Most Interesting

What’s the most interesting local custom you’ve encountered?

The most intriguing local custom I have encountered was likely in Montreal, Canada. I frequently traveled to Quebec City, Canada, at least once or twice a month, as my first relationship was with a Canadian I met in Orlando, Florida—a lengthy story, to be brief. On one particular occasion, flights were fully booked, and I had to fly standby with Air Canada to Montreal, then connect to Quebec. As Montreal was my initial stop, the customs officer seemed to be questioning my presence and departure plans quite rigorously. I explained that I visited Canada several times a month because I was in a relationship with someone in the country, and as airline personnel, I was unsure when to book my return ticket due to traveling standby. I was communicating with him in English, but then I realized he seemed displeased with that, so I decided to switch to French and reiterated the same information I had provided in English. He subsequently became more amiable and relaxed, even remarking, “Come back again soon.” Had I continued speaking in English, I believe I would have experienced a considerable delay. On another occasion in Toronto, a customs officer engaged me in casual conversation, despite the lengthy queues. Subsequently, he placed his business card within my passport. I lightheartedly remarked that the only circumstance under which I would utilize it would be if I encountered legal difficulties and required his assistance for bail. Lol, Oh Canada! -CM