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15 Sep CANADA VS ITALY

CANADA VS ITALY

 

Living in Toronto for the past 3 years has taught me some lessons about cultural differences. This difference doesn’t make one country is “better” than another country. There is no right or wrong way to do something. Many habits and traditions come from long histories and common values.

 

How can not start off with one of the biggest differences I believe distinguishes the two cultures. Food.

As an Italian of course I have to say that despite being the kind of person who easily adapts to different cultures (Food wise I eat everything!) after three years the food is one of the things I miss the most! I’m not saying the food here is not good, I’m saying that here the thought of just having to think about what to eat is stressful! in Italy not only products are all fresh and mostly with no preservatives added but food was much more accessible and most importantly way cheaper! There are many fast food places here in Toronto where you can easily grab a bite to eat but If you want to eat healthy, you have to go to the grocery store t and cook it at home, and seriously who has time for that!!Let’s say I miss the days where everywhere you went, there was a small shop that gave you something fresh, ready to eat for 5 euros.

Taxes. One thing that I cannot stand about Canada is that all prices add taxes on top. When you go to pay you always find yourself with more money to have to give and, personally, I find it annoying. In Italy, all prices are included, so when you go to pay you pay what you see on the label.

Seasons. In Italy we basically have two seasons: Summer (with its 30-40 degrees) and autumn. In Canada, on the contrary, seasons are well marked: 30 degrees high in summer, a cool and rainy autumn (with lots of wonderful autumn colors and falling leaves), a snowy and stormy winter (maybe too much sometimes, given the -30 degrees that you can easily reach) and a beautiful green and regenerating spring.

But this is the beauty of multiculturalism, discovering new cultures and comparing them with one another, understanding that “you” are not the only one and “our way” is the only way to succeed in something. Multiculturalism is understanding and learning.

By Holliday Paxton