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[starlagurl]

Do you have a Canadian flag on your backpack? If so, why? Personally, I do not, and have not noticed that anybody ever just assumed I was American. IMHO most people do not judge, unless you give them a reason to.

Here's a great post on the subject:

http://travel.booklocker.com/2007/12/12/ba...#comment-115858

[wakingdream]

No patch. No need.

I'd say that tons of people have assumed we're American, and the reason I say that is because we get asked if we're American WAY more often than if we're Canucks, but what does that really mean anyway? Doesn't bother me at all.

I'd personally ask "where are you from" rather then say "are you from ___?" but that's just me.

Plus, good point in the article, "why broadcast where you're from?" What is some nutbar who hates CDN's sees it and takes you out in your sleep. Sure, that's far fetched, but really, you never know. The less people know about you, the better, unless you want them to know. Then you'll tell them. Safety first

[starlagurl]

Hmm... that's interesting, maybe I have more of a Canadian accent? I have noticed however, people looking surprised when I say I am Canadian, I just never thought that they had assumed I was American in the first place. I guess I assume they just were surprised to find out I am from far away in general. If that makes sense...

[wakingdream]

Hmm... that's interesting, maybe I have more of a Canadian accent?

Maybe, although I'd say we sound much more like Canadians than Americans.

I think it's just North American English to boot. The easiest way to tell apart an American from a Canadian is if you're one of them. The accent isn't all that different, obviously depending on where abouts in the US you come from. Tons of Americans from the northern parts sound just like Canucks.

No one's ever really been surprised that we're Canadian, mostly just apologetic for calling us American, which I find kind of funny. I think it's kind of like Kiwi and Aussie.....sometimes it's hard to tell!

[mmbcross]

Do you have a Canadian flag on your backpack? If so, why? Personally, I do not, and have not noticed that anybody ever just assumed I was American. IMHO most people do not judge, unless you give them a reason to.

Here's a great post on the subject:

http://travel.booklocker.com/2007/12/12/ba...#comment-115858

Watch out. If you travel around South America, a lot of people will think you are Peruvian! I had a friend who used his Canadian flag to sit on. He was almost arrested in Peru for insulting the national symbol.
Cheers
Martin

[starlagurl]

Ha, that's funny, this is what the Peruvian flag looks like if you need your memory refreshed:

[Jacques]

WOW that would be something else eh!!!

[starlagurl]

Oops I lied, it's really like this

[Jacques]

still close enough......I can imagine someone sitting on a flag from peru here in Canada we would think he is sitting on a canadian fdlag right away and most of us would be pretty pissed off!!!

[ScottWoz]

Still, might be worth a little experiment though. Why not sew on the Peruvian patch and go round saying 'Noo doobt aboot it'? See how much confusion you can generate eh?

[findingnine]

I think it's kind of like Kiwi and Aussie.....sometimes it's hard to tell!

For real? Night and day!
I say stash the patch. The Tim Hortons mug on the carribeaner is the way to meet folks from home. Your secret will be safe from the locals.

[wakingdream]

For real? Night and day!

Maybe it's just me.....sometimes I have a tough time telling, yeah

[ScottWoz]

You're just out of practice Suze. Just remember: 'You wull feel my fust uf you guv me thu shuts..'

[wakingdream]

'You wull feel my fust uf you guv me thu shuts..'

Noo doot aboot it!

Seriously, is that Aus lingo or Kiwi lingo?

I've gotta get myself over to that part sometime!

[ScottWoz]

Come on Suze!

[wakingdream]

hahahaha, okay! Okay! .........................aus! (? )

[petra8vancouver]

I never travel with a Canadian flag on my luggage or wear a shirt that advertises a Canadian destination. I want to blend in with the locals, I don't want to be the obvious tourist. You know it's working when people ask you for directions, even with a camera in hand! I was in Australia in November and December last year, and found that Australians were curious to know where I come from when they heard me talk and sometimes asked first if I am American. But you have got to look at the numbers - there are over 300 million Americans compared to 32 million Canadians. So the odds are more highly favourable that I could be an American to them. Also, American TV shows and films are popular around the world, Hollywood gossip is talked about globally. And, yes, while I was travelling through Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth, most people I chatted with (from sales clerks to fellow plane passengers) have met only a few Canadian tourists in their lifetime.

[fuzzyhatjon]

I've got a small patch on my bag. I really don't care if I'm confused with an American. I find that people are more likely to walk up to me and talk to me if they see the patch (which I can cover up when feeling anti-social ).

I have had no one complain about it yet, and the fact that we can wear it anywhere should really be enough reason to wear it. I feel no superiority over any nation, but at the same time I'm very proud to be who I am and to have come from where I am (though I have felt more like a citizen of the world at times).

Why a Canadian flag? Why not.

Sidenote: I've met a couple Americans that have admitted to having a Maple Leaf handy in case they need it

[thellie]

I've got a small patch on my bag.

jon, i'd go to a doctor about that. quickly...! especially if you want children in the future...

but i'm REALLY NOT SURE why you ONLY cover it up when feeling anti-social..?

[starlagurl]

*groan*

I never thought about the American vs. Canadian statistics like that, interesting. Not that it would make up for the sheer numbers of Americans, but I wonder what the travel statistics are for Canadians vs. Americans. Maybe Canadians travel abroad more often?