I lived in Calgary from 2003 to 2008. It is my first Canadian city to live, and my first impression of Canada was very good. It’s a big “small town”, and I like their hospitality. As I wrote in an old post, I feel a sense of home both in Calgary and Ontario, and my heart is still Calgarian. Today, probably every Canadian knows that Calgary and the surrounding areas suffered massive flood 10 days ago.
Recently I had a chance to talk with Canadian workers about natural disasters. I talked about the earth quake that hit Eastern Japan 2 years ago on March 11, and they talked about natural disasters in Canada like flood and tornado. One of our common understanding was that people help each other when they suffer natural disaster. One of the Canadian worker’s house was flooded a few weeks ago. He said even strangers talked to him and asked if he needed help. When Calgary was flooded, many facebook posts from my Calgarian friends were about the flood; some of them offered a place for evacuees, and some others shared information for evacuees and other sufferers. Recent TV news have shown how Calgarians help other sufferers. As broadcasted overseas, when the earthquake hit Eastern Japan, people in the most affected area, Tohoku (north east), showed their spirit to help each other when they are facing trouble. At that time, I was often depressed because I could not find a job, but encouraged by them.
Of course we should be aware that not everyone can act like that in disaster areas. When another massive earthquake hit Western Japan in 1995, many sufferers acted calmly, and quietly waited for help. It was broadcasted overseas, and many people in other countries were impresses. This implies that many people in other countries cannot act like this; riots often break out, and people loot food. We also should not forget people in disaster areas who are severely depressed and cannot think of others. They need time and help to be relieved.
Today is Canada Day. Unfortunately, I have worked seven days in a row, including night shift for five days until this morning, and I cannot do anything but having rest at home today. I just quietly wish everyone’s happy Canada Day. My current contract job will end at the end of this week, and I’m still looking for a new job. Still, I should think I am lucky because I have a place to live safely. Remember how I was encouraged by the earthquake sufferers when I was looking for a job in Japan.