I Was "CULTURE SHOCKED"

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Before my young family and I moved from the Philippines (third world country) to Canada (first world or highly industrialized country), I kept hearing about Culture Shock. “Nah, except the snow, there is not much difference between Canada and the Philippines. Canadians speak English, we speak English. They eat MacDo, I eat MacDo, too.” I jokingly told my friends and co-workers. But I was wrong! First shock: On February 14, 1992, our plane landed at the Calgary International airport. It was snowing and cold (I think it was -25). O, I wanted to go back home! Second shock: A week after our arrival, my wife, 4 kiddies, and I were in the mall buying winter jackets and shoes. A young saleslady of WoolCo (now Walmart) giggled every time I talked. I asked her what was so funny. She said, “I love your accent!” and she asked “Do you always speak complete sentence in the Philippines?” Maybe she noticed that I spoke in a sentence complete with a subject and predicate, and sometimes with modifiers. I did not know then that saying “There is two!” is normal here but a “mortal sin” in the Philippines. Third Shock: Applying for jobs was not easy. It was a year of recession. A relative accompanied me to apply for work at Safeway (grocery store). There were 2 long lines of applicants for just half a dozen openings! One applicant asked me if I had Canadian work experience. I told him that I just arrived few days ago here in Canada and my only Canadian work experience was shoveling snow at the front yard of a relative’s house. Fourth shock: I was riding a city train heading downtown a month after for a job interview. A young guy and a young woman standing few inches in front of me suddenly started kissing passionately. I was shocked momentarily but eventually enjoyed the scene. Whew! I need a washroom break!