Our Canadians

At the beginning of this Europe trip, everyone was super stoked and we couldn't wait to step off of that plane and see the world for the first time. The world came rushing in faster than we had anticipated, and not from an angle that we expected either.

We were lined up for the elevator waiting to go downstairs to load the tour bus when our teacher reminded us that we would be sharing this trip with high school students from Canada. We all seemed to forget that part, and when we were reminded we were really curious as to who was behind those dark tinted windows on the tour bus.

Excited, but timid, we loaded the bus and the atmosphere was still. There was a clear divide between us and the Canadians the second we got on. They all occupied the back side of the bus while the Americans took the front of the bus.

Everyone was quiet at first, then the whispers started and there were grumblings going on. Sensing the uneasiness, our teacher stood up and decided we were going to play a game called "The Stereotype game" where one person from each group will shout out a stereotype of the other nationality and we would discuss it together.

The Canadians went first, and they mentioned things like they thought that Americans were lazy, ignorant, obese, and self-entitled. Us however said that we heard that Canadians were nice and did not like to pick fights. The Hufflepuff of Hogwarts, and apparently they thought Americans were the House of Slytherin.

Ouch that hit us where it hurts... but it was an eye opener. For the first time we were exposed to what other people from different countries thought of Americans. Especially from people who share the same continent with us. It was shocking.

Everyone wanted to be there though, and were open minded travelers so we all laughed off the stereotypes and explained that the whole country was not like that, but we did admit that Americans that fit that description existed.

Since that moment of getting all our thoughts and preconceptions out there in the open, we became instantly closer. The topics quickly changed to Justin Bieber (who is Canadian) - how the Canadians hated him but the Americans loved him. The exchange of pop culture was a much lighter topic and everyone joined in. In the airports we all played a game of Ninja together as we waited.

Needless to say, after that trip, the Canadians became a few of my closest friends. We keep in touch through Facebook, and are planning to meet up someday to reminisce all the crazy fun adventures that we had gone through together and to see what is new in our lives. I miss them dearly, and who knows, maybe the next couple trips will involve a quick stop into Canada.

Travel teaches us so many valuable things. Not only about other cultures, but it also teaches us about our own, and I was pleasantly surprised when I came to find this because I was not expecting that. I expected to learn about Rome, Florence, London, and Paris, not have them learn about us as much.

But this reminded me that everywhere we go, we are an example, ambassadors of America. So we must try our best to put American travelers in the best light possible, as some countries will not give us a fleeting chance right off the bat.

On the other side, it is super crucial we keep our eyes open and willing to further open up to things we never thought we would. When that happens, unbreakable bonds will be made, you'll have memories to last a lifetime, as well as an extensive amount of knowledge.

Get out there and see what the world can teach you.