ABSTRACT
The border crossing is behind, and immediately the road sign “60,” indicating the speed limit in miles. My son is smiling: “Imperial miles! The most advanced country in the world seems to never go metric! How many yards is a mile, by the way?” We have just crossed the Canada–U.S. border with a rented Toyota. As guests in both these countries, we are required to pass an interview with the border officer. My UBC (University of British Columbia) Faculty card helps to shorten the process once we approach the counter. This is my second visit to the region after the postdoctoral academic year in Vancouver several years back. I liked so much the greatness of the Northwest Nature, the ranges of mountains, universal tranquility, and the benevolence of the people, that I decided at the first opportunity to come here with my son.
