> people are people, but cultures can differ. I understand what you mean about cultures differing. And perhaps in Canada, people are generally more friendly... However, I've been in Canada a total of three times for a week at a time to visit family. And in my time there, I have met really nice people especially in the bigger cities. Maybe there, they are more understanding of tourists there. But in the smaller towns where my family lived, if you asked for directions to the bigger cities, eyes rolled because you were an outsider. I'm no expert though, they may have done this to other Canadians who weren't from that area, as well... who knows? I guess both of us would have to spend extended periods of time there to know for sure. Anna