In August 2023, I returned to Canada, a place deeply resonant with my emotions for its natural beauty and wilderness. This trip was intended to be a significant turn in my life’s journey, and it was, but not as I had anticipated. The aftermath was initially challenging, yet I believe it will eventually lead to positive outcomes. My stance on concepts like “destiny” is ambivalent, but I recognize that our choices and life events can divert us onto new paths, much like having to catch a different train on a life’s journey, a topic I’ve contemplated in one of my previous posts.
At present, I am metaphorically waiting at an unknown station for the next train. I can hear its distant rumble, yet it remains out of sight. I am hopeful and expectant of its arrival.
In Canada, the breathtaking nature contrasts sharply with the vast, almost surreal distances. However, my experience was shadowed by darker realities. The widespread drug epidemic, particularly in Ottawa and Montreal, was a shocking revelation. The sight of young people caught in the grip of addiction was deeply troubling in a land so full of potential.
Furthermore, my time in Canada highlighted a significant shift in societal norms, particularly around freedom of expression. The environment felt constrained, with people hesitant to speak freely, wary of using certain terms. The term “Eskimo,” used in my education without prejudice to describe people of the far north, is now considered taboo in Canada. This was a surprising and enlightening discovery for me. It underscored the idea that words are not inherently good or bad; their acceptability often hinges on the cultural context and the meanings we assign to them.
Despite these complexities, my connection to Canada remains strong. I anticipate my return, this time venturing into the wild northern regions like Yukon. Like a traveler awaiting the next train, I look forward to exploring more of Canada’s majestic wilderness and reuniting with a dear friend I met through my professional endeavors.