Participating at the 3rd Annual Mission Writers & Readers Festival..

Traveling abroad..

Jump shot from 1985..

Let's celebrate the Paralympic Games..

Its is not an easy Trek..

Travel confirms love for Canada

Tasty return after American adventures

Ken Herar, The Times

Published: Friday, April 09, 2010

Having recently visited five airports in five exhausting days it's nice to be back on Canadian soil. Travelling throughout many parts of the United States from coast to coast can be challenging.

Without GPS in your vehicle and freeways literally at a standstill, navigating in two of the largest metropolitan regions down south can be daunting. Don't get me wrong - Los Angles and Chicago are vibrant, fun cities with endless possibilities. But for a small town dude, hours of preparation were needed to complete this very assignment. I have come to the realization that it's Canada's simplicity and peacefulness that makes our nation a top destination for many foreigners.

Think about the last time you crossed the border back into Canada. Didn't you feel relieved and stress-free? I certainly did. I have gained a whole new appreciation for Canada.

Once you have lived here, it's hard to live beyond our borders. We have proven you don't need the largest military or the tallest buildings or even the warmest temperatures to live in the best place in the world.

Some snowbirds may disagree, but those tanned skins always seem to venture back.

What I found to be interesting on this trip was how many Americans are becoming disenchanted with their own country No, not because they lost the gold medal hockey to us or Obama's proposed healthcare plan or even post Bush. But more on the lines of public safety and feeling connected to their communities. Many are looking up north to Canada for these very answers.

Canada is a connection of communities and not layers of urbanization that leads to isolation and fear. We have a lot to be proud of as Canadians, a nation the population size of California.

You rarely hear Canadians badmouth Canada and rightfully so. First of all, it's not a cool thing and secondly it's simply not Canadian, eh? We may not always agree with every political decision or editorial comment in the newspaper, but it's that deep affection with glowing hearts we treasure.

This was clearly evident during the Winter Olympics across the country. We might not always show it, but when we do, watch out. I am proud to say I have a Canadian flag in my office and it stands tall and mighty. You know you have a deep connection to a land that has given you every opportunity when you spend most of your vacation talking about it with others.

My future travels may bring me back south again, but Canada will always be close. Canadians are looked upon as leaders throughout the world, not complainers.

You only realize what you have until go away or lose it. So true.

Well, a few days upon my return, I was invited by Chandra Deo the host co-ordinator at the Gladwin Language Centre in Abbotsford to come to their open house. I can't recall how many foreign dishes I was nibbling. Let's just say, I knew I was home.

- Ken Herar is a columnist with the Abbotsford-Mission Times.

© Abbotsford Times 2010

We all need to do more for each other..

Ethnic patterns are shifting...