Dreamscapes Travel & Lifestyle Magazine
Issue link: http://read.dreamscapes.ca/i/821088
DREAMSCAPES SPRING/SUMMER 2017 10 As we near what promises to be a spectacular Canada Day celebra- tion across the nation, questions surface. What would our founding fathers think of us today? Would they be proud? What does Canada and being Canadian mean to me? And what vision do I have for Canada in 25 years? Wherever I travel, Canada is one of the most revered countries in the world and Canadian travellers are renowned for our polite- ness, curiosity and respect for the culture and traditions of the countries we visit. And when I'm returning home from another country, I immediately feel safe and protected when I spot the maple leaf emblem on the fin of an Air Canada aircraft as it approaches our boarding gate. I cherish the diversity of our ever-growing population. I like that we are a mosaic rather than a "melting pot." I love to hear different languages and experience the customs, music and culinary tradi- tions brought from distant shores. And, yes, I want all to honour and respect our Canadian values and traditions as well. But what might others think? I asked our family of editorial con- tributors to share their thoughts. Echoing many of my own views, Rochelle Lash (Montréal) also expressed her appreciation for Canada's magnificent landscapes, our four distinct seasons, advanced agriculture, valuable social services such as medicare, the arts, sports and, especially, our two cultures. To Denise Deveau (Toronto), in addition to diversity, creativity, natural beauty, wonderful cuisine and an accepting, open-minded populace, Canada means a multitude of possible travel adventures. With more than 675 destinations to his credit, Steve Gillick (Toronto) confirms his Canadian background always elicits smiles and handshakes around the world. He firmly believes every Canadian should be able to exist with his or her own cul- ture and values. Josephine Matyas's (Kingston) parents emigrated from Eastern Europe in 1947, 30 years after the battle at Vimy Ridge, where, on a recent visit to the Canadian Battlefield Memorial Park, Jo plucked a leaf from a maple tree and placed it between the pages of a book. Her Vimy memento has given her a new sense of pride and appreciation for the history of the country her parents chose to call home. For Laura Byrne Paquet (Ottawa), wide-open spaces and room to breathe make Canada special in this increasingly crowded planet. Gratitude best describes how Jane Stokes (Richmnond Hill) feels about Canada. She applauds the safety, cleanliness, civility, depend- ability, social diversity, rule-of-law and overall quality of life— adding, "all of which wags its finger at me when I'm grumpy." After years of travel to exotic corners of the globe, Hans Tam- memagi (Pender Island) is convinced Canada is the best country in which to live and is ever grateful his parents emigrated here. Living in the Gulf Islands, he feels blessed with a mild climate, fabulous scenery, freedom of choice, a sound government, green energy, a good standard of living and scrumptious seafood. When it came to expressing a vision for Canada, everyone wished for more diversity and envisioned our country as a world leader in innovation and environment stewardship and a safe haven for anyone who chooses to live here. If we can shed our prej- udices and work together over the next 25 years, Canada can become a model peace-loving nation of people who welcome immigrants to our shores, care for each other, jealously guard our wilderness and stand firm on environmental protection worldwide. Remember, admission fees to Canada's national parks have been waived for 2017 (pc.gc.ca/en/voyage-travel/admission). So, with the help of Avenza Maps' offline map app (avenza.com), a visit to any of our protected wilderness areas is a great way to explore and celebrate all the hidden gems our wonderful country has to offer. Enjoy your summer! DS DS FROM MY TRAVEL BAG >> BY DONNA S. VIEIRA editor@dreamscapes.ca