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On Tuesday we went to Niagara Falls. As soon as we arrived, we got some free time to hang out on Clifton Hill. We all split up and went our own ways. Some of us went to an arcade, some watched a few small films, some went on a walk and some went to a haunted house.

Jake and Lindsey (students from The YMCA Academy) along with Kali (Student from the Living and Learning Center) went into the haunted house and this was their adventure:

Jake: “Someone get in front of me so I can film this!”
Kali: “Lindsey, get in front of us”
Lindsey (in a scared voice): “Kali come with me!”

They all heard scary noises and felt around them. Jake started freaking out because something touched his face and started running to finish the haunted house as fast as he could. Kali and Lindsey ran to catch up with Jake. Jake again saw something behind him and immediately fell to the ground!! They all ran out of the haunted house freaking out.- What an adventure!!!

We all regrouped to eat lunch with a great view of the falls and share our Clifton Hill’s Adventures. Then we started the slow walk down to the water’s edge, collecting a red plastic poncho on the way. Onto the “Hornblower” we went (used to be called The Maid of the Mist). With a commentary in the background and the spray of the falls in front, we quickly took pictures before the power of the falls turned us around for the return journey.

We had a few more minutes before getting back on the bus, so we spent our time walking up river and enjoying the views. Back on the bus we got and headed towards Toronto. We had a lovely dinner hosted by Ryan’s family at their recording studio, TA2. We had chicken, potatoes and rice and for people that are vegetarians they had salad. We also learned about the process of recording and putting together the layers of audio for a commercial. After we had dinner, some of us went to the movies and some went back to their homes or hostel. The people that went to the movies had a choice of three movies which were Logan, LIFE, and Kong Skull Island.

Check out more photos from this event on our Facebook page!

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On Monday, our group travelled to Casa Loma, taking in great views of the city as we climbed the hill and stairs to the castle. Our first adventure was walking through the 800 ft tunnel, through the “Toronto The Dark Side” exhibit to the stables and antique car exhibits. We then watched a film that took us through the history of Casa Loma and learned a lot about the time period in which it was built. After the film, we had free time to explore all of the rooms and grounds of the castle. The highlight for many of us was climbing up the winding staircases into the towers and enjoying more great views of Toronto.

After our visit to Casa Loma we had lunch in some green space nearby. All of the Academy students laid out the extra lunches they had made so that our guests could choose a meal they liked. We then ate in the beautiful sunshine and many students found ways to climb up trees and walls and monkey around.

When lunch was finished, we took the subway to High Park to show our guests the nature found right in our city. We had a nice walk through the park, stopping to rest by the cherry blossoms and view the animals in the zoo. We were happy to see the capybaras, Bonnie and Clyde, and their babies running around in their enclosure.

From High Park, we made our way back downtown and after we rested up and did a bit of shopping near the YMCA Academy, then we headed towards Fran’s Restaurant as our hunger grew anticipating the meal that awaited us. When we arrived at the diner, our excitement grew. As we chatted amongst ourselves our orders arrived. We had burgers and fries, fish and chips or chicken parmesan with spaghetti. The decor in Fran’s restaurant had the look and feel of the 1970s. The diner had seafoam coloured walls and seats along with booths and tables that were located in the front of the diner. The floors were tiled diagonally; the desserts were on display while the staff were wearing black uniforms. Jonathan says “I rate this restaurant environment and my meal 10/10”.

After we had dinner with our twins at the Fran’s diner we walk to Yonge and Dundas to show our guests the Eaton Centre. They went around going to find things that they didn’t have on the island such as make-up stores, EB games and more. We spend a lot of time there (and money). Afterwards we all went our separate ways home.

Check out more photos from this event on our Facebook page!

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It was a bright and early Sunday morning, me (Heather), Benny and Spencer carpooled down to Clarence Park. As I hopped out of the car the first thing I had to do was meet each of the exchange students for I was so enthralled that they were finally here! We went on a TTC scavenger hunt. The plan was to conclude the TTC scavenger hunt at Chester Station, then from there we walked to Withrow Park. At the park we ate lunch and played some getting-to-know-you games. Ebin and his younger brother Aubrey were climbing trees. It was wicked to watch them climb, so second nature. We walked to an even bigger park called Riverdale and I and some of the exchange kids and YMCA kids rolled down the hill it was happy times. We waited at Riverdale for a recent graduate of the YMCA named Dakota and his brother Phoenix that is currently attending the school. We walked to Dakota and Phoenix’s house for a native ceremony to learn a little bit about the native rituals that originated from Toronto. All the Haida Gwaii kids gave a cedar rose to the drummers. It was a beautiful and tiring day but altogether one hundred percent worth, yawns.

We weren’t sure, beforehand, how many of our visitors were members of the Haida Nation, but we wanted to do our best to present them with a traditional native welcome. A good friend to the Academy, and parent of both a former and current student, Valentina, did not disappoint as she hosted a beautiful, spirited potluck at her home. She arranged a group of drummers and singers to perform several touching songs, each with a particular focus and meaning. The event took place in the courtyard of their housing complex and was so powerful it attracted surrounding neighbours and even stopped cars driving by. In a surprise twist, Pauline Shirt, an Elder of the Plains Cree who was leading the welcoming happened to know and have worked with an aunt of one of the youth visiting us. What a small world!

Our guests were very appreciative of the welcoming we gave them, but were also happy to return to their accommodations and rest up for what would be a long and exciting whirlwind week of activities. This day was the perfect start to such a week.

Check out more photos from this event on our Facebook page!