Day 5 -- Understanding Differences

Group 1 Samantha Wong 3S (30)

Canada is a beautiful country with rich traditions and cultural heritage. Today, we went to the Fanshawe Pioneer Village. We experienced different activities such as feeding roosters, trying out the traditional way of printing, and processing wool into yarn. It was meaningful because we would not be able to have these experiences in Hong Kong. We were also very lucky and blessed with the fine weather during our visit We got on the bus just right before it started pouring heavily.

There was a power suspension in the university as cables were damaged by fallen trees in the thunderstorm. We had to take cold showers. But this experience was unique! We understood that hot water supply is very precious and we should try our very best to conserve environment in order to ensure enough water supply for everyone on earth.

Group 2 Janice Wong 3L (31)

On the fifth day in Canada, we started off our day with a swimming session. We played games and had lots of fun. We then took a school bus and went to the Fanshawe Pioneer Village and experienced different things such as feeding the chickens and grinding corn.

There was a heavy storm after we left the village. Fallen trees caused a power cut. The barnga game and dreamcatcher craft making session were cancelled. Luckily, these activities may be rescheduled and we may still be able to try them. I am really looking forward to these interesting activities.

Group 3 Kristie Wong 3T (34)

It was the first time we had the opportunity to visit local tourist spots. Having spent the past few days indoors, it was really nice to go outdoors. Although the sun was scorching, the activity and experience we had in the Fanshawe Pioneer Village were more than compensated for the discomfort. There were an array of houses, all dating back to the 19^th century, which depicted the old way of life for the early pioneers. The staff even dressed up like pioneers and spoke with enthusiasm, making the entire experience way more authentic and engaging. We had the chance to grind corn for feeding chickens, spin wool and try printing in the free press. The buildings were very well preserved, especially the log houses from when the pioneers first settled in Canada. It gave us an introduction of Canada’s history; now we realize that there’s so much more to Canada than the well-developed country it is today - Canada has come so far from being a remote country with a few farmers to what it is today. We also appreciated the wisdom of Canadian people - they put eggs near the candles to check if the eggs are broken or infected. Most of all we’ve come to realize the importance of preserving history: preserving history means preserving culture, and preserving culture means retaining the story of a people.

Group 4 Bernice Suen 3U (29)

Today’s theme was learning how to connect with others and understanding differences. I learnt a lot about of diversity and that every person has their own unique talents. It is important for leaders to understand that we should embrace our differences and learn from each other in a diversed group of people.

The most memorable part of today was visiting the Fanshawe Pioneer Village. We got the opportunity to visit and experience the farming work of early settlers in London, such as feeding the chickens, visiting the Print shop, and carding and spinning wool. Getting a closer look into Canada’s history and culture, it was definitely a fun and memorable experience for us all!

Group 5 Sabrina Ng 3P (22)

Today was quite an interesting day. We went swimming at Thompson Recreation Centre again. We played water polo and everyone worked together to win for their team. This was the first time I saw everyone so united to finish a task.

We visited the Fanshawe Pioneer Village as well. We understood and even experienced a small part of the life of the pioneers in Canada back in the eighties, and had hands-on experience in printing press, making wool and working in farms and barns.

We had a unique experience today too. There was heavy rain and a blackout at our residence. There was no power on campus and we had to have our lesson about diversity in the lounge of our residence. We had to experience showering without warm water and light. It was a truly special and unforgettable day.

Group 6 Ella Lau 3U (18)

In the morning, we had a swimming lesson and played a fun water polo game. It was an exhilarating and refreshing experience. After lunch, we went to the Fanshawe Pioneer Village, where we learnt more about lives in the 1820s to the 1920s in London. Interestingly, farm life back then was not far from what I expected as I have watched some TV shows portraying it.

One of the scariest experiences in today was the power outage due to a storm, as I have never experienced a power failure in residence before. However, everyone was a good sport about it even though we missed most of the programme today.  

Group 7 Danice Yu 3A (32)

On the fifth day of the tour, we went swimming in the morning before going to Fanshawe Pioneer Village in the afternoon. It was an extremely hot and sunny day. We learnt a lot about the history of Canada, the lifestyle of ancient farmers and how they sustain their style between generations.

We can also had the rare chance to try the things they do in the farm, for example, feeding the chickens and making wool. Then came a thunderstorm and heavy rain when we left, but the rain did cool down the hot weather in Canada which lasted in the past few days. Unfortunately, the electricity in Brescia all went out owing to this and we had no electricity for the whole night. It was a surprising, exciting and exhausting day.

Group 8 Margaret Cheung 3A (6)

Our fifth day in Canada started off with some swimming, playing games in the water with our classmates and counsellors. Then we had a quick lunch and headed to Fanshawe Pioneer Village, where we were taught the history of the pioneers that settled in Canada in early years. We also experienced some of the things the pioneers did, such as spinning yarn and feeding chickens. It was truly an enriching experience, especially as it is a museum where we actually get to live the lives of the people who once lived there.

When we headed back to Brescia University College, we were met with an unfortunate situation; there was a power outage due to the thunderstorm that raged just after we got onto the bus! Therefore, we had our lesson at the lounge, where we were taught the importance of diversity and understanding differences. Diversity is extremely important as it gives you confidence, and being a leader means that, by understanding and valuing differences in others, we can combine our ideas to ultimately think outside of the box.

In the evening, instead of making dreamcatchers, we played board games and had great fun with our friends. It was truly an unforgettable day.