Lots of Americans fled the US during the Viet Nam conflict for very valid reasons. I stayed and served my two year enlistment but it was a very open option that was only open to those who couldn't find a Doctor to get them 4 F'd for Bone Spurs, or a continuation onto a University that enabled them to pursue endless fields of study. You don't need to renew worry about renewing your passport to go and find out information from the Canadian Government who will and are very knowledgeable about your concerns and the options you are facing. Pack and bag and get on board the cheapest form of travel.

@iamjc Last I checked it was $250K, but that ws after George W. Bush was elected. Haven't checked recently.

@atheist Canadians have high standards in order to eligible for immigration or permanent residence. This is in part due to the U.S. not having socialized medicine, as they dont' want a glood of people with huge health problems.

You have to have significant savings or else at least have employment in an eligible category. I think I also read that if you want immediate health benefits you have to buy in to the system.

@atheist if the entire region was on fire you would have a point.

@atheist Yes, there are many subtle cultural differences. Bangers and mash for breakfast. Thanksgiving comes before Halloween. Boxing Day. Curling is a sport !?! Saskatoon Berry Tarts!! It's fun to discover these differences. I visit when I can.

@atheist Yes, they are different. The social benefits are a big deal. People are a little kinder, more willing to share at a societal level, the arts are supported and people think that is ok, and it is more secure. No one in Canada is worried they will go bankrupt if they get sick. At least in BC, seniors can defer property tax until the house is sold by them or the estate so people who bought houses in Vancouver 40 years ago aren't forced to move as they cannot afford the tax. Lots of little things make a big difference.

@atheist re: Saskatoon berries aka June berries or sarvice berries ..... Though I like your definition too!!

oh yes we are - but we feel for you, we really do.

A lot of them hate their own representation. It's kind of interesting.

@RavenCT Yep.

we have a completely different political system with good and bad politicians - but our worst crap seems to pale in comparison to what we are watching you suffer through.

@MsDee I don't watch the news anymore.

We are sarcastic bastards - national pastime

I love Due South
I often say 'Thank you kindly' to people, which always put's a smile on their face

@GothRik It really would? I should try that.

@MsDee Apparently the gene was passed down by my ancestors.....

My first cousins kids upon meeting the entire family at a dinner - "OMG these are my people! They understand our humor!".

@RavenCT Well. it sounds so much more sincere than, say, 'Have a nice day' . Also, courtesy cost nothing, but it can be very rewarding

@GothRik I unfailingly say nice things to store clerks and servers (etc) but "Thank you kindly" just has that wonderful ring to it.

Things are too hard IRL to not be nice.
I'm so aware that I have no idea what may be happening in the life of someone I have a very short interaction with.

Well as Canadian - guys we look at you funny too lol.
And as Russian who moved to Canada in 2004 - there is a lot of small tiny differences that made me choose Canada over US. And I would do it again.
Most Canadian joke - One day Canada will rule the world, and everybody will sorry!
Really polite country indeed?. If you exclude Montreal lol.

@atheist I really don't know, but it happened on most trips over a 10 year period. Though my son met a girl from Atlanta up there, they stayed in touch and finally he went over to visit her, then later she came here. However she was a student here for a few years rather than a backpacker. I mean, seriously, despite their British connections, Canadians still drive on the wrong side of the road. I did find these backpacking expeditions so amusing though. The British guys would drink all night and be too sick to sail, so their ladies would come without them, the Germans would drink as much, yet the guys would still come for a sail, they were just very green in colour. The Chinese and Japanese would would book to go snorkeling and diving, yet arrive with no experience or qualifications and most could not swim so were unable to do much of anything. The older southern Europeans somehow thought they would be able to magically experience the coral without getting wet. Just generalizations of course and the atmosphere was always jovial and friendly.

@atheist I agree, and it is weird, I have never been overseas. Backpacking is great and prior to that I have made so many very close friends from the Pacific Islands. Such friendly people, we are like family when together.

@AMNOTGOD
That's one of my pet peeves, and I did it myself.

Looney and all.

@atheist why, thank you! ?

Can you see me waving?

@MsDee hi, how you doing?

Doing just fine here in the great white north. Waiting for spring to really arrive. If you see it while you’re up on that chair, please send it my way!

I’m dying to know what ‘a bit odd’ refers to. Most Canadians would wear that title proudly by the way. ?

@MsDee My uncle had dual citizenship, he retired there he operated one of the nuclear power plants up there. One of my favorite oddities is ketchup on mac and cheese, my daughter eats it that way.

Not bad! ?There are a ton of other artists as well - not to mention the slew of comedy geniuses we have shared with you. Come visit us some time (you’d likely prefer summer). The population of our entire country is less than the population of California so we have lots of room!

And their desire to gain independence pops up now and then.

@atheist My very first impression of Canadians was shaped reading by a music critic's comment, in the New Rolling Stone Record Guide, that has stuck with me to this day, about the group Triumph's albums:"Docked one star each for plotting world domination from Canada; I mean, at least if these guys were German, they might even be a little frightening instead of quite laughable." Then there was Bob & Doug McKenzie, and also the 'aboot' style accent. But I've now moved way beyond that.

@atheist Same way West coast Americans are cooler than East coast or the vast nothingness in between... Sorry Manitoban... You're still better than flyover USA.

And this is a gross generalization, obviously there are many exceptions.

True, partly because they are on vacation and warm... you do need sunglasses for the pale skin on the beach as much as for the Sun.

@atheist totally ??Lol

@atheist - Ha!

Red was my introduction to the Canadian people hmmmmm....

Yup this one is awesome.

@atheist I have lived in Buffalo, NY during the Blizzard of 77 when the 82nd Airborne had to come and dig the city out. I've lived in Manchester NH, Stowe Vermont and I know more about Canadian Culture than most Canadians do. I've been to Quebec 3X, Montreal, Toronto and Vancouver. I also play the bagpipes. Grass is not a consideration that would ever cross my mind.

Not at all. I've spent a great deal of time in Canada, both for work and because I used to date a couple Canadian women (I've always had a thing for y'all...don't ask me..LOL). I refer to it as "Polite America". The difference is astounding. Not to mention things like environmental awareness...inclusiveness...open mindedness. Your problems pale next to ours. Especially now.

@atheist ?