As I entered the hotel this morning, I finally came to see that today was the last day with the Chengdu Youths and that it had to be the best one yet. Usually (for two days) we would meet in the room upstairs to gather and prepare; however, today we met downstairs in the main lobby to get an early start to the day. As the Chengdu Youths descended from the stairs, they all had beautiful smiles from ear to ear on their faces and they were ready for today. Instead of the usual delay of getting on the bus, we boarded the bus and arrived at our destination on time. This morning our first stop was the Legislature Building.
Our bus driver dropped us off at the bus depot (which was unoccupied at that moment) and we went inside and on our way to the Legislature Building. Everyone was in awe when they saw the wonderful composition of the building. As our feet stepped through the door way, one could almost swear they were being blinded by some blinding bright light, but it was actually everyone pulling out their cameras! It was truly amusing. We had a tour guide take us around the Legislature Building telling us the many stories of paintings and rooms. There was a set of paintings of the King and Queen, which were so beautifully painted, on a wall on the second floor. Apparently, from any angle, their eyes will be watching you and their knees will be pointing in the same direction as each other as you walk from left to right. (i.e.; if you stand on the right, both sets of knees will be pointing at you to the right and if you moved to the left, they would still be pointing directly at you from the left.) One of the Chengdu Youths asked me if I was afraid of this but I told her no. She was though and since she thought I was so brave she told me to go in there at night and see if I’m just as brave after. I told her I would only if she came and she slapped me laughing and walking away. We continued through the building, stopping at various spots, taking pictures and more pictures and more pictures (I think people were getting tired of taking pictures ha-ha!). At the end of the tour we took a huge group picture on the stairs that you would typically see if a school went to have a tour of the Legislature Building and at the end have a picture taken of their class. Picture taki
ng was finished early so it was off to City Hall for the last time.We arrived at City Hall before the lunch hour to take some pictures and cool off in the water. Everyone was enjoying themselves in the sun for it was much more comfortable for them. It was awesome! Soon after we were off to go have lunch for all our stomachs were talking.
Lunch was at Boston Pizza and by the time we arrived through the doors, the pizza and drinks were all set up and was ready to be bitten into. Assortments of different types of pizza were on each table between the two rows of tables. There was so much to eat! But surprisingly most of the food was consumed and everyone was nice and full!
It was so much fun though. I went visiting after I ate with everyone and then the twin boys were being silly when I started taking pictures. They ate their pizzas with a fork and knife and when I took some pictures of them, they would start cutting their pizza slice real vigorously and then quickly shove all the food they could into their mouths! During that time too they would have a crazed look on their faces or sort of angry looking faces (even though they weren’t) and it was so funny! I was scared they would choke, but they didn’t and they downed everything with a nice cool cola. I was amazed at that talent! Then for some reason they had an obsession with mixing various contents into some peoples sodas and drinks! Then they would offer it to different people to drink and see if they would drink it. When they offered it to me, I asked them what did they do to the drink, and then they would look offended! They asked me why I would think that the drink was tampered with; it was ‘supposedly’ an innocent drink to have (even though there were white chunks and black specs floating in the ‘drink’). Then I asked them to have a sip, but they said no and kept asking me to take a sip and have some fun! I laughed at them even harder because of how they looked when I refused. Lunch was finished and it was off to our final spot for the day!The ride to Fort Edmonton Park wasn’t a very long one, so once we got there everyone seemed a bit surprised of how fast the trip was! As we got off the bus, we were bombarded with cameras once again. We walked
through the gates after and were split up into two different groups this time for the tours. At first I began to wonder why we were just standing there and we weren’t going anywhere, then I saw the reason why coming towards me! A huge train approached us as it rounded the corner. It wasn’t an extremely long train but it was big enough to carry all of us! Once we got on there we all thought we were Hogwart students going off to school for a ‘magical’ term. We were laughing so much at that. The train ride was a fairly comfortable ride and after a couple of minutes we arrived at the actual ‘Fort Edmonton’.The walk around the fort was a fairly long wall for the fort itself was huge! We went through the entrance and it felt like we walked back in time! There was a huge building th
