On a drizzly Sunday we went to the Harbourfront to explore the area and check out the Ritmo y Color festival. Besides international foods and interesting things to buy, the festival also included Cuban music and Capoeira performances, a Piñata-making workshop, and a dog show. The students even convinced some leaders to participate in Cuban dancing and playing different instruments.
On Sunday students woke up early in order to catch buses down to Niagara Falls. Everyone was impressed by the famous 53m high water falls, and some people were surprised to learn that we were separated from the USA by only a small bridge! (But no one went across the border for a visit). Students enjoyed getting up close and personal with the falls (not to mention very wet) on the Maid of the Mist boat ride. Then students used their free time to explore the city of Niagara Falls which is home to many tourist attractions and shops in addition to its natural wonders.
On a hot, sunny Saturday we went to Canada’s Wonderland Amusement Park, just north of Toronto. For some students, this was the first time travelling by North American Yellow School bus (yes! Just like in the Simpsons!) At Wonderland, students faced their fears on the rides and roller coasters. Some were even brave enough to go on the huge new rides Leviathan and Behemoth. Fortunately, the water park was also open so everyone had a chance to cool down!
Although High Park (Toronto’s largest park) has a swimming pool, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, tennis courts, a dog park, hiking trails, beautiful gardens, a large lake, and a small zoo, all of the students who went on Friday chose to engage in a game of soccer in the rain.
Despite the rain, students had a blast taking canoes across from the city centre to Toronto Island. Things got competitive when students engaged in a boat race, and again on the island with a game of frisbee.
After school on Friday we went to Woodbine beach to play soccer on the beach and go for a swim in Lake Ontario. We had a good time, but decided to head home fairly early as it started raining.
It was a beautiful night and the dome of the Rogers Centre was open when we went to cheer on the Toronto Blue Jays who were playing the Detroit Tigers. Although they didn’t play the best game, we still had fun enjoying the atmosphere and watching players collide with each other. Students also showed their Jays’ pride by purchasing some blue and white swag (like Jays T-shirts, caps, and foam fingers).
As Toronto’s most famous landmark, the CN Tower is a must-see during a stay in Toronto. Students went up to the Observation level of the tallest free-standing tower in the Western hemisphere, and had a chance to stand on the glass floor 342 metres above the ground. We were lucky to have a beautiful clear day so we could enjoy a fantastic view of the city below!
On Tuesday, students went to the cinema to watch a movie. It seems that we have a lot of action movie fans with us, as most students saw either White House Down or Iron Man 3. Seeing a movie is on of the funnest ways to practice your English listening skills, and students had fun conversing about the films afterwards.
Happy Canada Day from Quest! On July 1st, Canadians celebrate the anniversary of July 1, 1867. On that day, three colonies were officially united to form Canada. Canadians everywhere are proud of our diverse, multicultural population and our beautiful country. We always celebrate Canada Day by spending time with friends and family, and there are usually fireworks to be seen no matter where you are. Quest students got involved in the celebrations as well, by taking part in the CHIN Picnic, the largest free multicultural picnic in the world. At the picnic, there was also a carnival, a circus, musical performances, and of course, fireworks! Our Brazilian students really enjoyed the Portuguese music.
