Question: Please include or post your reply, your personal experience or comment on this unexpected events :)

q. 1. As someone who recently moved to Canada, I was excited to attend a social gathering with my new colleagues. However, I quickly realized that I had made a cultural mistake when I saw that everyone was taking their shoes off at the door and leaving them in a designated area. Coming from a culture where this was not a common practice, I didn't think twice about keeping my shoes on.

Throughout the night, I noticed that people were looking at me strangely and avoiding me. The hosts seemed puzzled by my shoes and looked back and forth between me and my footwear. It wasn't until one of my colleagues pulled me aside and explained that not taking off my shoes was considered impolite in Canadian culture that I realized my error. I felt embarrassed and apologetic for not knowing about this cultural norm, but my colleague was understanding and reassured me that mistakes happen when adapting to a new culture.

After that experience, I made sure to take off my shoes at the door when visiting someone's home in Canada and to be more aware of other cultural practices that might differ from my own. Although it was uncomfortable to make a social mistake, I learned that being respectful and open to learning from my errors is essential to adjusting to a new culture.

q.2. Imagine a situation where a person who grew up in a culture where it is common to greet others with a kiss on the cheek travels to a culture where handshakes are the norm. If this person greets someone with a kiss on the cheek, it could be perceived as inappropriate or even invasive by the other person.

In this scenario, the person who grew up in the culture of cheek-kissing might not have intended to do something unexpected or inappropriate. They might have simply been acting based on their cultural norms. However, because they did not take the time to understand the cultural context of the other person, they unintentionally violated a social taboo.

This type of scenario can happen to anyone, regardless of their background or cultural upbringing. The important thing to remember is to be mindful of the cultural norms of the people around us and to take the time to understand and respect their practices. By doing so, we can avoid unintentionally offending others and build stronger relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.

q.3. Certainly! For a long weekend getaway in Ontario, my choice would be to visit Algonquin Provincial Park. The park is situated in central Ontario and is well-known for its magnificent natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

To reach Algonquin, I would travel by car, allowing me to enjoy the scenic countryside drive. Once there, I would set up camp at one of the park's campsites to be fully surrounded by nature and enjoy the fresh air and tranquil surroundings.

During the long weekend, I would spend my time hiking on the park's various trails, which provide fantastic views of the forests, lakes, and rivers. Additionally, I would make use of the park's many waterways and rent a canoe, allowing me to explore the lakes and rivers at my leisure.

In the evenings, I would sit around a campfire under the stars and listen to the sounds of the forest. Algonquin is home to a wide range of wildlife, such as moose, bears, and wolves, so I would keep a lookout for any potential wildlife sightings throughout my stay.

I would select the Canada Day long weekend in July to visit, as it is an excellent time to experience the park's natural beauty at its finest. The weather is warm and sunny, with long days providing ample time for outdoor activities.

In summary, a long weekend getaway in Algonquin Provincial Park would be a fantastic opportunity to disconnect from city life and fully immerse oneself in the breathtaking natural beauty of Ontario.

q.4. Thousand Islands is a place in Ontario that I would want to visit on a long weekend holiday. Between Ontario and New York, in the St. Lawrence River, are a collection of islands known as the Thousand Islands. The area is well-known for its breathtaking natural beauty, extensive history, and variety of outdoor activities. I will take a boat tur, explore Boldt Castle, go kayaking, fishing, and of course visit Thousand Islands National Park.

I will be driving from Brampton to the Thousand Islands as it takes approximately 3.5 hours along Highway 401. The Thousand Islands area offers a variety of lodging options, including hotels, resorts, and camping. Among all the options, I look forward to the Riveredge Resort which seems very promising with all the facilities and excellent views.

I am planning to visit here during my semester break we all will have free time from our studies and work. And I have always been eager for winter activities like ice skating, skiing and ice fishing. Fingers crossed!

q.5. In my opinion, setting clear goals is, the most crucial success advice among all those offered by the instructors. Clear objectives give direction, concentration, and drive, which makes it simpler to gauge progress and take the necessary steps. Without clear aims, one may work ineffectively towards something that has no clear goal or risk becoming overburdened by chores that don't relate to their long-term ambitions. Setting clear objectives enables us to prioritise work, use our time more effectively, and make sure we are moving in the right direction.