Thoughts on the future

June 21, 2008.

Today is my birthday and nothing could be better than spending this time with my other family Youth4Water. My group threw a surprise birthday party on top of the… (I forget the name of the famous hill where Goudi created his famous garden) and I was totally caught off guard.

This is the first birthday I have experienced outside of Canada and it is one of the highlights of my life. I think I realized something important from the trip, something called the path to adventure where the character undergoes a profound or life changing adventure where in the end the character learns and realizes a deeper understanding to life.

I think Youth 4 Water's profound adventure started the moment we finished the presentation. I don’t know what kind of changes we will embark on but I can feel the change that is to come.

I can feel that what is to come and what we must undergo will take a lot of energy and time. It will leave us exhausted and drained and our group’s character will be truly tested.

But I know the end reward will be far more gratifying than money or power. Imagine walking in the street and seeing everyday activities and realizing that you are the reason why this is so, and it is so because of a positive contribution that you have made.

I think that is more rewarding than any money or prize. Not everyone is given the opportunity to do this. It is reserved only to a few people who are truly worthy through sacrifice and outmost dedication.

I don’t know what the future will bring, and I am very curious to see how this project will turn out. Everything has happened so far because of the wonderful support staff; Lauren, Khary, Julet, Jason, Amy, Kate, Sarah, TCHC, UNA Canada and CIDA who funds our group. I wonder, I wonder, I wonder.

hmmmmmm..........

Too much thinking, now is the time for action.

- Jae Kim

Zaragoza Photos!

Youth4Water (from left to right) Travis Dixon, Leann Hughes, Christine Moon, Shire Brandi, Pia Johnson, Jae Kim and Amzad Khan in Zaragoza Spain.




Christine Moon, Shire Brandi, Travis Dixon and Jae Kim from Youth4Water in Zaragoza Spain.





Amzad Khan, Shire Brandi, Christine Moon and Travis Dixon from Youth4Water at Expo Zaragoza in Spain.





United Nations water display at Expo Zaragoza 2008.

Shopping and sightseeing

June 21, 2008.

Today was great, I can really say today was a time to chill with my group members and learn about Spain.

Spain is full of so many ‘fashionistas’ and we got the chance to hit the streets and shop shop shop today. We went shopping because after working extra hard in Zaragoza we thought it was time to relax.

Some of our other group members went on a tour of Spain and they said that it was wonderful.

So to some up the day - everything went well, and I bet tomorrow will be even better!

- Leann Hughes

Experiencing the Expo

June 18, 2008.

As every day in Spain so far, today has been amazing.

After spending yesterday touring the local sites of the city our team was back on gear and networking at the Expo. We met with other organizations to acquire new knowledge. We visited all the pavilions and exchanged ideas about presentations and showcases. As a group we decided to start our day early so we could see all of the countries here at the Expo and take in as many activities as possible.

After attending most of the presentations we were amazed at all the new information we have learned which will help us generate a much more clear global approach to water in Canada and other countries. The day was soon coming to an end and so was our expo journey in Zaragoza. Although this journey will end soon in Zaragoza, we will not be able to forget this once in a life time experience we were blessed with. Having the opportunity to travel to Spain and present at this prestigious event.

Now we will continue our journey in Spain by travelling to Barcelona tomorrow. Until tomorrow Youth4Water is signing out.

- Amzad Khan

Absorbing Spain

June 17, 2008.

The Spanish sun did not seem very forgiving, but fortunately for us Tuesday brought along with it the sweetest gentle desert wind. The morning was chilly and like ants we assembled ourselves at the bus stop. The bus is our savior every morning. It rescues us from the outskirts of town and transports us into the real heart of Zaragoza.

Exploration. Excitement. Laughter. Learning - these are our goals for the day. The underground ancient water system museum, the palace of Al Jaferi, the food market and shops were all in the list of must sees. The roughness of the black cobblestone streets welcomed long walks down winding roadways drawn like renaissance grids.

