A small thing, trivial almost: what those 5-6 digits in address are called. Or, as it is in Canada, the 6 letter/number combination in a street address.
It is a Postal Code in Canada, a Zip Code in the States.
And Canadians are quite particular about calling it a Postal Code. They are not shy on correcting me, and I unwittingly mark myself as an American when I return a puzzled look at the phrase “postal code.” It’s been hard enough reprogramming my brain to remember the letter/number combination that makes up my Postal Code, and I still get it wrong.
I will say that Canada Post has an ability the USPS lacks: delivering mail to the right address even if it has the wrong Postal Code. And sending anything USPS–>Canada Post is far better than UPS or FedEx. Who knew?
Mail is one of those things you appreciate when far from home. There’s just something comforting about receiving a card or letter that you can physically hold while reading, and then tack up on the wall or stand on a table or desk.
A connection. A reminder. Comfort. Sometimes that makes all the difference.