Cultural Shock from a Mexican living in Vancouver

When I moved to Canada I knew I was going to encounter some cultural shock as a Mexican in Vancouver, but there were some that I had no idea about until I moved in and that impacted me especially in a social area.

They take their shoes off at home.

This came as a surprise to me as I had only heard that this was common in other countries like Japan or some countries in Europe, and with the closeness that Canada has with the USA I did not think it was different. So be prepared to take your shoes off if you’re visiting someone in Canada

Everyone brings what they’re going to drink to a party or reunion.

Everyone brings their own alcohol or drinks and it looks bad to take something you didn’t bring without asking. Sounds logical, but in Mexico we just bring some stuff for everyone to share. But it is not a bad idea since many do not even drink alcohol and there’s always that one person that brings one can of beer and drinks a full bottle haha. So this point seemed pretty fair to me although it’s still a cultural shock from a Mexican in Vancouver.

They mix the units of measurement.

Although Canada is a country that has applied the International System of Units since the late 1970s, still in the 21st century many people remain culturally rooted in the use of “imperial” units, perhaps because of its proximity to the United States that still uses them, but it’s still pretty confusing, since for some things they use the kilos and for others the pounds. I always use the normal system but many times I have had to ask google converter for help.

Oath to the Queen (or now King)

Not even Canadians today understand the strange relationship they have with English royalty. Canada was a British colony until it achieved emancipation in 1867; however, it was not entirely independent until 1982. From what they could never be detached was from the reigning monarch and, although royalty today occupies only a merely symbolic position, officially she is the queen or king of Canada! Even when you become a citizen you have to give your alliance to the King of England, I personally believe it’s a bit… ridiculous.

Lacrosse and Hockey are the official sports

Can you imagine Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil, Mexico or Spain without their football leagues? The most popular Canadian sport is ice hockey, but the most curious thing is that there is no professional hockey league in the country. However, there are 7 Canadian teams affiliated with the NHL, the American professional league. And another peculiar thing is that Canada not only has one official league, but two! Lacrosse is just as important.

They say “sorry” for everything

Canadians have a reputation for saying sorry, even if they don’t really feel it. There is even a term that only exists here that is when a person is racist but is likewise kind: polite racism. So don’t go with the charade if your neighbor opens the door for you, a lot of people are just being nice, but this does not mean that they would not speak ill of you behind your back. ouch! Do you identify with this or do you see it as part of cultural clashes?

The names of their public transportation are unique.

Maybe it’s not a big deal, but I love the names of public transport, not the typical “bus” or “subway”.

Sky Train: is the metro.

Sea Bus: is the boat or ferry.

Water Bus: the well-known water taxi.

“Bus” the only normal one.

They celebrate Christmas day instead of Christmas Eve

This year we had a mix-up with our Christmas, as we in Mexico usually celebrate with the family on the 24th at night and that’s when we prepare dinner, you get together with the family and the next morning the 25th is when the presents open and you eat the famous “recalentado” where you eat the Christmas left overs. Here, the main dinner or the special day is the 25th and the gifts are given the next day, better known as “Boxing Day” which today is more a marketing strategy to put in discounts on gifts. So, because of our misunderstanding we spent the 24th, my husband and I alone, eating snacks and watching TV, because we got confused and the Christmas we had with some friends was until the 25th. Luckily we found out in time and I didn’t prepare all the food a day earlier.

If you live in Canada, are there any other culture shocks that have impacted you? If you do put them in the comments.

Living in Canada