July 1st is Canada day if you did not know! I am going up to my uncle’s cabin for the day for some beach time and waterskiing. I hope to finally get rid of my ghastly palor!

I have many thoughts about my dear little country, many emotions and many wishes for it. Thus far it has given me the best life I could hope for and I deeply appreciate all I’ve been able to achieve living in this wonderful place. I say dear “little” country lightly, as we are second only to Russia in size! But a population of only 32 million makes us feel small. Wide open spaces and perfect untouched wilderness have been my playground since birth despite having always lived in large cities. I get shivers just thinking about “my” mountains, I tell ya.

The only corner of the country I’ve yet to explore is the northern territories. My parents met in the Yukon while they were geology students working a summer job in the field. Somehow this has rendered the North a very romanticized entity in my mind and I want to go there.   

Mount Logan, Canada's highest peak

Some things I appreciate about Canada and Canadians that I would miss if I left: the unfaltering reverence for human rights along with the openness of spirit, the trademark satirical sense of humour, the humbleness and low-key attitude, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE, bilingualism, diversity (of landscapes AND cultures AND political ideas), the distinct brand of Canadian film, music, and especially literature… 

I might, might, even miss the weather. Yeah, I would.

yup, even this

Now that I’ve gotten all gushy about my country and that the bragfest is over, let me give you all a pop quiz about Canada. Kerri, Xavier and other Canadians lurking around you definitely are not allowed to answer! All others, try to do it without using the internet and answer in my comments section! I’m just curious to see how you’d do…

1. Name the current Prime Minister of Canada (Bonus: name the party that is currently heading the government)

2. Name the capital

3. Name 4  of the 13 Canadian provinces or territories

4. Name as many Canadian musicians as you can think of

5. Name Canada’s only certified bilingual province

6. What is the name of the federal police force of Canada? (famous for their uniform)

7. How many times have the Olympics been in Canada (excluding Vancouver/Whistler 2010 coming up)

8. Where in Europe is there Canadian land?

9. Which sport is Canada’s obsession?

Phew, this may be a toughie! But I hope someone will try it out!! I’ll post the answers on the weekend regardless of whether or not anyone answers.

Again! Happy Canada Day to my fellow Canadians out there!