at looked like a mansion while on the three other sides were common structures. The tour guide showed us through the fort and we got to explore nearly every inch of the fort that we could. It was cool though that one of the Chengdu Youths asked so many questions! I was glad they showed interest in the history of Edmonton. Later we exited the fort and walked along the opposite side we entered and saw some beautiful tee pees around the outside. It was astonishing. Then we walked some more beside the garden that was growing (and was flourishing) and waited for the wagon ride. The other group already left as we reached the waiting area and it looked like so much fun! Everyone was excited for this ride! Our wagon ride finally arrived and we 
all loaded, filling all the seats available. We went through the different developments of Edmonton through the ages with detailed information at every location. Everyone learned so much. We ended up at the midway they had there and we had a good half hour to spend before we went for the ultimate BBQ ever. So the midway was actually a lot more fun than it appeared. The Ferris wheel was the main attraction for all the Chengdu Youths and us. My Chengdu friend and I decided to go on it and we thought it wasn't that bad because it wasn't a really high ferries wheel. However, we were so wrong about that. Firstly the chairs we sat on were rock-able, so if you moved in a quick fashion, then the momentum from that movement would rock the seat. Which in return freaked the heck out of all of us. We were joking around that we would scream for the heck of it and guess what, our screams were real. The whole time we were on the ride, my Chengdu buddy was holding my hand in fear that we may fall off. Secondly, at the very top, you could feel the wind blowing, which obviously did not help with the rocking chairs. Everyone was freaking and laughing but we had such a good time on there. After several more rides, it was time to move out. We began walking the long road to the cool area we were going to eat at.
at looked like a mansion while on the three other sides were common structures. The tour guide showed us through the fort and we got to explore nearly every inch of the fort that we could. It was cool though that one of the Chengdu Youths asked so many questions! I was glad they showed interest in the history of Edmonton. Later we exited the fort and walked along the opposite side we entered and saw some beautiful tee pees around the outside. It was astonishing. Then we walked some more beside the garden that was growing (and was flourishing) and waited for the wagon ride. The other group already left as we reached the waiting area and it looked like so much fun! Everyone was excited for this ride! Our wagon ride finally arrived and we 
all loaded, filling all the seats available. We went through the different developments of Edmonton through the ages with detailed information at every location. Everyone learned so much. We ended up at the midway they had there and we had a good half hour to spend before we went for the ultimate BBQ ever. So the midway was actually a lot more fun than it appeared. The Ferris wheel was the main attraction for all the Chengdu Youths and us. My Chengdu friend and I decided to go on it and we thought it wasn't that bad because it wasn't a really high ferries wheel. However, we were so wrong about that. Firstly the chairs we sat on were rock-able, so if you moved in a quick fashion, then the momentum from that movement would rock the seat. Which in return freaked the heck out of all of us. We were joking around that we would scream for the heck of it and guess what, our screams were real. The whole time we were on the ride, my Chengdu buddy was holding my hand in fear that we may fall off. Secondly, at the very top, you could feel the wind blowing, which obviously did not help with the rocking chairs. Everyone was freaking and laughing but we had such a good time on there. After several more rides, it was time to move out. We began walking the long road to the cool area we were going to eat at. Once we all reached the picnic area, the food was all set up and 
ready to go, the tables were clean, friends and family were waiting for us and a playground was waiting for us to go play on it. Everyone marched in with such a good mood; it was incredible. Good times were radiating from corner to corner. Lots of the kids and volunteers were gravitating towards the teeter-totters. My sister went on (whose older then the Chengdu Youths) with two of the younger Chengdu Youths and they were going up and down rapidly almost like they were trying to knock each other off! My sister versus the Chengdu Youth! The outcome of this was even more funny. They thought they could win against my sister but she was able to somehow win and the two Chengdu Youths landed with sand on their faces, laughing and laughing at each other. After they were going after my sister to try to get her to eat sand too! It was hilarious!
