On WestJet

The choristers began to arrive at 1:00pm to check in for the flight to Vancouver. All went very smoothly and we boarded the plane on time at about 2:15pm.

The choristers were very impressed with the safety demonstration on the plane and spent a good deal of time later at the Old Spaghetti factory imitating the flight Attendants.

With a quick change in Calgary we were on our way to Vancouver. The major concern during the flight was whether to choose pretzels or cookies ( Pretzels were far more popular).

We landed in Vancouver on time and after organizing our luggage we were met by our chartered bus. Our driver Ali, loaded our luggage and introduced us to downtown Vancouver on our way to the Old Spaghetti Factory for supper. The restaurant is right in the heart of historic Gas Town.

The restaurant prepared a special section for us and we were all able to dine together. The meal consisted of a salad, bread, pop, and spaghetti with the sauce of your choice. For dessert an excellent Spumoni was served.

After supper we walked to the Old Steam Clock to wait for our bus. Some of the choristers were fascinated by an artist who painted names on a grain of rice.

Ali, and our bus arrived on time at 7:30 and we took off for UBC. Our driver took the scenic route along the bays that surround Vancouver. The scenery was incredible.

Arriving at UBC we were assigned to Kwackutil House. The rooms are modest, but clean.

A final meeting of the day was held with the choristers to explain the rules of the University and the schedule for tomorrow. It will be an early day starting at 6:15 wakeup call.

Question for the day - What is the best thing about going to Powell River?

Some answers from our choristers

"Being able to make friends from all over the world"

"Having fun, learning, and enjoying ourselves"

"I think the funnest part of the trip will be meeting people from other countries"

"Listening to all the different songs from other choirs"

"Seeing the oceans and the privilege to see the tops of mountains and to see all the people from other parts of the world"

"I get to go places with my friends, and meet new friends from all over the world. I know it will be a great experience, and a lot of fun."

"We will be meeting all these great people from all around the world. Powell River is a great place to travel"

"The experience of getting to meet choirs from all over the world. Also, the honour of being invited to an International Festival is an amazing feeling"

"The ocean because the ocean is the best place in the world"

"1. the food 2. our lovely video guy"

"Touring the ocean and everything!"

"Singing with many different choirs from around the world will be an experience of a life time. Going places and doing things with all my friends in the choir"

"Being able to sing with choirs from around the world and being part of this International Festival"

"To be able to sing in an International Festival, meet new people, and be able to do what whe love to do as a Canadian"

"Getting a souvenir for later and ... going to The Old Spaghetti Factory"

"Getting to sing with other choirs from around the globe"

"Singing an seeing the sights"

"Meeting new and different people and cultures"