The Maple Leaf Forever

Last night, James and I had to go see a notary to get some paperwork from Canada signed. We went to see Mr. Blom. This guy was unbelievably nice and he started off by telling us how he thought that Canada was one of the sanest places on earth. In a straightforward style that is so typically Dutch, he said "Canada is a bit boring for some people. Most people want all sorts of action and confrontation. Not Canadians!" He then proceeded to tell us that his rights as a Hollander, especially his right to speak his mind, were given to him by the Canadian soldiers who died liberating Holland from the Nazis in World War Two. Many people over here, especially the older generation, remember the Hunger Winter of 1944 and the atrocities that occurred during the Occupation and they credit the Canadians with their lives and freedom. I can tell you, I have never been prouder to be Canadian than I am now living here in Amsterdam. After he signed our paperwork, Mr. Blom walked us out of the office and I turned to him and I asked him how much we owed him. We thought it was around 70 Euro. He just shook hands with us and said, "It's free. It's a pleasure doing business with Canadians. Especially when you smile all the time like that." James and I didn't know what hit us. We were floored! Kind of made us feel all fuzzy inside. I know we say 'thank you' and 'sorry' alot but are we compulsive smilers too?