Canada Day

Yesterday was Canada Day. I took this (and a few others like it) in the evening from my office.

Canada Day in Ottawa is impressive. Free entertainment, all day, in several locations. Hordes of people wearing red and white. A wonderful atmosphere. All topped off with the mother of all firework displays over Parliament.

I have a confession to make: I'm slowly being seduced by this country. As a European, I'm still a bit uncomfortable with the unconstrained patriotism, and if you've read some of my other posts you'll know that I think the place has its faults. But on a day like yesterday I found it hard not to be caught up in the spirit of things. Canadian society is healthy, as a young (and rather artificial) nation their patriotism has none of the xenophobic nationalism associated with the word back home in Europe, and little of the jingoistic exclusivism that you get south of the border. As a foreign diplomat here I'm supposed to remain an objective outsider, but after two years I'm learning to love the place. I guess I'm going a bit native.

There are extenuating circumstances: it's the summer, which makes a big difference; and I'm privileged to enjoy the best aspects of life in Canada while being cushioned from the worst, employed as a European with European holidays, healthcare and working privileges. But yes, I could imagine living here. Let's face it, as a Canadian I wouldn't have to endure penalty heartache every two years.

Details: Nikon D70, 18-200mm lens @ 90mm, f/14, 4s, ISO 200. 1 July 2006, Ottawa. Placemark.