Seeing Canada (and Okanagan-Coquihalla) with new eyes

Originally published on the DaninOttawa.com site on July 19, 2011.

I came across an interesting website last night called 'We are in Canada'. It was a personal blog for a family that has come to Canada from Bangladesh. Bangladesh is a small country in South Asia and is bordered by India and Burma. The blog is fascinating as it chronicles their arrival in Vancouver and their initial thoughts and impressions- they enjoy the green plants and trees, as well as the many walk able parks.

They also drove through Highway 97C (a road that I am becoming very familiar with) on the way to explore Penticton and Kelowna. While there is very little written about the Okanagan (besides the road), they certainly have found many differences that exist between Canada and Bangladesh.

One such difference is the highly intense political atmosphere; the author pointed out this with this post and a link to a YouTube video, showing a local Bangladeshi elected official being accosted by police. As I watched the video, it certainly became very clear that although we have many challenges as a Country, we certainly have a lot to be grateful for: a large and diverse country, lush and welcoming, roads that allow exploration of this great country and a respect for the rule of law.

I wish I could have met and welcomed this family and introduced them to the riding of Okanagan-Coquihalla. I am glad that they have chosen to document their travels on their blog; I plan to check in from time to time and see what new experiences they are having. By posting their first impressions of Canada, it helps us to see our  country through new eyes, and see the many blessings we are so fortunate to have.