ready to go, the tables were clean, friends and family were waiting for us and a playground was waiting for us to go play on it. Everyone marched in with such a good mood; it was incredible. Good times were radiating from corner to corner. Lots of the kids and volunteers were gravitating towards the teeter-totters. My sister went on (whose older then the Chengdu Youths) with two of the younger Chengdu Youths and they were going up and down rapidly almost like they were trying to knock each other off! My sister versus the Chengdu Youth! The outcome of this was even more funny. They thought they could win against my sister but she was able to somehow win and the two Chengdu Youths landed with sand on their faces, laughing and laughing at each other. After they were going after my sister to try to get her to eat sand too! It was hilarious!
Once the food was ready, we all began to eat and have major chow down time! Everyone enjoyed the freshly cooked burgers and (what my dad calls) 'tube steaks', drinks, and chips. While everyone ate, I began to collect contact information with the Chengdu Youths so I would be able to keep in touch with them and not ever forget them. It was funny though because some of them forgot what their contact information was (i.e; addresses, phone numbers, emails, etc.) and it took them some time to think of it. Soon, everyone finished eating and it was dessert time! In small groups of 10, we went to the confectionery store to pick up some tasty ic
e cream! We all went jumping with joy and holding on to our blue tickets to get our sweet treat! There was so much to choose from that it made it hard to just pick one! Everyone went through and we all ate up the sweet ice cream. Some ate more...messy then others to the point that their faces were covered with the ice cream and they didn't really care. It was so cute!
e cream! We all went jumping with joy and holding on to our blue tickets to get our sweet treat! There was so much to choose from that it made it hard to just pick one! Everyone went through and we all ate up the sweet ice cream. Some ate more...messy then others to the point that their faces were covered with the ice cream and they didn't really care. It was so cute! After the ice cream, we played around a bit more, then it was speech time!(yeah...!?) The first couple of speeches were very touching, but it was near the end that it got harder for everyone. I saw my sisters friend tearing up a bit and then another one of my buddies from across the way had tears rolling down her cheeks. I felt a bit of me hurt for them. But I told myself I would be strong. Then one of the little twin boys came up to my Chengdu friend and I, and i could see that his eyelashes were beginning to get wet. He told us that when he sees other people crying, he too then starts to cry. I began to comfort him and he started to walk away, when I saw that my friend next to me was crying too. Small tears were streaming down
her face as she stared into the distance. I noticed and I embraced her to comfort and tell her that it was alright. After that moment, that's when the waterworks all around me began. As I pulled away from the hug, everyone around me had either cried, or was beginning to. The other twin sister I was close with was sitting on the side crying with her sunglasses on. It hurt so much to see them down like that. However, one small Chengdu girl came up to me and asked me why I was crying. She said to me to be happy and think of all the great times we had together and think of the many more we will create. Those words were so true and so wise, coming from one so young. That instant, I came into recovery and I went over to comfort the twin that was sitting down. Eventually a group of us sat down all together and we were all crying. But we were strong together once we were united, tearful as ever; we made each other smile and laugh at jokes that we created during the days we had together. Those moments brightened our lives and will continue to shine when we are down or missing each other.
