"So, you're from the States?" "No, I'm from Canada." "Canada! Sorry for the mistake."

Like many others in China, the man assumed my perfect English was a product of America.

Most of us Canadians and Americans sound alike. So, I'm hardly surprised when people think I'm American. It happens all the time. But, it doesn't bother me, even as my country turns 141 tomorrow.

But, I was caught by surprise when the man carried out a humble apology - worried he had slighted me when he mistakingly grouped me into the same lot as our southern neighbors. Once he realized I wore a maple leaf instead of stars and stripes, he felt free to poke fun at the Americans.

The United States celebrate its Fourth of July holiday this Friday. But, Canada Day always comes first. We commemorate the 1867 federation every July 1.

Though our birthdays are close, we're different in many ways.

Speech, of course, is a biggie. Americans especially love to tease me whenever I'm caught adding an "eh?" to the end of my thoughts.

"What do you think, eh?"

Sometimes we place an unnecessary "eh?" in our sentences. But, it's not all useless. Consider it the Canuck version of the Chinese ma. Like "eh", the Chinese particle can turn a statement into a question simply by raising the inflection in voice.

"The sky is blue, eh?"

Most people say the way we pronounce the word "about" is different.

"Did you say 'a boot'?"

"O' Canada, our home and native land "

My national anthem doesn't play here. But, that doesn't mean I've forgotten about my home country.

I love my home city of Toronto for its urban sprawl. I love buying desserts in Chinatown. I love overindulging in the restaurants along Yonge and Bloor streets. I love zoning out on the subway. I love eating Greek food on the Danforth. I love the alternative feel of Bathurst Street and its cheap sushi. I love visiting Little Italy's posh stretch for drinks. I love going to Queen Street for Indian buffet. And, I love letting my mind wander as I walk the streets of the downtown core.

And though I may be a city girl at heart, I still have a soft spot for northern Canada. I love the remoteness and isolation of the region. I love seeing its nature in the winter when its vast lands are completely blanketed over in untouched snow. I love how the rush of never-ending northern daylight makes you never want to sleep in the summertime. And, I love the Aboriginals who respect the land and give it meaning and purpose.

But, most of all, I love Canada for its vibrant collection of people from around the world. Canadians from all different walks of life fill every corner of the country with some of the most interesting characters. They are friendly and polite. They are open-minded and accepting. They are a lot like the kind-hearted people I've met in China.

(China Daily 06/30/2008 page10)