SFRSF Day 1 May 11th, 2019

Finalists and their Families

Mikko, Adam, Omar, Deven, Fawzan, Anson, Aidan, Mankeerat, and Marnie

Bright and early, we began our journey to Canada Wide Science Fair in Fredericton this morning. Check in went without a hitch. Team photos and goodbye’s at security, excitement brewing and then there was nine. Scans and checks for 8 of us went pretty smooth, except for Mankeerat. His project carry-on was checked by two screening officers and then the supervisor. After discussion, a closer look, an explanation and an additional scan, Mankeerat’s bag was cleared and he was able to put his bag back together…with great care…and we were off to our gate. We ran into Team Vancouver. A contingent of seventeen participants (finalists) and four delegates (chaperones). A very friendly group and within a few minutes on the plane they were all playing trivia on their screens with each other. Our leg from YVR to Toronto had us landing at 15:27, and at 15:46 we still had not unloaded. A medical emergency in 1st class caused a delay. As we all patiently waited, we and Team Vancouver determined that even though boarding at Gate 9 was at 15:50 the plane couldn’t leave without 30 passengers. We walked briskly with a purpose through the airport unable to stop for food or a bathroom break. We literally walked directly from plane to plane. It was an uneventful flight, but a little bumpy on landing. Homework was completed and speeches reviewed. We ran into 20 members of Team Bay Area (Hamilton/Oakville and surrounding counties) on our flight. We landed to an excited welcoming party of CWSF Ambassadors and volunteers and loaded on to busses for UNB. Karen had pre-checked us in, so we were first off, bag lunch in hand and off to our rooms. Everyone devoured their dinner while Karen reviewed the weeks schedule. We headed up to the CWSF lounge for 30 minutes, where we ran into 3 Teams from Manitoba, returning to our rooms for the evening to unpack, unwind and prepare for tomorrow’s project set-up day. All in all a great first day with an amazing team!

YVR wait time

First Flight

The flight to Fredericton was on a smaller plane and we had to check all carry-on luggage. We saved Mankeerat's bag and thank goodness as we saw two bags fall from the baggage train!

Rushing to catch our flight!

Deven completing his math homework!

Karen waiting to welcome us!

CWSF Welcoming Committee

Our swag bags!

Our bagged supper...very healthy...and much appreciated as we were all hungry.

CWSF Lounge

Relaxing before heading back to our dorms.