subject: Vancouver Hotel - Surviving in the Most Livable City in the World [print this page] Vancouver Hotel - Surviving in the Most Livable City in the World
Being in a whole new different country can sometimes give you culture shock. Vancouver is no exception, as it carries its own set of cultural values. If you are planning on visiting Vancouver for the first time, there are some preparations you can make before going there to lessen the impact of culture shock.
Vancouver carries a strong immigrant culture, so they are basically very opened to cultural differences. Yet, although there are many international cultures there, the culture tends to be quite direct and would openly joke or point out their disagreements. Hence, if you are shy and conservative, you may want to prepare your frame of mind to acknowledge the differences.
Being in Vancouver, you would definitely need to eat some meals. Unlike in the US, the people there eat using fork and knife instead of fork and spoon, and they would only use spoon where necessary like when drinking soup. So if you have some Canadian guests over, prepare fork and knife instead. If you are unfamiliar with using the knife, brushing up your skills might save you from embarrassment when eating there.
Language-wise, French is their international language; however, English is mainly used in writing and talking. As there Vancouver has a mash of different cultures, even English used as a language has their own differences. There is a mix of American English and British English in Canadian English, so you should get your words right. Pick up a Canadian handbook or read about the differences online so people do not end up spaced when they talk to you.
Lastly, there are all sorts of accommodations available, from hotels, bed & breakfast, to even home exchange. However, being new to the country, you might want to be serviced to get accustom to their culture. There are many reasonable priced Vancouver hotels available if you are on a budget. Nevertheless, staying in reasonable priced Vancouver hotels will allow you to lessen your accommodation expenditure to be used for other expenditures, in case you miscalculate your currencies. Being prepared will definitely allow you to enjoy your stay at Vancouver at its best.
