The rays from the bright sun warm my pale skin and the humid air blows through my hair. As I walk the streets of Puerta Vallarta, I consume every aspect the beautiful town has to offer. I admire the rustic buildings and the tall palm trees while the locals go about their day. The smell of saltwater wafts through the air as I venture towards the Malecon; I would explore the strip of Mexico and continue to enjoy one of my many adventures.
“Excuse me miss”, a young man with a distinct accent says as he approaches me. I turn around to see the local smiling as he points to the flag on my backpack and begins to ask many questions about the unique red and white sticker. I explained to him how it is a Canadian flag and that I was here on vacation. The man’s eyes lit up and he begged for me to tell him about the country of Canada. I was happy to share about my life back home and I could tell how amused the individual was to learn about my life as a Canadian. Stories from home spilled from my mouth and I could feel the grin on my face growing bigger and bigger with each memory I shared.
A flashback struck my mind and I remembered being back home. My family and I are suited up with layers of clothes, so we are able to endure the -30 winds that gust across the frozen water. The smell of the wood stove fills the little red shack and I patiently wait with my hook dropped below the ice and in the water; waiting for the picture-perfect Northern pike to latch onto my hook. I look out the window of the ice hut to see the snow fall in white sheets as it covers the tall spruce trees that line the riverbank. The ice shack is filled with laughter and excitement as my older brother Cody reals a tiny perch through the ice hole. While outside the shack, the chime of laughter echoes across the lake as kids tie up their skates to start their match of shinny on the makeshift hockey rink. I think to myself; these are the moments that make Canada home to me. I am able to share the passion for the outdoors with my family while Canada has endless adventures for us to find. I finished explaining to the local that Canada was my forever home as he stood there with a shocked look on his face, still unable to comprehend how I bear the cold weather.
The local thanked me for taking the time to share about my life back home and we parted ways. I had many emotions rushing through my head about my memories from home and how thankful I am to live in a country where I can enjoy such adventures without a worry on my mind. Reminiscing about my life in Canada made me realize that my home will forever be in the North and I will continue to wear my little red and white sticker proudly on my back.
Erin's Blog 
Hi Erin,
I really enjoyed your story and feel it was done really well in criteria for all that was expected! I love that you incorporated both an outside and inside aspect of being a Canadian, and found myself feeling as if I were right next to you on the ice. The memory of ice fishing gave great description for surroundings in particular and that the way you laid it out made it very similar to my own vision of ice fishing/ how I can remember it as well. In the parts that you are telling the main story of your encounter on vacation -jealous!- I wondered what the man had said in return or if he had any stories for you as well, so that might be one thing to add if anything! As for some beliefs/ understandings of being Canadian, I noticed the idea of the cold winters and weather that we embrace, the great memories that one can make throughout their life (or even just through a visit) to our country, how special Canada is to those who live in it, and the love that people have for Canadian tourists, I can most definitely connect with your want to never leave Canada and live elsewhere, there is really no place like home- and so much to explore here as well. Hope your semester is off to a good start 🙂
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