Familiar as Foreign

Riffing on Gaby's thought below—there is a style of timber-frame house that is gaining popularity here, and it is called the "Canadian Style" of house design; peaked roof, made of wood. The "Canadian", I suppose, is partly in reference to our plentiful lumber—and yes, with some imagination I guess I could see how this house design could be seen by a Guatemalan as "Canadian".

It is an odd thing to see yourself (or at least one's nationality) essentialized in unexpected ways—we're so used to the American view of Canada (all mounties and eh's) that it has almost become a part of our identity. But "Canada" as a brand must signify very different things in other parts of the world, in ways of which we aren't necessarily aware.

It also highlights the aspect of travel I particularly enjoy—the ability to see yourself and your culture in ways that are not apparent when you are immersed in it.