We began the day walking by Roman ruins and entering the city’s core. Our mission was to find a pharmacy and bank. The pharmacy was rather easy and we stocked up on necessary goods. However, finding a bank that was open and willing to take traveler’s cheques was an adventure all in itself. Each bank would send us to the next bank and oddly enough, the locals could not give us directions to the nearby banks, often just around the corner.

From far we admired the colorfully tiled roofs of the Cathedrale de Pilar. Once we entered the cathedral, we were swept off our feet by the delicate murals on the domed ceilings and the golden plate of Pilar, which people lined up quietly to kiss as the pews glistened dark cherry red.

Our first taste of Spanish cuisine was outside across from the Cathedrale de Pilar and the Goya memoriam. We enjoyed our bocadillos, Spanish style; large paninis often eaten as a snack, and drank fragrant pineapple juice which has become a stable drink at all times for us.

The market has been one of the most exciting experiences we have had. The fruits were all ripe and ready to eat. The meats and fish smelled cleaner than we knew. Navigating through the stalls we picked up Montego cheese, flat peaches, baguettes and an assortment of delicious, naturally grown fruits. We visited bridges, shopped during siesta time at Zara and Mango and took pictures of everything in sight. We spent the whole day walking, not even realizing how tired we would be the next day. We just wanted to absorb, absorb and absorb everything around us.

The late afternoon came to an end at a café across from the memoriam to Caesar Augustus where we enjoyed coffee with softly whipped cream on top under the setting sun. As we sat under that sun and playing a game at the arched wall, we realized how grateful we were to be in each other’s company and to be in Spain to explore and let our voice be heard at the Water and Sustainability Expo Zaragoza. Tuesday, just like the first day of at the expo was a feast for the eyes.

- Shire Brandi

Presenting to the world

June 16, 2008.

Hola Mi Amigos! Como Esta? Canada

Today is Monday, the day we present to the world! We have come along way from Canada to Spain and were very excited.

As you can imagine I´m feeling a roller coaster of emotions: happy, nervous, exited and anxious. This morning started off in a rush, with last minute practicing and site seeing around the expo Zaragoza 2008. After pulling our elves together, we finally have our translators’ ear pieces on and our slides ready to roll. Travis begins the presentation with an introduction of the group members, Shire talks about myths around Canadian water, Amzad speaks about the Walkerton Tragedy, Jae talks Alberta’s oil sands and Aborignal people, Christine speaks about Toronto’s water management system and finally Leann and I speak about Youth 4 Water and our outreach to communities.

Overall the day was a success and we got to meet the director of the Expo who very much enjoyed our presentation. Stay tuned to hear more about our adventures to Barcelona and the rest of our trip!
Ciao! Amigos

- Pia Johnson

Zaragoza success

June 16, 2008.

Today was a really wonderful day. We were finally able to present here in Spain. Thank you to UNA-Canada, Toronto Community Housing Corporation, Havergal and CIDA for the outstanding contribution. I would also like to acknowledge our support leaders who have worked very hard to bring us here. Lauren, Khary, Kaddone and Julet - thank you soo very much for your invaluable support.

Spain is a very beautiful country. I can see that the people here take great pride in themselves and their Spanish heritage. I believe this comes from their great influence on world history.

The fact that I am here has not yet sunk in. Spain is a lot to take in and experience but so far it has been wonderful. I am glad that our group received so many praises for our presentation. The presentation took a lot of hard work and I am glad that we are now able to start another chapter in our journey.

I am very happy to have such a special and unique group of people around me. I can see that this trip has brought Youth4Water closer together on both a personal and professional level. Thank you God for bringing me here. Love you all. Peace.

- Jae Kim

Exceeding our expectations

June 16, 2008.

Today was presentation day, and all I could really say was, finally. I remember how hard we worked to get to where we are.

