Two weeks in Paradise (i.e. Canada)

Edmonton, Alberta, Canada is the name of the place.

Talk about "reverse culture-shock."

After spending 5 months in a "developing country," I'm back in Edmonton to visit my parents and sister (and her family) for two weeks. For the most part, Canadians are very rich. Lots of fancy automobiles, fancy clothing and fancy infrastructure (sport facilities, public buildings, park space).

The headlines in the daily newspaper tell it all. No serious problems here. Ecuador feels so very, very far away.

The feeling I get is that these people have no idea how good they have it. But I could be wrong. Perhaps it is simply a case of overreaction - like Erin -- a friend of the family -- tells me.

Regardless, right now I think that Canadians need to know more about poverty in the world. I'm trying to keep my mouth shut for the time being and trying not hard not to be too disgusted by the relative decadence of this place.