Shopping in Canada

One of the cultural differences I have noticed in Canada vs. the US is shopping. I grew up in the States where there is a certain shopping mentality that I never noticed until I decided to have a garage sale a few years ago here in BC. Now, those Americans reading will recognize a good ol' garage sale, where I set up everything marked slightly higher to leave room for bartering, and had homemade cookies and brownies for sale.

Not one person that came asked for a lower price. Seriously. I would even try to offer less to them when they looked at something and then smiled and walked away. Canadians are really extremely polite. Not that I think bartering is 'impolite' (and I hardly sold any baked goods, these always went so fast in the states). A month or so ago I was trying on a shirt at a store and when the sales associate asked me what I thought, I said "no, I don't think so... it makes me look pregnant." She looked appalled that I would say such a thing, and reacted like I just said SHE looked pregnant. People here just don't talk like that I guess. I was able to barter with a guy in Chinatown the other day though that spoke not one word of English (I wrote down the numbers).

SO, I have had my car up for sale, and in the ad it clearly states OBO (or best offer). A couple came to look at it yesterday, and we took it out for a test drive. The entire time, there was not one negative comment at all about the car. I was waiting for these as negotiation points! They were just so polite and friendly and then said "Okay, we'll talk about it and let you know." With no money talk at all! At this point, I told them that I was extremely motivated because we are leaving in 2 weeks, and still nothing. Come on! If someone out there wants a good deal and is willing to negotiate, I have got the car for you.

It's Official!

Yesterday was my official swear-in ceremony, and I am now a Canadian citizen. There were 58 people getting sworn-in and they were from 26 different countries! Spectators were allowed, so my girlfriend from work came to watch and snap a couple photos. We then went out for cake and tea! The judge officiating the ceremony was a big jolly guy who gave a very impressive sales pitch for why Canada is the best country in the world- "This is like receiving the gold medal of citizenship". He also slagged the US a few times... but it was a good experience :)

One Big Duck in the row!

Today I received the notice in the mail that I am scheduled to take my Canadian citizenship test December 12th! This is a huge relief, as this was an important step in the Europe plan. I really wanted to get my citizenship as a back-up. If for some un-forseen reason Europe wasn't working I would be able to return to Canada (Permanent Residency has the restriction of a 2 year leave within 5 years). Now, I just have to pass the test and get sworn in (probally January). I have to quickly learn everything from the national anthem to all the provinces and capitals...