Once we finally boarded the train the kids were so excited. We we officially off on the 20th annual grade 7 Winnipeg trip. This kids really enjoyed sitting in the dome car where you can sit on top of the car and have a panoramic view of the scenery. After an eight hour train ride we were finally in Winnipeg. When coming into the city we could see the storm outside. We were a little worried that we would have to walk to the hotel in pouring rain. Thank goodness that it stopped in time for us to walk the few blocks to the hotel. After getting everyone settled we ordered pizza and had supper at 11pm Manitoba time. Then it was off to bed and lights out.
Friday morning we woke up to blue skies and sunshine. After a continental breakfast we loaded up a charter bus and were off to the zoo. We sat and listened to a storyteller for about a half an hour and then were taken on a tour of the zoo to see some of the animals that were in the stories we heard. Although, the zoo is under construction we had a great time checking out all of the animals.
After out time at the zoo we hopped back on to our bus and drove 45 minutes to the historic site Lower Fort Garry. The tour guides met us at the bus and whisked us away to 1850 where we toured the buildings and learned how Treaty 1 was made and signed. The students got to do a simulation activity where they were put into three different groups: the plains people, the forest people and the new comers. Students got to trade and negotiate a treaty. This is such a great tour because all of the interpreters are dressed in period costumes and play roles of actual people that lived at the fort in 1850.
After our two hour tour we went back to the hotel to rest before the ball game. We lucked out because of the down pour on Thursday there was a double header on Friday. We had to hurry to leave because the game started at 6 instead of 7. We got to the game and spent 5 hours hanging out, eating ball park food and enjoying watching two ball games.
After a very long day of walking and fresh air the kids were out like a light.
Saturday morning we checked out of the hotel, walked to the train station to store our bags and the walked to The Forks market. The kids enjoyed exploring all of the shops and buying a few souvenirs.
After a quick visit we were back at the train station and boarding the train to take us back to Melville.
On the train students were excited to hear that there would be a musical performance by one of the passengers, Chris Ho. They all went back to the dome car to enjoy an acoustic performance. He was really great with them. He allowed the kids to video tape his performance and at the end he gave out a few CDs and autographed the "barf" bags (actually they are garbage bags) the kids got from the train.
Video of Chris getting the students to sing along with him.
We arrived back in Kamsack just after 6pm. All the students had a great time and were exhausted. I was happy with how the students represented our school, town and province. Another Winnipeg trip is now in the books! Until next year.
