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| "Gee, that puzzle was tough." "Shut up." |
First things first: GO CANADA!
Seems rather fitting to update during a time where Canada once again claims victory over the United States; both our men and women's hockey teams have done a fantastic job of representing our country.
Although hockey wasn't around 200 years ago (sadly) and the conflict was much bloodier, the result was largely the same -- of course, the British helped things immensely.
The Americans even released a video addressed to Team Canada, basically saying "bring it on."
We did.
It's not the first time Americans have underestimated us and it sure won't be the last.
Now, I'm not about to go on some kind of anti-American diatribe because that's terribly un-Canadian. I do understand not every single American tourist is this naive, but in my five years at Fort George, I have come across some real gems with tragically hilarious and skewed views of our true north strong and free.
So for our friends south of the border, here are some FAQs I've actually been asked before, in order to help you out:
Q: Are you [Canada] independent yet?
A: Why yes we are; depending on how you look at it, we're either younger or older than you, sir/ma'am.
Q: When was the fight for your freedom?
A: Sorry to disappoint, but not every British colony needed to punch its way to freedom. We just asked nicely.
Q: Do you have to bow to the Queen every morning?
A: We started to, but it turns out she really hates it. And can't see it.
Q: Do I need my passport to get into Canada?
A: Wait, seriously? You're already at Fort George and you're asking this? Wow.
Q: Do y'all consider yourselves Americans? Since we're in North America?
A: I consider myself more of a Northern Hemispherian, to be honest.
I hope this helps in your travels and I look forward to answering more of your....um, questions this summer!
-J-
This is hilarious, and having worked in tourism in Niagara Falls for my summer job, I can relate to this. Like you said, not all tourists are naive, but there are some out there, and it shows in the questions they ask. I bet you could do an entire blog on frequently asked questions! Looking forward to more posts on history and your experience as a Redcoat!
ReplyDeleteLove that you were able to through in the hockey and the Olympics into this blog, very Canadian of you. It really is amazing the kind of questions that American's ask while already in the country. I was asked just a few short weeks ago, if they were in Toronto as they literally just crossed the boarder. I had to break it to them they were at least another an hour and a half away still. Great blog. I'm learning stuff I didn't know, so thank you!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your blog Jared. You have a gift with words to make the Fort a living, breathing thing and interesting to all. I've learned more about this fort from your blog than I ever knew before.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant post, Jarrod. I get these types of questions working in the restaurant industry, too. It sounds like you sometimes have your hands full working at the Fort. It's awesome that you are able to come up with witty, war-related responses - keep it in the context of Fort George, if you will. Nice work.
ReplyDeleteLove the way you structure your posts, it is always new and interesting. I agree with Wendy you definitely have a gift with words. Working within the Niagara region I can also relate to puzzling tourist questions from our friends across the border. I was once asked if the prices in our store were in American dollars haha. I would love another post on more frequently asked questions!
ReplyDeleteJarrod I love this post. I spend so much time in the states and I to have been asked some ridiculous question such as; "Do you know the Canadian anthem?" or "Do you study US history? You know, since Canada has none." To say these questions infuriate me is an understatement. Lucky for me, I am not working and was allowed to tell them how unintelligent they sound. I can't imagine having to deal with these questions and answer them as if they are normal questions. Good for you.
ReplyDelete-Joanna
{*side note- I two have a red coat ;) }
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ReplyDeleteThis is hilarious. I very much enjoy following following your blog posts, you are a funny guy. Working at the front desk in Niagara Falls (Ontario, Canada) hotel I have been asked similar questions, one in particular relating to the passport question you received which was "Are we in Canada or America?" Again, I work in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. Now I also would hate to be un-Canadian and poke fun at the poor lads across the border, so I will say that some inquiries can be a little worrying. Great blog overall!
ReplyDeleteFunny. I used to get ask a lot of "interesting questions" when working at Marineland and believe it or not, they were quite similar.. oh sometimes I just wonder about education...
ReplyDelete"Q: Do y'all consider yourselves Americans? Since we're in North America?
ReplyDeleteA: I consider myself more of a Northern Hemispherian, to be honest."
I may have to steal this next time I encounter an inquisitive American.
This was a good read.