This week finds Dr. Ekstrom and I in Riga, Latvia, attending Consul Meetings at the foreign ministry – more on that next week. Today, on the first of July, my mind wanders to Canada as the country where I grew up celebrates its Independence Day, known as Canada Day. Many of you know that I was born in a refugee camp in Germany after World War II and emigrated to Canada in 1951. I lived there during my formative years, from grade school through college and medical school at the University of Toronto. I then moved to the United States to study at Columbia University and Harvard. I never moved back to Canada but visit frequently as my mother and sister still live there and I cherish memories of my youth.
I have many fond memories of growing up in Northern Ontario. Cold winters, summers with long days and the outdoors defined my childhood. I experienced nature firsthand, spending countless hours skiing, hiking, canoeing, fishing, hunting, and picking blueberries, raspberries, and mushrooms. Canada’s natural beauty and abundant resources left an indelible mark on me. The sprawling forests, pristine lakes, and majestic mountains showcase the country’s vast and diverse landscapes.
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