Homework + tests + SATs + sheer need of sleep = no blog entry in the past week. My apologies.Two days ago, Students Live and Sharing the Dream met up with 5 students from Stoke Newington, London (now say that ten times fast), who came to Vancouver a week ago to report on the Paralympic Games. We conversed, had lunch, then headed up to Livecity downtown. We got past the long lineup, and went through security. Thank goodness they didn’t have those body scans anymore, because my belt always hindered me from getting through without a scan. This time however, the security guy mistook my San Pellegrino as a bottle of beer. Yeah, apparently that’s how I roll. Afterward, we became tour guides as we took the Londoners around town. That was the time when we really had the chance to talk and learn about the cultural differences. It was sort of a cultural clash in a way. There were definitely several times when we were shocked to learn about the various differences. We dwelled on the subject of language for quite a long time. We didn’t have any adult supervision, so let’s just say that I learned a lot of colorful ways to verbally affront someone. In retrospect, I guess the cultural differences made for more and better conversation topics. After a few hours together, the atmosphere was less tense, and we started to talk about anything that came to mind. Less of the ”let’s give the Londoners a good impression of Canadians, especially Vancouverites.”
In the afternoon, we headed back to the office at Harbour Center and recorded a webcast (my very first one!). I have to admit, it was pretty intimidating at first, with everyone in the room, but as soon as we started the webcast, the nerves settled. I’ll keep you guys updated on when the webcast will come out.
The day after, we met up with again to go skating at the Robson Skating Rink. It was my first time on the Robson Rink, and also my first time on ice in two years. No falls, wipeouts, or embarrassments though. Phew. Either way, it was a once in a lifetime experience just having the opportunity to interact with teenagers our age from another country. Although we said our goodbyes after skating, perhaps London 2012 will be a future meeting place. We`ll just wait and see. In the meantime, please support them and check out their website at http://vancouver.anewdirection.org.uk . Their program is called A New Direction. Enjoy!
Some pictures from the last two days:
Seeing the torch one last time...
Seems like an adequate setting for a group shot...flame cut off though.
Skating @ Robson
: )
