Winter in Canada, for someone like myself who is from a tropical country,  feels  very strange and new. First the temperatures begin to drop and then, when snow begins to fall, it makes you look up at the sky in pure wonder.

Anyway, to make the most of the below zero degree weather, I went skating a few weeks back at Nathan Philip Square -  it was the first lighting of the Freedom Arches and half the population of Toronto was there, skates in hand. As soon as I got on the ice and skated with the masses, it occurred to me what a huge and important role this sport has, as a part of Canadian culture. From tiny tots skating with their parents, just about managing to keep their balance to seasoned pro’s slicing across the ice to lovers holding hands and gliding in rhythm and spirited baby boomers who’ve grown up albeit learning to skate while learning to walk. It was a sight to behold and an experience to partake in.

I must admit I tumbled over a few times initially – don’t get me wrong, I’ve skated before but just not on ice, but it was probably because I was amusing my curious self with taking in the diversity of my fellow skaters. That’s also when I realised that as a part of the growing up ritual here, skating is probably well embedded in culture and tradition and is passed down as a parent-child bonding sport now. It’s also a sport that is individualistic,yet collective. Much like the overall culture type I see Canada as – not an individulistic one(like the States) and yet not a completely collectivist one either. There is a lot of focus on team work and group effort, but equal merit and opportunity in working solo. Also, huge believers in politeness,helpfulness and a generous dose of courtesy in all that they do. Yes, skating did inspire a lot of observation =)

Looking forward to more winter sports…sledding anyone?

Serving up yet another slice of Canadiana: I was recently shown an animated video of “The Logdriver’s waltz” by my friend Taylor. What’s that you say? It’s a Canadian folk song inspired by the profession of log driving, an old practice in the lumber industry which involved transporting felled timber, by having workers walk or run on the logs as they floated down rivers. The song’s writer, Wade Hemsworth was struck by how much the sight of log drivers at work resembled dancing. This song played on CBC at regular intervals so much so,that every Canadian 20 something remembers it as a fond childhood memory. Probably one of the reasons Americans think of Canadians as lumberjacks. I watched the vid and I must say, its got moose and beaver and logs of wood, all setting the stage for the world to scream ‘Canadian!’. Hey if this is Canadian, I quite like every bit of it! =)

It’s birling down, a-down white water;

A log driver’s waltz pleases girls completely.

It’s a charming slice-of-culture folk song that I’m happy to get acquainted with… do watch it, I’d be glad to hear what you think.

Advertisement