This isn't the first teacher's exchange that Ken has done as he did his first exchange from Scotland to Australia some 30 years ago and didn't go home. We met Ken in Toronto at the welcome and on the trip to Quebec and his sense of humour makes an enjoyable time easy. We hadn't met Francesca before as she'd only just arrived but she only added to the fun. And even tho there were two Exchange Teachers in the room the coversation was rarely in the classroom and that helped make for a really good night. Francesca was originally from North Queensland and she brought an extra dimension to the fun.
With a cool rainy morning being the order of the day we lingered over breakfast before heading through Port Carling towards Elmvale. Now the reason for the trip to Elmvale was simple, it was part of a CLEE Activity http://cleecanada.ca/ . CLEE is the Canadian League for Educational Exchange and they help to support Exchange Teachers and organise activities that take place during the year.
People reading this may be not be really aware how Maple Syrup is made nor be aware of the amount of Maple Syrup that is collected and processed each spring in North America. The reason for the visit to Elmvale was to attend the Elmvale Maple Syrup Festival http://www.elmvalemaplesyrup.ca/ Some people have some really tough jobs and this was one job that I was going to "do for the team" !!!!!!
In reality the day was more difficult than I expected. Not due to a bad batch of syrup or heavy, doughy pancakes. The main problem was the 1C temperatures, a drizzly rain/ snow mix and a howling wind. Never mind, the company made for a good trip and the CuRVy is a comfortable car.
The festival, as you would imagine, has any number of Maple Syrup vendors and although we were interested we didn't buy. We are waiting for a bargain from the Menonites... The inclement weather drove us into the Arena for the Arts, Crafts & Quilt Shows interesting stuff but the highlight was the ladies from the Elmvale branch of the Women's Institute. http://www.fwio.on.ca/index.php I knew there would have to be a CWA http://www.cwaa.org.au/ around here somewhere. They were great fun!!
Hunger played a part in our next destination and we were off to the Pankake House in the Community Hall. Queueing was well and truly worth it this time. Friendly folks, good food and lots and lots of MAPLE SYRUP!!!!!! There was even a band! And they were good!!
Al Beardsall and North of 50. 50 minute set, swap instruments and go again for 50 ,wow!
After the excitement of Elmvale it was back aboard the CuRVy and into Barrie for a barbie. What else would you do on a cold, windy & snowy day? The great Canadian saying "Suck it up Princess" came to mind as we went into the CLEE (Teacher's Exchange) BBQ at Dave (the organic garlic farmer) and Cherin's (the former exchange teacher) place. Fun way to finish an interesting day.
We woke to an inch (2cm) of snow on the lawn at 460 Sarah St Nth so that and the temperature (3C, 37F) put an end to the Bracebridge MS Walk. Oh well, we just had to stay inside and get to know a bit more about Ken and Francisca who are fun people to be around. I would loved to be a fly on the wall when Ken the "Aussie" Exchange Teacher first greeted the staff and students of his Canadian School with his broad Scottish accent.
The Scot/Aussie/Italian couple headed off just after lunch and as Jimmy McGrath says "it's nice meetin nice people". They would certainly fit into that saying.
That left us with the afternoon to ourselves so we did what a lot of Canadians do. We watched the Hockey. Sure, Julie did do a bit of school work and I did what I do but in the end we watched the HOCKEY!!!!! http://www.nhl.com/
After all it is the playoffs and we have the team for the Pick Up Competition http://www.pickuphockey.com/hp/hp_viewstats.aspx After all we're experts, just ask us!!
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