In a sense, North America still feels foreign to me. But while I can relate to the foreign nature of the United States, Canada is more weird to me.

You would think it would be less, considering that Canadian politics and policy are more aligned with European policies than US policies. They have a Westminister system like in the United Kingdom, and have three major political parties, where actual social democratic agendas have a platform that really only see national recognition in the US from politicians like Sen. Bernie Sanders.

Parliament on Parliament Hill. Apparently, they are setting up for some big event. I wonder what it might be.

But despite a sensible nature in the abstract - by which I mean, policies you do not interact with if you are merely a tourist - its more apparent nature makes it seem incredibly similar to its neighbour to the south. As I have mentioned previously, roads and signs are very similar in Canada and the United States.

And combined with the promiment exposure to French signage and more sensible measurement systems, along with a governmental building style that I would described as a mixture of classic French and British architecture (compared to the US' more Roman and Greek approach), the mise en scène feels left field.

A seagull being very naughty behind the Parliament.

I am certain, that if I spent more time here, I would be able to appreciate it more. But Canada should feel as foreign to me, as it should to a US citizen. Or indeed anyone, who is not a Canadian.

Ontario is in many ways much like Québec - on the surface at least. But while people in Québec seem to be more likely to speak English as a second language, people outside Québec seems less likely to speak French as one. To my surprise, I got the impression that the other official language is usually not taught that well in school.

Maybe that is all intentional to further divide Canada. But it would be sad to see happen. When the Belgians figure out to make it work, I am sure you can take a lesson from then. Although, do not count on that.