|
|
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
by Christine MacCauley |
| The members of the Ontario delegation arrived in Ottawa full of excitement and enthusiasm. As one of the larger delegations, the Ontario students travelled to Ottawa by means of trains, planes, and automobiles. The majority of the students travelled by Via train. It was evident that, during the four and a half hour train trip, the students had already begun to form friendships. Though the students had only just met, they were already on a first name basis.
Two of the Ontario delegates, along with the Head of Delegation for Ontario, flew into Ottawa, though their flight plans did not quite go according to the plan. Brandie, although an Ontario native, flew in with the Manitoba delegation. Unexpectedly, the original flight from Winnipeg was cancelled, forcing the Manitoba delegation, and Brandie, to take a later flight.
The other air-travelling student, Brett, flying with Steve Fessenden, the Head of Delegation for Ontario, were originally scheduled to fly from Sudbury to Toronto and then from Toronto to Ottawa, arriving in Ottawa just after 1:00pm. However, the plane that was supposed take Mr. Fessenden and Brett to Ottawa had an unfortunate encounter with a bird. Apparently, while on the runway, the plane hit the bird, causing quite the disturbance. As a result, Mr. Fessenden and Brett were forced to take a later flight on a different plane. Upon arrival in Ottawa, Mr. Fessenden remarked that he could very well have driven to Ottawa in the same amount of time that it took him to fly.
The final Ontario student to arrive at the Terry Fox Centre is actually a native of Ottawa. Her travel plans were likely the least eventful, as her own personal chauffeurs also happened to be her parents.
As the students travelled from the train station to the Terry Fox Centre, they animatedly discussed the plans for the upcoming week. When asked what she was most looking forward to, Olivia responded, “meeting new people!” Eva was most looking forward to presentation day and, “looking at all the projects.” Both Katelynn and Aman agreed that the trip to the wave pool would be one of the highlights of the week. Overall, the students were very lively, eagerly anticipating the week to come!
The expression, “time flies when you are having fun,” aptly describes the travel experience of the Quebec delegation. The Quebec delegation arrived in Ottawa by train in the early evening. For many of the students, this was their very first time travelling by rail. Though the travel seemed slightly rushed at times, with switching trains and meeting departure times, the students showed great initiative, helping each other out. In fact, the students quickly became acquainted, discussing history and geography with each other, among other things. The students arrived at the Terry Fox Centre in a happy, bright mood.
The central Canadian students have arrived in Ottawa safe and sound. Though tired out from a long day of travelling, the students have filled the Terry Fox Centre with excitement and a truly spirited atmosphere. Clearly, the eager and animated faces of the delegates on Day 1 foreshadow a week of memorable experiences and an awesome time to be had by all. |
|
|
|
