"And some say what defines us
Is something as simple as 'please' and 'thank you'
And as for 'you're welcome,' well, we say that, too..."
You may have noticed we did not write yesterday. Our group is still excited and pumped but we are slowing down. We took the evening to meet up with Lance and watch the Canada/Norway game at our local neighbourhood pub. People are getting to know us and the cheering and clapping with our neighbours over beer re energized and boosted our spirits! It was so nice to see Lance and I did not want to stop talking to him about the potential impact the Olympics will have on the Aboriginal community and the disability community, hoping it will create awareness and change future hiring policies here in BC.
As Jen and I were on our way home yesterday on the Skytrain, I noticed we were not making the same kinds of connections with people as we have been on past trips. I became aware of our slumped positions, our lack of smiles and repeated yawns. I am guessing we did not look overly welcoming.
I thought back to a conversation we had overheard earlier that day when a tourist asked a "local" directions to an event and was met with enthusiastic navigation and suggestions. As the tourist was walking away, Jen and I heard her exclaim "Canadians really are friendly!" And we beamed! There are worse national stereotypes in the world and if being friendly, accommodating, polite and welcoming are what define our country's culture, this group has been more than happy to represent.
We needed the last evening to refuel and bond over wings, beer and a Canadian hockey game and are back out on the street and off to volunteer as symbols of the true north. Each and every one of us is truly the author of our own experience and you get back what you give to the world. How extraordinary to be Canadian ambassadors, greet the world with a smile and in return create lasting memories for ourselves.
"We are part of the landscape"-quote by Daisy Joseph
