Informal Letter.

Wednesday, November 09, 2011

               Dear Arnaud,

As you know it, I was in Canada during the holidays and I have so things to say to you that about it, so I write you a letter. First of all, I think you remember that I undertook this journey to discover an English-speaking country (other one than England, where we went together). And what I discovered so pleased me that we have to return it both. I did not think of being so disoriented, because it was a French colony before the British conquest, what makes of Canada a bilingual and multicultural nation; French and English being, in equal status, the official languages. And I believe that it is this point which most interested me. 

The Canadian culture is historically influenced by the cultures and the English, French, Irish, Scottish and native traditions, as well as by the American culture because of the nearness and the exchanges between both countries. It is what makes of her a unique culture. And we cannot speak about the Canadian culture without speaking about the presence of the art (and I know that this aspect will interest you particularly). Whether it is by its musical or film culture, Canada imposes its contemporaneousness. I was able to see exhibitions of very innovative photos. But what I preferred above all, and you have to suspect it, it is the dance. Canada is the homeland of companies of ballet of world reputation as Royal Winnipeg Ballet, the Big Canadian Ballets and the national Ballet of Canada. And I was able to take advantage of it completely.

And you remember obviously pancakes that I prepared you in France on Sunday morning... The maple syrup which we buy has nothing to do with that of Canada. I was lucky to eat at inhabitant's, traditional lunch. You know yourself as I like eating. It was a real feast. The classic breakfast consists of egg, potatoes, fruits, ham or bacon, and of toast with jams of all kinds. We can also add cereal, with some yoghurt or the cottage cheese and also muffins. But for me traditional pancakes accompanied with a maple syrup house remain by far the best breakfast.

So things to be still told… It is going to need to save up, because I absolutely want to return there and to share all these things with you.

See you soon. XOXO.

Justine.