I Gotta Feeling That Tonight's Going to Be a Good Night! [Day 4]

-August 16, 2009-

Today was a later rise than usual because we were going to West Edmonton Mall(and it didn't open till 11). Once again we all gathered in the conference room and met up to board the bus with our buddies for the day. The bus ride to WEM was a rather quick and fun ride even though it was early in the morning. Everyone appeared perky and revving to go!

As soon as we entered the mall, we headed towards Galaxyland to begin the rush of adrenaline early on a Sunday morning. I think everyone was pumped to go on rides because apparently, they have a lot of these amusement parks in Chengdu. After everyone got their ride passes, we headed off to 'Swing of the Century'(correct me if I'm incorrect), where majority of the youths and volunteers went on. I think this was a great warm -up for all the other rides; for it had great height but no fear ( at least I don't think so...). After that ride, the group was split into two groups; the Youngin's and the Oldies. The Youngin's went off to all the mini versions of the big kid rides which were just as scary! The Oldies headed off to the roller coasters. The first one we ventured onto was the 'space orbiter' which is the yellow roller coaster that spins around and around and around! While we were waiting in line, my friends from Chengdu and I were discussing the red roller coaster (the Mind Bender) and how much they wanted to ride on it. They wanted me to go on with them, but at that moment I was freaking out and telling them I won't. So after that discussion, we got on to the ride(my second time ever), and it was awesome! The group of girls I rode with on the Space Orbiter were constantly screaming every time we went up then down and turned around and around. It almost seemed like we were the only people screaming and there was silence below us (that's how loud we were). After that crazy ride, everyone was still alright and not sick at all. They felt fine and ready to go on some more.

The next ride was the Mind Bender. (Before I go any further, I must tell kids to not give into peer pressure when asked to ride this ride. It wasn't bad, but when you aren't ready, you aren't unless you close your eyes and think of happy things.) About 7 of the Chengdu Youths were so hyped up about this ride and they were ready to go on it. The rest of them didn't feel like it so they all waited for us to finish. However there was a catch. They wanted some of the Canadian buddies to go on. One of my friends easily jumped on to their bandwagon, but my other friend and I weren't very sure. Finally she let in, but I hadn't. They repeatedly told me stories and experiences they had back in Chengdu, and that it wasn't even that bad; one of them even explained to me it was their second time going on a roller coaster like this, and they survived. So reluctantly, I went along with them. The Chengdu Youths were so caring though before we went on the roller coaster because they were holding my hand and telling me it was going to be OK and I could take out all my fury on them if i didn't enjoy myself. After the ride, everyone seemed so excited and pumped. My friend and I were stunned after though. So stunned, I began tearing up! Once the Chengdu youths saw this, they began hugging me and comforting me and telling me they were sorry they forced me to go on because they thought I didn't like it. But I actually liked the ride, so I felt bad to that they thought it was their fault.

Soon after, the Chengdu Youths headed to the Sling Shot, which is a favourite ride of back at home for the Chengdu youths. It was hilarious watching them go up and down on it, because the boys began screaming louder then the girls! One of them even did a little prayer! That was very gutbusting and we all were rolling on the floor with laughter!

Then we went on to the mini roller coaster, which I heard from some, they thought was so extreme compared to the other two! That made me laugh so much and I was very surprised they thought that! After the adrenaline pumping rides, we went on to the bumper cars which was much more relaxing then the other rides. It was a good way to just goof around in cars and calm us down. While we waited for everyone to finish 'bumping' each other, one of the twin girls went on the boat ride and came back crying! She told me she wasn't sure why she began to cry and was very confused. I thought it was alright and comforted her along with some other friends.

The very last ride we went onto was the merry-go-round. I think everyone was very calm and mellowed out after that ride after the repeated circular motion and slow speed! (tip: Don't eat corn dogs kids!) It was an awesome time at Galaxyland though and I'm glad I went on those roller coasters with the Chengdu youths!

Soon after we went to go get snackage and lunch, so went walked on over to the food court near Professor WEM's Mini Golf. We had a great time eating and talking about the rides we went on. It was late in the afternoon by that time, so we hurried along to get to the Fringe. During that bus ride we were getting a little tired, but we got some bubble tea to keep us going! We arrived at the Fringe and the Chengdu Youths got to see a Korean play. I heard it was lovely!

After Fringing, we drove over to HawrelakPark to have a picnic with ex-patriots from Chengdu(not earthquake victims). There was an assortment of food across 4 picnic tables ranging from hot dogs, steak and burgers to very spicy Chinese food (which appealed to the majority) and sweet fruits. After all the kids finished eating, we began to take pictures, play games, soccer, football, volleyball, dancing around, and just mingling with each other. Through kicking, tossing, catching the ball in the wide free space we had, everyone seemed to have connected with each other despite the language barriers that existed. It was although we were one big family and even though we come from different places, we felt united through those activities. It was just an all around great time. You could tell too because once we got on to the bus there was so much high energy and talking and laughing going around.

Arriving at the hotel, so much had gone on that it seemed like no one wanted to part for the evening! We were having such a blast and every single person was enjoying themselves. There was not a single person who didn't have a smile plastered across their face! Tonight was truly a good night!