national

INTERNeX Canada: Casual Friday. Victoria Day !!

Victoria Day (French: Fête de la Reine) is a national Canadian pubic holiday celebrated on the last Monday before May 25, in honor of Queen Victoria’s birthday. So this year is officially Monday 20th!! Yeahhhh, day off!

Victoria DayBut what do you know about this day? I’m sure a lot of you don’t know too much about it, so keep reading!

Queen Victoria was born on May 24th, 1819 and is still the longest-reigning monarch of the United Kingdom. (During her life, the British Empire expanded substantially).

The monarch’s birthday has been celebrated in Canada since before the beginning of Queen Victoria’s reign.

After her death, on January 1901, May 25 became “Empire Day”, and for many reasons the Monday before the 25th became Victoria’s Day!!

In some cities, fireworks are displayed or parades are held to mark Victoria Day.

One of the most notable parades is held in the capital of British Columbia; Victoria, which was named because of the Queen Victoria! It’s really famous its Victoria’s celebration, so If you can don’t miss it !!

I hope you enjoy Victoria Day wherever you are!

Best,

Mercedes

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com

INTERNeX Canada: Fun Facts about Canada’s National Symbol

While Germany has a majestic eagle, Denmark a romantic swan and Spain a potent bull, Canada sends a beaver to enter the contest of national animals. Of all the amazing wildlife this country has to offer, it is a cute little beaver that represents Canada. One has to admit that there are fair arguments behind this choice. Back in 1975, when the beaver was announced to be the official national emblem, beaver fur trade had been the reason why a lot of Canada’s wilderness exploration had taken place at all and the animal used to be a symbol of industry in general. Apart from that, beavers are caring parents! Today however, people start talking about a replacement with an animal which represents the splendid beauty of Canada. Oh and there are so many to choose from! What about moose, grizzly or black bear, buffalo and polar bear for example! In my opinion, Canada just needs something more powerful, big and impressive to be symbolized by. What do you guys think about that? Polar bear? Moose? Rather stick to the furry little beaver? Leave a comment and share your opinion!

Cheers

Marianne

P.S. One more fun fact for you: A small, tasty, sugar-coated pastry is called a Beaver Tail (sometimes spelled Beavertail, in one word). It can be found mostly in the Ottawa area but you can also get it on top of Grouse Mountain!! Yumm! 🙂

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com

INTERNeX Canada: Culture Shock – food edition

Enjoying Canada? You probably already discovered a lot of Canadian things to do here. But there is also food that you need to try while you are here, you can’t leave Canada without it! Check out these Canadian treats:

 

Poutine
This is of course the very first thing to try in Canada! It’s French fries covered with brown gravy and topped with fresh cheese curds. You can also add meat in your poutine. It is best enjoyed at three AM after a long club night and a couple of drinks!

 

Maple syrup
In Canada you can find ANYTHNG with maple syrup in it. There is maple tea, maple cookies, maple ice cream, maple candies, maple wine, maple butter, maple sugar, even maple soap – the list is endless. It’s best with pancakes or crêpes; add banana pieces and you have the real Canadian breakfast!

Beaver tail
Don’t worry, Canada will not make you eat beaver meat. Beaver tail is a sweet treat: it’s a flat piece of dough that is fried and then covered with different delights like chocolate, maple syrup, cinnamon, sugar, nuts (not all at once, you can choose). The shape of the dough and the chocolate stripes they usually put on top make it look like a beaver tail.

Tim Hortons
Originated in Canada, Tim Hortons is THE Canadian icon. Of course they have donuts everywhere, but try the Maple Dip Donut! Timbits are truly Timmy’s invention, can’t leave Canada without having had a box of Timbits. And have a double double for your drink, just because you feel so local when ordering it…

Oreo
You might know Oreo cookies, they are pretty good. But things made out of Oreo cookies are even better. Start out with a McDonalds Oreo McFlurry; there is a lot of gelato shops with Oreo ice cream, too. Then, there are Oreo cakes out there, the best treat ever! And if you dare, try fried Oreos – a cookie covered with dough, fried and served hot. Sounds odd but it is incredibly tasty as the cookie melts inside!

Nanaimo bars
This one is not only Canadian, it’s even local! It is named after the West-Coast city of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, BC. The Nanaimo bar is a dessert made of a wafer crumb-based layer, a light vanilla layer or custard flavoured butter icing, and covered in chocolate. What else is there to say?

 

That’s my list, I tried them all. Or did a forget anything? Do you have more Canadian delights? Comment!

Xenia

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Vancouver BC -V6A 2R5-
Web: http://www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com

Casual Friday

It is time for our weekly casual Friday posts! As I’m sure not a lot of you will know, February is National Black History Month. This is celebrated every year in America and Canada; and in the UK in October. This remembrance month was set up in 1926, but was originally just for the second week of February. As the more people started to get involved it was decided that the whole month would be dedicated to it.

The main idea behind this month is to celebrate and remember the rich African and Caribbean History and iconic members of society that have had an influence on black history. During this month a diverse selection of events are going on in Vancouver, so be sure to keep an eye out for posters and such around the city.
To help you out a bit I’ve made a list of things to do that you might find interesting:

Thursday, February 9 – Saturday, March 10
THEATRE: Intimate Apparel
The Arts Club Theatre | Granville Island Stage
1585 Johnston Street

Friday, February 10 (8 pm)
Stayed on Freedom! A Musical Celebration of Black History Month
St. Andrew’s-Wesley United Church
SW corner of Burrard and Nelson

Saturday, February 11
(Beginners 6-7 pm, Advanced 7-8 pm) African Drumming Classes
Small World
2120 Commercial Drive

Click here for more information about the events mentioned above.

Thursday, February 23 (doors at 6:30pm)
PERFORMANCE: Skins & Steel Vancity Theatre 1181 Seymour Street

Monday, February 27 (7pm)

MOVIE: The Mighty Jerome Alice MacKay Room, Lower Level Central Library
350 West Georgia Street

Click here for more information

Enrich your knowledge of Black History and visit one of these events; it’s always a great way to meet new people as well!

Cheers,

Your PR-Team

INTERNeX International Exchange
Suite 200 – 211 Columbia Street
Web: www.internexcanada.com
Phone: +1 (604) 662 8149
Email: pr@internexcanada.com

INTERNeX PuB NiGHT Tomorrow!

Just a reminder to everyone that INTERNeX Pub NiGHT is tomorrow night at the Cambie (300 Cambie Street – Gastown). Come meet other people and have a great time! The Cambie has cheap drinks and great food, PLUS INTERNeX will be playing a trivia game where you can win some  great prizes!

Don’t miss out on tomorrow’s Pub NiGHT! ALso, if you have the day off Thursday, don’t forget to join us for Paintballing!

Hope to see everyone tomorrow night at 8 p.m.! Cheers!

– Laura