CANADA or AUSTRALIA?

[Reginald Hudlin]

Which country and why?

[Battle]

I had a Canadian girlfriend once upon a time...


Canada.

[Magic Wand]

 

[Hypestyle]

...which country has the better health care policies?  (plenty of people here jump the border to Windsor to get prescriptions)..

[Lion]

I went to Toronto 12 years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it. Definitely want to go back. Want to hit Montreal, too... and a jazz festival or two...

Australia, I want to see the Sydney Opera House. Other than that, I don't know... I'll say Canada.

Of course, I'm curious about Magic's answer... Is there a story?

[Wise Son]

I had a Canadian girlfriend once upon a time...


Canada.

I've got an Australian fiancée.

Australia.

Seriously, I love the attitude they have there. They have their issues with racism (aimed much more at the Aboriginees than at a black foreigner like me), but I think their attitude sets them up to address those attitudes better than most countries. They have an instinctive distrust of hierarchies, and are quick to cut down anyone who they feel sees themselves as being 'hiigher' than others ("Tall poppy syndrome"), which I feel comes from being descended from people at the bottom of the social scale.

Also, they have fantastic street art, especially in Melbourne (anyone who's friends with me on facebook has probably already seen my pictures)!

[Battle]

I've got an Australian fiancée.

Australia.

Seriously, I love the attitude they have there. They have their issues with racism (aimed much more at the Aboriginees than at a black foreigner like me), but I think their attitude sets them up to address those attitudes better than most countries. They have an instinctive distrust of hierarchies, and are quick to cut down anyone who they feel sees themselves as being 'hiigher' than others ("Tall poppy syndrome"), which I feel comes from being descended from people at the bottom of the social scale.

Also, they have fantastic street art, especially in Melbourne (anyone who's friends with me on facebook has probably already seen my pictures)!

Fair enough, Wise.


I've heard two interesting things about Australia:

1. I've heard it described as "imagine an entire country populated with rednecks".

2. When I was in the Navy, a shipmate who visited thier ports on shore leave said that the married couples there were big on cuckoldry.


So, I am unsure what to think of Australia...

[Wise Son]

I've heard two interesting things about Australia:

1. I've heard it described as "imagine an entire country populated with rednecks".

I know that's the stereotype, but I don't think it's an accurate one. It's a very unpretentious country, but I think that's a plus. You get a bit more honesty (and swears) from their politicians for one thing. Their cities are particularly cosmopolitan, and they've got a good arts / music scene.

I'm getting a little too defensive, aren't I? Watch shows like the comedies Summer Heights High and Angry Boys, or the drama The Slap to get a more varied (though not always flattering) view.

2. When I was in the Navy, a shipmate who visited thier ports on shore leave said that the married couples there were big on cuckoldry.

That might have just been the Aussies he was hanging around with...

[Battle]

I know that's the stereotype, but I don't think it's an accurate one. It's a very unpretentious country, but I think that's a plus. You get a bit more honesty (and swears) from their politicians for one thing. Their cities are particularly cosmopolitan, and they've got a good arts / music scene.

I'm getting a little too defensive, aren't I? Watch shows like the comedies Summer Heights High and Angry Boys, or the drama The Slap to get a more varied (though not always flattering) view.

Oh, I believe every word you describe regarding Australia. I've met Australian sailors on my brief tour and those guys seemed like a decent lot, especially when it comes to the after hours pubs.
What you wrote will be my lasting impression of Australia, Wise. 
I'll even take a look at those shows you listed as an added measure whenever I get a chance.

That might have just been the Aussies he was hanging around with...

Could be...  he was a bit o' a playa.

[Wise Son]

Oh, I believe every word you describe regarding Australia. I've met Australian sailors on my brief tour and those guys seemed like a decent lot, especially when it comes to the after hours pubs.
What you wrote will be my lasting impression of Australia, Wise. 
I'll even take a look at those shows you listed as an added measure whenever I get a chance.

Cool. Didn't realise you were in the navy (may have just forgotten that).
Also, they have really good unions, and a good attitude to working (8 hours work, 8 hours play, 8 hours rest - there's even a astatue to that).

Could be...  he was a bit o' a playa.

Heh.