her face as she stared into the distance. I noticed and I embraced her to comfort and tell her that it was alright. After that moment, that's when the waterworks all around me began. As I pulled away from the hug, everyone around me had either cried, or was beginning to. The other twin sister I was close with was sitting on the side crying with her sunglasses on. It hurt so much to see them down like that. However, one small Chengdu girl came up to me and asked me why I was crying. She said to me to be happy and think of all the great times we had together and think of the many more we will create. Those words were so true and so wise, coming from one so young. That instant, I came into recovery and I went over to comfort the twin that was sitting down. Eventually a group of us sat down all together and we were all crying. But we were strong together once we were united, tearful as ever; we made each other smile and laugh at jokes that we created during the days we had together. Those moments brightened our lives and will continue to shine when we are down or missing each other. Eventually, everyone rounded up and it was time to leave. Even though it was tim
e to go, we were all still crying and not wanting to leave each other. As we walked along the wooden sidewalk, we walked together, in sync, hand in hand. We held on tight for we knew that if we didn't live in the moment, we might never get that chance again and we had to make the best of it. My friends and I walked together, leading everyone behind us, as we began to make our way to the exit. It was something special, that walk to the exit. Tears were still streaming down our faces as we walked silently by.
e to go, we were all still crying and not wanting to leave each other. As we walked along the wooden sidewalk, we walked together, in sync, hand in hand. We held on tight for we knew that if we didn't live in the moment, we might never get that chance again and we had to make the best of it. My friends and I walked together, leading everyone behind us, as we began to make our way to the exit. It was something special, that walk to the exit. Tears were still streaming down our faces as we walked silently by. It hit even harder once we boarded the bus. One of the Chengdu Youths was really close to one of my friends, and she was hit real hard. My friend was going on vacation that night, so she couldn't bus with us back to the hotel. The Chengdu Youth was tearful and held on to my friend so tightly, because she didn't want to let go. I looked at the Chengdu Youth then up at my friend. Both were red eyed and sad. I couldn't help but cry.
The bus began to leave, and the Chengdu Youth who was crying a lot eventually stopped and was alright (thanks to the comforting of The Madame). Her lips still quivered a bit, but she was recovering. The whole ride back, all of us in the back held on to each other tightly and kept talking to a minimal. But we weren't going to be all sad-sad-down-down-depressed on the last day! Soon, we began to make jokes, and the good mood of the bus was back up again. It was absolutely stunning and beautiful. We neared the hotel and thought we were going back, but then we didn't! Instead, we went for a small tour of downtown to the places we didn't go before. Everyone found out and was laughing and cheering on the bus driver for the extended trip. Near the end of the tour, one of the little twin boys asked "where's the best washroom here?" As soon as he said that, we all cracked up and began laughing so hard at that, because of how random and innocent it was! The smiles we saw in the beginning of the trip returned to the familiar faces we all loved.
After the tour, we all got off the bus and returned to the hotel, where we all met back up in the meeting room, wher
e emails were exchanged, hugs, kisses on the cheeks, and handshakes. Everyone was saying goodbye. As my Chengdu friends began to make their way to the elevators, I decided to walk with them and hold on to their hands tightly. We walked together once again, smiling and remembering the good times we shared. At the elevators, many of them went up, but some waited around for their friends and to say goodbye. I stayed there hugging all of them and telling them to keep in contact. My one Chengdu friend, who I was close with, hugged me and didn't want to let go. This long embrace caused us to begin to tear up again even though both of us were telling each other not to as we wiped each others tears off. None of us wanted to leave the elevator area. We all stayed there for as long as possible, but soon it was time to say goodnight and goodbye. I think we all wanted that moment to last, but all good things come to an end; so we parted and waved good bye!
e emails were exchanged, hugs, kisses on the cheeks, and handshakes. Everyone was saying goodbye. As my Chengdu friends began to make their way to the elevators, I decided to walk with them and hold on to their hands tightly. We walked together once again, smiling and remembering the good times we shared. At the elevators, many of them went up, but some waited around for their friends and to say goodbye. I stayed there hugging all of them and telling them to keep in contact. My one Chengdu friend, who I was close with, hugged me and didn't want to let go. This long embrace caused us to begin to tear up again even though both of us were telling each other not to as we wiped each others tears off. None of us wanted to leave the elevator area. We all stayed there for as long as possible, but soon it was time to say goodnight and goodbye. I think we all wanted that moment to last, but all good things come to an end; so we parted and waved good bye!
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