My First Visit to Canada - Svetlana Zaifsava

Before my first visit to Canada I thought it was similar to the United States. Of course I knew, that although the United States and Canada were situated on the same continent, they were different countries. But I thought these two countries were close to each other not only in economic sphere, but people, their culture, lifestyles and so on. Because every time I switched on television I saw, heard information about the USA, but I heard nothing about Canada. Maybe that is why I supposed you to be alike. And the USA expressed not only their opinion, but yours too. Of course it was great mistake! My arrival to Canada changed my mind quickly.

Actually, one should say I was scared to go to Canada. It was foreign land with its strangers far from Belarus. But at the same time I was so excited! As I went to the country I have never been to. It was great feeling!

The first thing that struck my eyes was the people. It surprised me. I have never seen such glad, joyful, polite and considerate people! All my fears disappeared at once! You smiled all the time. Your eyes were shining with joy and something else, very, very kind. At first I thought it was just my first impression. But no, every day people smiled to each other, said Hello, even if they were not acquainted. You tried to give the world all the best of yourself. At the same time you are very rational people. In compare with Belarussians you are more thoughtful and restrained. We live by emotions. Sometimes we even don't think about consequences. We want to do it, and we do it, not thinking about people around us.

The motto of Belarussians: today is today, tomorrow will be tomorrow. Canadians try to plan everything. You always think what is going to be tomorrow and even further. You don't like to waste your time, as it is very valuable to you. You think about other people around you. You do your best to help others and you do it if it is in your mercy. If you promise something you'll keep it without fail. You don't want to put up with cruelty, unfair actions. You know it is important to work to reach anything. It is the only way to promote your life to the best horizons. Canadian motto: everything is in your hands, everything depends on you, a person always has a chance, but don't leave people in difficult situations, if you are able to help. Of course, I try to describe people of both countries in general. And I can be wrong. Moreover, it is difficult to compare without a mistake, when we live in different worlds.

The next thing that surprised me was your attention to children. You pay them much attention. And you bring them up, allowing them to do whatever they want. But it doesn't spoil them. They know how they have to behave themselves. You are patient enough to explain them the questions they ask, and their mistakes. You have mutual understanding between parents and children. Not so many families in our country can illustrate such meeting of minds.

One should say Canada is a huge country. Your roads staggered me. They are so wide and endless. I was so small on that vast area. Also I liked very much the spirit of freedom. I could feel it everywhere. It was great feeling! It inspired me and helped me to relax. I was not afraid of something outside. I don't know why, but in Belarus it is difficult not to be restrained in public. Today we are not sure about tomorrow. This fact oppresses and depresses people. We treat each other with suspicion. And I think freedom is great gift!

Canada changed me. I had a great opportunity to communicate with great people. I could see another world, much better than my own. I had an excellent chance to be in touch with freedom, I have never felt before. I visited beautiful places and I had the best vacation in my life! I understood, that only having a good mood helps to create on the Earth. The more you do good things, the better you feel yourself. Also everybody needs to have there own free private space. Nobody has the right to interfere with it.

Canada helped me with my English. Every day I read books. Of course I did not do it myself, I was helped by my Canadian friends. I have become more healthy. I could feel and see it through the year.

There were so many things about Canada I liked very much, but it is difficult to express everything on the paper. But when I hear something about Canada, I remember at once smiling, polite, kind people and great beauty of this great country.

I am sure your group does right and very useful thing. All these children see another world of beauty. You give them care and affection. Most children come from orphanages or not well-being families, where they are not paid attention at all. They suffer greatly, as they are made a mockery of by other children from better situations. They retire into themselves and want revenge on the whole world. They begin drinking, smoking and do other bad things early, as nobody can be for them a role model. Nobody gives them a piece of advice, teaches, even hugs them. All these things are so important in bringing up children, but nobody cares about it at all. You give them material well-being, love, friendship, care. You become their family. You make them healthy, sound, HAPPY! You teach them moral values. You fill their hearts with kindness, benevolent and warm.