Just north of one of the world's most powerful and influential countries (the United States, in case you didn't know), Canada is a bountiful and beautiful expanse of land where my heart will forever lie. Here's a map and legend of all the places I've lived across this great nation.

1. Prince Edward Island -- I was born into a tiny village known as Sleepy Hollow, and then my family started to move around the island. First to Morell, then Sherwood, and finally to Charlottetown.
2. Rockland, Ontario -- We moved to a small French town near Ottawa when I was in the 6th grade. Not being very familiar with stability in one location, as you can see, I was quite shocked that we lived there long enough for me to complete high school, in 1992. A bilingual high school, L'Ecole de Plantagent High School provided me with a lot of very beneficial exposure to the French-Canadian culture.
3. Regina, Saskatchewan -- This city, originally known as "Pile of Bones", is easily one of the most beautiful I've ever seen. The summers are incredibly hot without a shred of humidity (Heaven, to me), but the winters are unbelievably cold. I can remember one winter, the air was crystalline for weeks on end, as every drop of moisture in the air froze. It was breath-takingly stunning if you were inside, and just plain breath-taking when you were outside (literally!).
4. Guelph, Ontario -- This is where I spent so many years of my life, working through university and learning some of the most important lessons of my life. Living in Guelph gives me access to Canada's largest city, Toronto, as it is only an hour away (If I want even more, Buffalo, New York is only two hours away, and Detroit, Michigan is only three), but Guelph can still feel like a small town, with its clean streets, nice people, and relaxing atmosphere.
5. St. John's, Newfoundland -- I was only a Newfie for about six and a half months, but it was definitely a unique experience. The first North American city that the rising sun touches in the morning, St. John's has a personality all its own... a mix between old Ireland and new Eastern Canada that can only be understood if you travel there.
6. Halifax, Nova Scotia -- I'm currently residing in Bedford, near Halifax, which I absolutely love and attending a university just 15 minutes down the road. I've met up with a lot of fabulous people and keep meeting more every day. It's one of Canada's big cities, but still maintains that small town charm that is so characteristic of my country.

Last updated: July 28, 2000
Comments, questions, and general email to Janet O'Neil.

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