Today was the day we saw the El Faro building for the first time, and to our surprise it was more than we expected it to be. On this day we presented our film for the first time and people had the chance to see who Youth4Water is and what we are doing. Then the time that we have been waiting for came - the presentation itself.
At first I was nervous, but then as I got a feel for it I thought that it was great. I would like to say that Youth4Water did a fantastic job.

-Leann Hughes

Making connections

June 16, 2008.

We did our presentation and we did very well. We stayed up really late studying our slides which took a lot of hard work and patience. But everybody managed to pull it together and get it done. All of us knew when to say “next slide” which demonstrated discipline and charisma. Our coordinators stuck with us through every step and made sure that all of us were on time.
The Director of Education Without Borders was so excited about how good we did that he offered us the privilege of volunteering with one of his water projects which he is involved in, many of which are around the world. The project would be 3 to 4 months so I hope he does take us up on that and I hope we accept the opportunity to continue to travel and do our part on water.

- Travis Dixon

Team spirit

June 16, 2008.

Today was the big day and everyone worked very hard last night to prepare for today's ¨BIG¨ presentation. After having a practice session in the morning, everyone was soon adjusting to the presentation flow. Although everyone was tired from our long trip, our team spirit was as high as possible. Everyone was feeding off of each other’s energy and presented with great confidence.

We were confident everyone would like our presentation, and we were right - the audience embraced us with a positive attitude and compliments. Today also marked our first day of networking as we are looking forward to meeting many more organizations, groups, and individuals as our ¨EXPO¨ experience progresses.

- Amzad Khan

Our Zaragoza mission

June 16, 2008.

When we woke up today we realized that we had a message to convey, a mission to accomplish. Our hearts were beating from the thought of addressing an international audience but we also felt pride to be representing Toronto youth. In the midst of it all we knew our passion for the right to water had to shine through to the audience.

We came to Zaragoza to make a connection. We came to teach and to learn about the realities and best practices of other communities and youth. We came to let our voice be heard. The podium awaited us so we practiced and supported each other. We wanted to broadcast to the world that diverse, young Canadians want change in their communities and that we are knowledgeable about our water and its effects. At the end of the presentation, which finished faster than a blink of an eye, we learned that there are youth and others who care about our Aboriginal communities, our city’s water and our youth’s potential. It felt like our movement was blooming when we made plans to connect in the future.

Expo Zaragoza let us know that our message and goals only need one thing to turn into reality that we could feel with our hands, a resilient voice willing to stand up and speak with confidence.

- Shire Brandi

Arriving in Spain

June 15, 2008.

Hola chicos!

We are finally all safe and sound in Spain. After a long adventure at the airport and a ride on `el metro` and a bus we finally arrived ´a los apartamentos´ at four this morning. After a struggle with the sleepy watchman we were finally ´home´.

Home consists of a brand new suite-style, two-bedroom apartment, with a kitchenette complete with laundry facilities and a living room. We have a lovely view of the construction and the desert behind it, with wind-powered generators, manufactured parks and more apartment buildings. So much for sustainable - green lawns in a desert!

Being here in Spain is surreal. Everything is the same but different. In the Madrid airport there was a McDonalds (they call it “McAuto” here). Same generic burgers and preserved apple slices, but much smaller! The Americanization is very clear. On the other hand, in the old part of Zaragoza which we explored today people walk on the same cobblestones as the Romans did in the time of Caesar Augustus!

It felt like we were in a movie when we drove from Madrid to Zaragoza. There was nothing but highway and desert until we met the occasional tiny road-side gas station community. Everything was beautiful, and when we got out of the bus for a quick stopover the air was crisp clear and chilly - perfect desert air. When we walked into the bus stop we saw old couples sitting and watching the TV together, and an old-fashioned convenience store, all attached to what seems to be the community centre. It was quaint and familiar yet foreign.

We slept for a greater part of the day, and then made our way to the city centre, where we had dinner and coffee at a nearby cafe next to a tall statue of Caesar Augustus. All in all, today was a great day for exploring and experiencing Spain and I can’t wait for more adventures to come!

- Christine Moon