Canada has regally and illustriously built an outstanding global reputation for its unique natural wonders-the paradisiacal Moraine Lake in Banff National Park, the spectacular Niagara Falls, the majestic Rockies with deep glacier-carved valleys, its universal healthcare system, its sophisticated fusion of multihued cultures and its ever flourishing, dynamic economy; but did you know that the charming country is not only that? What’s more, Canada is, in reality, a gorgeous land filled to the brim with the milk of human kindness!
I visited Canada in June 2022 for a few months as a deeply high-spirited, jubilant tourist. While I was travelling for the most part by car during my stay, adventurous-me decided one fine day to explore the one and a half hour Ontario journey from Guelph to Mississauga by bus. I was already feeling a shiver of excitement down my spine at the thought of discovering the Canadian public transportation structure and how it works. It was very early in the morning. My uncle drove my cousin, that is his daughter and me to Guelph Central Go where we both had to board the Go Transit bus to alight at Square One Bus Terminal. We were going for shopping at Square One Shopping Centre, that was a truly remarkable experience in itself.
There are different ways to purchase a Go Bus ticket, notably online, over the ticket counters, through the ticket vending machines amongst others. My cousin who is a Canadian, had her PRESTO card with her. Bingo! Since the ticket counter at the station was closed and there was an unexpected major internet outage across various regions on that day, I was left with only one option: to buy from the ticket vending machine. Well, don’t they say misfortunes always come in threes? Despite my numerous trials, the transaction at the machine couldn’t be effected. A generous local gentleman even went beyond, trying to use his own money to buy the Go Bus ticket but in vain. The time to take the bus had finally arrived. It was 08:05. My cousin and I looked at each other without saying anything. Cognizant of the fact that these elegant green buses are strictly on schedule, we then instinctively rushed to 29 Kipling Bus Terminal.
Voilà! The lovely bus was there. In it, was a lovelier lady driver who, at a first glance, gave me the impression that she had the best job in the world, that she was very happy to do what she was doing, that she proudly wakes up everyday to go to work with a smile on her face and fulfillment in her soul. And why not, I thought to myself after my personal beautiful experiences in Canada. I related the whole incident to the lady driver. At one point, I felt she was reading through me. She probably saw how I did not want to miss the faintest chance of riding in the gorgeous bus. She saw it in my cousin’s eyes how she did not want to disappoint me. These were priceless.
With an air of guarded professionalism combined with the sweetest smirk, she exclaimed, “You girls, just hop in!” I squealed with delight. AAAHHHH!!! Like two little kids, we sprang into the magnificent Go Bus. Once in, I couldn’t stop thanking the lady driver for her kind gesture. It was my maiden voyage in Canada by bus which came to me as a wonderful gift from a complete stranger. The ticket cost only CAD $12.75, yet the act of generosity was worth a billion dollars. Those who really know me, know that kindness is in my blood. I always believe there is good in the world. The rest is history. My cousin and I sat in the upper deck. We thoroughly enjoyed our trip.
If Canada is the second biggest country in the world by landmass, it has to be made known that it is, par excellence, the first biggest country in the world by nobility and virtue, for its largeness truly lies in the heart of its people.
The Little Mermaid, MMXXIII
I have to add that I’m weeping with joy to be calling Canada home in a few months’ time. In the hope to give back what Canada has given me when I was simply a guest, although it will never be enough, I would be pleased to volunteer in organisations during my free time. A good turn deserves another, right? May I kindly solicit the help of my dear Canadian readers who may suggest some great ways I can volunteer in my free time? Thank you, darlings!
Let’s continue to build. Let’s continue to do good. Let’s continue to care.
Picture Location: CN Tower as seen from Lake Ontario, Canada
Picture Credits: The Little Mermaid
Picture Location: Niagara Falls, Canada
Picture Credits: The Little Mermaid