I'm From Mexico But Work With A Lot Of Canadians, Here's What I've Learned

Oh Canada, you're pretty amusing tbh.

Hi! My name is Pao. I'm from Mexico, and work on Team BuzzFeed LATAM. Over the past year, I've worked closely with the BuzzFeed Canada team...and I've become obsessed with the Great White North.

Pao Berdeja

I had zero context of Canadian culture before working here, and sadly, I've never been there either. But here are some things that I've learned about Canada while working with Canadians. Some are shocking; let's get into it!

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1. You guys talk really fast.

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English is not my first language, but overall, I thought I had a good understanding of it. But ever since I had my first meeting with the Canadian team, I was flabbergasted. You guys talk fast, but, like, fast fast. I thought Americans talked fast, but when I heard my coworkers debate ideas, I could barely keep track.

It took me a while, but now I can even make jokes at your speed — pretty proud of this one!

2. The whole Toronto vs. Tronno thing.

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And speaking of fast talking, I didn't know Canadian cities were pronounced like that. For example, I always said To-ron-to. But for my Torontonian co-workers, they skip a few letters and go straight to Tronno. Turns out, people from Toronto are in an unspoken competition of who can pronounce that name the fastest. 

3. You're actually very funny!

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I know this is self explanatory, since you have icons like Ryan Reynolds. But I've noticed your sense of humour is a little bit more...sophisticated? Kind of like, the joke you have to explain, yet if you do, it loses the punchline. It's a sarcastic, raw sense of humour. I can see where Ryan Reynolds gets it from!

4. Which brings me to your sitcoms...

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Honestly, I love Friends and sitcoms in general. I thought the American ones were, like, the best of the best, right?  But then I met Canadian sitcoms, and OMG, they're hilarious masterpieces. Schitt's Creek is one of my favourites, of course. "Ew David'' is my catchphrase now, even though my friends don't get it. Letterkenny takes the crown though. It is the funniest thing I have EVER seen. There's nothing like seeing a couple of hockey kids get roasted by an expressionless guy. 

5. CANdor!

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If you need an honest, straightforward opinion, you should ask Canadians. Canadians will always tell you the cold hard truth! This is funny because of the stereotype that Canadians are super polite and always say sorry. Truth is — you're polite, but you’re not liars. It’s not in your DNA.

6. You're not as obsessed with celebrity culture.

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Growing up near the United States, I know that when it comes to celeb news, it’s pure frenzy, admiration, and just part of everyday life. Canadians are aware of celebrities like all of us (duh), but I found it sooo interesting that they get tired of them. 

For example, with the Will Smith/Oscar situation — they talked about it but then just like that, after literally just one day...it was enough. You’re not starstruck; you’re objective. Refreshing, especially nowadays! 10 points to Canada for keeping it real. 

7. Canadian common sense.

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I don’t wanna be licking nobody’s boots, but you have common sense and a self-awareness that just comes within. Now, I know some of you believed house hippos existed, but maybe (just maybe), that actually made you more analytic since childhood.

8. You work hard.

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Working with Canadians is efficient. Whenever we have meetings, the small talk is waaaay different in my culture. I kinda miss the chit chat, but we get a lot of things done this way. 

You definitely have, like, a Ravenclaw vibe going on. But if I ask for help or a little bit more feedback, they are super helpful and once again, (like classic Canadians) are to the point. 

9. Foooooood!

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Canadian cuisine isn't as worldwide known as our Mexican cuisine (I’m sorry, but you gotta give it to us Mexicans!). But talking with my coworkers, you have way more to offer than just poutine. However, I would like to apologize to all Canadians for asking if there is a vegan poutine option. I now realize the mistake I made. 

10. Canada is HUGE.

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I always thought my country was big. I grew up with Europeans asking me if I went to the beach every day, and then I'd have to explain to them that I live 24 hours away by car from Cancún. 

But then, I was on the other side of the conversation. Like me asking people from Toronto what the Northwest Territories were like. Of course, they answered with ‘I don’t know.’ Makes sense. The point is, I thought living in Mexico was a pain in the behind, but turns out: I don’t have the patience for a Canadian road trip; that’s, like, 45 years of my life. 

11. There are winters, and then there are Canadian winters.

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I hate cold weather with my life. I'm sorry if I'm being stereotypical, but I love spicy food, the beach, and dancing. It is what it is! I have suffered cold, 0-degree winters. Until I heard you talking about winter. And apparently, Toronto is not even cold??? But it is?? But it depends on the wind and dampness???

For a Mexican girl, I am well aware that I will not and cannot stand that. I literally don't have the ability to survive a -20 temperature. Let alone work and be functional? And see friends??? What kind of seasonal depression do y'all get?

12. Skating, skiing, and scary ice sports.

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It surprises me that ice-skating seems like a skill that literally everybody has. The other day I was talking with my Canadian coworker (shoutout Jordan), and she was ashamed to admit that she can't skate backwards. I was ashamed to admit I can't fly backwards. We all have our battles. 

13. You have very interesting slang.

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I don't speak English very well, but damn, you are creative. Keener, loonie, mickey, toque, two-four, serviette. 

All these words AND at a super fast speed??? And I can keep track and can carry a conversation? W for me. 

Thank you so much for reading! Lmk your what your first impressions of Canada have been