What do Arkansas and Guelph, Ont., have in common? You'd be surprised what ChatGPT says
Arkansas resident Amy Beaver decided to take a trip earlier this year— but not just anywhere. She wanted something that felt familiar
So she asked ChatGPT what kind of place would be similar to her home in Fayetteville.
"I got my passport last year and was like, 'OK, now I can travel out of the country.' And then I got a lot of anxiety over that because I don't speak a second language and I don't know other cultures," said Beaver. "I asked ChatGPT where I can go that is most like where I currently live."
Its response? Guelph, Ont.
Beaver's reaction to the chatbot's suggestion was made into a video, recorded by her daughter, that went viral on TikTok and Instagram.
"I'm going to go to Canada," Amy tells Emily in the video. "Will you move to Canada with me?"
In the recording, Amy also highlights some of the things that Fayetteville and Guelph have in common: a university, a climbing gym and four seasons.
"I think they might speak French there," she tells her daughter.
The video was made in February. This past weekend, ahead of Canada Day and in time for Pride celebrations in Guelph, Amy, her husband Jeff Beaver and their daughter Emily finally made it to city.
A tour of the city
Unsurprisingly, this Beaver family felt at home in the Canadian city almost immediately. The three went on a downtown food tour, visited the Art Gallery of Guelph and were given a tour of the University of Guelph campus.
Alex Charette, manager of communications and marketing in student experience at the University of Guelph, was surprised when he first saw the family's TikTok video and heard about them wanting to visit Guelph.
"The first reaction we had was they actually pronounced Guelph correctly. Because most of the time, people will say 'gulp,' or something else like that."
Charette said the Beavers were shown many of the university's famous landmarks, including the iconic Gryphon statue. He said Jeff Beaver felt connected to the school's mascot.
"Jeff also shared that his hometown is named Griffin," said Charette. "We were very much interested in showcasing all the value Guelph has to offer."
One of the first stops the family made was to the Guelph Humane Society for a tour. Abigail Heckbert, engagement co-ordinator at the Guelph Humane Society, says staff members were thrilled to show them around.
"We learned that they are huge animal lovers and that they have dogs at home," Heckbert said.
"Their tour was wonderful and it was so nice to learn that, of course, not only are they super passionate about animals and animal welfare, but they also are really passionate about wildlife as well, which was really awesome."
Along with the tours, the Beavers were given the full diplomatic treatment in Guelph. They met and had a photo-op with Mayor Cam Guthrie, MP Dominique O'Rourke, and MPP Mike Schreiner in front of the Guelph sign.
In a post on Instagram, Guthrie said it was his "pleasure" to welcome the family to "our amazing city."
"If you've been following the Beavers' viral TikTok and Instagram video, you'll know that Amy, Jeff and Emily are having a wonderful time touring all across our city," he wrote. "I'm so happy you feel welcomed in Guelph — so come back any time."
A welcoming atmosphere
One could argue the Beavers' first visit to Canada was perfectly timed. Arriving ahead of Canada Day, they got to experience some of the country's renewed patriotism.
"I think we should just celebrate Canada Day," said Emily.
Her sentiment was echoed by Amy,who felt a stark contrast between life in Canada and in the U.S.
"I'm really disappointed in what has happened in the United States. I'm tired of opening the news every morning and being afraid," she said.
For Emily, visiting the city during Pride celebrations was also a highlight. She said that as a queer person, she felt very welcomed by Canadians.
"I've lived in other cities in the United States and it is more welcoming to queer people in certain parts of the country. But as a whole, I can't say that I've ever really felt like it was normal. Here there is no undercurrent that what you are doing is wrong."
When asked if they plan to return to Guelph, the family gave a resounding yes.
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