there are places i'll remember...

Penny Lane is in my ears and in my eyes...

Since I’ve relocated to England, I’ve remained close to London (other then the quick jaunt on the Eurostar to my parent’s home in Brussels). So it is a long time coming that I get back to my roots. This past weekend, I spent a day in Liverpool, England. I took the early train out of Euston London Station at 7:07a.m. to arrive at Liverpool Lime Street Station at 9:20 a.m. giving me plenty of time to explore. Of course the weather was typical English weather – and now I can understand why northerners who are visiting London can’t understand why we complain about the rain – because once you head north – you’re lucky you don’t drown from all of the rainfall! 

Strawberry Fields Forever....

Of course, you cannot visit Liverpool without partaking in SOMETHING “Beatles”. So I hopped on the Magical Mystery Bus Tour and was taken through the suburbs of Liverpool where the “Fab Four” grew up, visited their childhood homes, walked along Penny Lane, "met" Elenor Rigby and rocked out in the famous Cavern Club on Mathew Street. It was a really great tour – especially if you are a fan of the Beatles like I am.

But all things Beatles aside, the tour was also a great way for me to get an idea of where I come from. You see, I have some scouse in my blood from my grandmother, who was born and raised in Liverpool, long before the Beatles were playing their rock ‘n’ roll. I thought about her the entire time I was there – from arriving at Lime Street Station (spit on Lime Street station, I remember my Dad telling her when she would go back to visit) to walking through the streets of the downtown city centre – maybe I walked in her footsteps? I wish that I could share my stories with her about what I saw and did (although, I like to think she was there with me) and then she would smile and tell me a story from when she was young about the area or someone she knew there. This was a short visit, but I’ll have to go back and visit the relatives that I have there and really walk in her footsteps.

The Cavern Club - had to leave my mark

Happy Canada Day, eh?

First of all, I want to wish Canada a very happy 144th birthday!
Second, happy Canada Day to all my Canadian loved ones near and far!

In the spirit of this very patriotic day for us, I have reflected on my time as an expat so far. It's been quite an adventure and of course I am constantly being asked about my glorious homeland. I have been asked about everything from food to beer to hockey and everything inbetween. But surprisingly, the thing I have been asked about the most is the meaning of "eh?".

This doesn't surprise me at all... afterall, living in a different country, I too have had to ask my English 'mates' what the meaning of certain terms are as well. They also look at me with a smile and explain - sometimes with difficulty. I can sympathize... because how does one describe "eh". Every Canadian just "knows" what it means... its like you're born with the "eh" gene. You just get it.

Anyways, for fun, I came up with a list of explainations so that you fellow canucks can proudly explain the meaning of "eh" when asked abroad! Enjoy your celebrations!

Richard, our office accountant has got some Canadian spirit!

 Eh is a useful word that is very important and is the basis of all Canadian communications. It is used in conjunction with other words, or simply by itself. The tone or the slight differences in exclamation also changes the meaning:

Eh? = what did you say?

Eh? = what do you think?

EH? = something to say just to end a sentence.

Ehhhh!! = WOW!!

EH!? = what do you mean?

Eh?? = your joking!!!??

EH!! = Hello..(you off in the distance!!!)

Eh? = want a doughnut or some Tim Bits?

Eh!Eh! = coffee double-cream too please!

hey..eh! = want to go to the drive-in movie??

Eh..y'know = I'll pick you up at 8:00 (8:30 in Newfoundland).

Eh..wanna? eh? = lets fool around ...
EHHHHHHH = sounds coming from the car.
hey..um..er eh... = I'm pregnant!
EH????????? = how did that happen?
EHHehhEHHehhEHHH = sounds from the delivery room.
EHHH-ehh, EHHH-ehh = baby's first cry.
Ehh..whadya think eh? = marry me.