Goodbye to the North

Soon we will be saying goodbye to the great white North, and packing our bags once again.  Destination this time: Montreal, Quebec.  Janier is transferring to Concordia University in Montreal to continue pre-medicine.

Our time in Northern Canada was definitely a learning experience.  We expected to see wild animals, brave the elements, see Northern Lights.  And we did.  We expected to uncover some realities of the North; to understand aboriginal issues, for instance, or rural living.  And we did. 

Red neck culture: we've been there!  In some ways, it was a culture shock for both of us.  I mean aside from the big trucks, machismo, underlying racism and homophobia.  We were prepared for that.  While we found a little of that, it turns out there's much more. 

What we found was traditional ways of doing things. Old families. Independence and self-reliance, bred from oil patch discoveries, extraction, and a pioneering spirit. Little regard or appreciation for the environment.  Not service-focused.  Up here, you hear things like:

"We’ve always done things this way, it works, don’t question it."

"Don’t expect any empathy."

"You’re on your own."

"Creativity is not encouraged."

"We like living this way."

As you can imagine, coming from the South, especially from Vancouver/Vancouver Island, this was a culture shock for both of us.  We found a certain pride from folks here who self-identify as "red neck".

Make no mistake: our experiences in the North were by no means all negative or unpleasant.  I'd say it has helped us to clarify for ourselves what kind of community both of us are searching for.  Some place where people are open-minded, personable, and passionate.  Where there is a strong value placed on culture and the arts.  Welcoming, inclusive, and friendly.  Alive!

As this chapter comes to a close, new adventures are waiting for us in Montreal.  Stay tuned.