of flora and fauna. I love their music and the way that they sound so free when they chant. And the fact that it was all right there and I got to see it all up close in its homeland was one of the highlights of my trip. Saying this, I only got a mere taste of the aboriginal culture within the confined walls of a St. John's, Newfounland museum, however, it is one of my passions and desires to get to experience, at least once, the aboriginal culture on a more personal level. To be able to listen and to watch an aboriginal chant or song with real aboriginals, and to sit amongst them and listen to the stories of their ancestors, now that is a dream that I wish to one day realise.

The other highlight of the trip was the fact that I got to see my partner Georgia again after several months of a long distance relationship, as she went out their on a year of study abroad. The fact that I got to experience this new country, this new culture, and to tick this big number off of my bucket list was the cherry on top. Oh, not to mention the fact that I got to experience a veganised version of a Poutine - which happens to be a North American delicacy and traditional dish. This was definitely one of my favourite experiences so far on my bucket list adventure.