Friday, February 19, 2010

Canabrit

I finally submitted my application to become a British citizen today. I want in!

It's strange to think that all things being well, I'll be British in a few months. Because I don't necessarily feel British, whatever that is. But then again, I don't feel completely Canadian either. I haven't lived at 'home' for six years now -- and over the past eight years, I've only spent eight months there. I'm out of the loop as far as politics goes and although I read the papers online to try to keep up with events across the pond, it's not the same as being there.

This was brought home to me earlier in the week when the Olympics started in Vancouver, British Columbia. If it hadn't been for my Canadian friends on Facebook talking about its imminent start, I would have had no idea the Olympics were even taking place. But for the average winter-loving Canadian, it was full-on fervour. I tried to watch a few snippets here and there on the TV -- to share in the spirit -- but the BBC offered up limited glimpses of my country and its competitors.

So what am I? Canabrit? Whatever I am, I'm happy to be where I am today.

8 comments:

Dolly said...

I have lived in three countries, and at first I felt at home where I lived. Now, I accept that I feel either a citizen of all nations or of none.

Having lived in three countries makes me realise that no place is perfect, so there are always things I prefer more about somewhere else. It also stops me from really caring about any one country's politics, sports or anything else, because my experience has made me more detached about the whole issue of nationality.

Bryn said...

Thanks to a British-born mother, I got my UK citizenship before I even moved to London (less than 6 months ago). It feels kind of weird to me too... I'm technically British but don't feel like I am. Nor do I feel fully Canadian any more. It's a strange but I think really valuable place to be.

Katie Mayes said...

I can't help myself...

Britishness is defined by the amount of tea you drink and how irate you get in queues! If you drink on average 6 cups of tea a day or more and moan, tut and 'huff' like an old battleaxe in a queue until steam pours out of your ears and your face goes red then you're British and welcome aboard...if not then you're Canadian still!!

Anonymous said...

I sponsored a friend's application for citizenship a few years ago, and went to her citizenship ceremony in London.

Like a true Brit I was cynical about the whole thing and prepared to mock (discretely) but I was suprised at how much I enjoyed the day.

The new citizens were from a wide variety of countries but were united in their excitement about the day and all eager to talk to a 'native' about their experiences of our captial city.

I left feeling proud of the way in which we welcome new arrivals and with a whole new window into the advantages of being a Brit.

Good luck with the application!

Grumpy Old Ken said...

Good luck, you sound a credit to both Britain and Canada.

Nayuleska said...

With your writing credentials, how could they say no? I hope you get it. Welcome to being British!

*raises cup of tea*

Marsha said...

Thanks everyone! Fingers crossed it goes through OK!

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