Dragon perched on a tree

On my way home yesterday, I got into discussion with another escapee of the now-ruined UK games industry, and we started comparing our experiences of Vancouver. After chatting for a whole I asked him what he thought of the city.

He praised the prices of food and living, gorgeous views, great restaurants, impressive architecture and the friendly Canadians. He only had one complaint: “The trees man, they’ve got to do something about the trees.” he explained to me.

Puzzled, I looked around: the trees lining Robson street reminded me of Helsinki and how much I enjoyed the fact that Vancouverites seem to love trees just as much as I. Curious, I asked him to explain what he meant.

“They should all be cut down man,” he said nodding, “the trees ruin the view. All of them must go. And not just here man, they are all over the country. They must go.”

At first I thought he was joking.

Then I understood that he was serious.

He launched into a long tirade telling of a rich woman here in Vancouver who was imprisoned for poisoning trees in a public area, and how she should have been rewarded instead.

Thinking about it, I reckon it has all to do with the British culture. Now, the English have cut down pretty much all the trees both in England and abroad that they have been able to get their hands on. Of the once-mighty Sherwood forest, only one tree remains. The national forests in UK consists of three tiny trees with no undergrowth. In British fairytales, forest is a frightening place where children get lost and eaten. To my English colleague, the forest is a threat, and every tree an enemy to be cut to pieces.

I’ve been brought up to think forest as a friend. From parents to pre-school, from tv documentaries to the army, the goodliness of trees and forests has been drummed into me since birth. It is part of being a Finn, I guess.

It is strange how profound influence our upbringing has on us. Luckily Canadians have not assumed this particular aspect of the British culture.

You can't add any more comments, but if you wish you can email the author.