So wasn't expecting to be still in Calgary this morning, but such is life hey. Unpredictable. Last night when we went to the airport to embark on our endevour I was informed by the officials at the airport that I was not allowed to board the plane due to visa restrictions. This was due to my Australian citizenship (us bloody aussies, were all ex-convicts you know, so you cant blame 'em). Due to a miss communication in planning this was not known to our travel agent and so this problem was never forseen. No one is to blame, that never help anything, you just gotta do your best, smile and carry on in the best way possible. After trying for as long as we could to make it work, including cancelling flights or even flying to Amsterdam and awaiting a visa ( personally my favourite solution. Put on some clogs, grab a Heinekin and watch Ruud van Nistelrooij and the boys qualify for the world cup), but there was no solution available at the time. A special thanks to all the airport staff who did everything they could to help me out, truly great job. And so it came that the tought decision had to be made. I hour previous, I had turned to my Friend Analua and said "Im not on this plane, but whatever happens you both are". While trying to keep optimistic, sometimes you have to be realistic, cut you losses and move on. And so the hour had passed since the complications had arose and my prediction were coming into fruition. Dan and Analu had to go. When your in a team it much bigger than one individual, and the game must go on. Plus as Meatloaf once said "2 outta 3 aint bad". And so with heavy heart, we said our goodbyes (or better still, our catcha in a bit) and Dan and Analu lead the team forward. This was a decision that I not only fully supported but whole heartedly suggested. A thanks must go out to Dan and Analu for all there help, and there strength.
After they had left, the manager of the agents came and chatted with me and asked me "So what are you going to do now". I said "Its out of our hand now, we did all we can do and I trust that our travel agent and the people responsible will come through for me, any help they need I will give and I will do whatever it takes. But for now theres nothing I can do so I think I might go play some ultimate frisbee (thanks to the ultimate bangers team for letting me join), have a beer, eat a big steak and watch the NBA finals (go Kobe)". These things happen, thats life. But i have full faith things will turn out and I will arrive FASHIONABLY late to join the team for the remander of the exchange.
For now im heading back out to Camp Chief Hector to await my visa application (hopefully arriving Tuesday or Wednesday) to complete the spring school season with my good friends who have worked so hard for the last 7 weeks. Making me look good in the process. The proof is in the pudding, and if I may so so its pretty good pudding. Hector Springs School, R.O.P.E.S and Sunship have strived for excellence, and not only achieved but surpassed. Without the support of everyone there I would not be in this exchange. And for that I thank them.
So thats the late mail (no pun intended). Im off now to complete my application and take some visa photos. But first its breakfast time.
Cheers Team, “Strength does not come from winning. Your struggles develop your strengths. When you go through hardships and decide not to surrender, that is strength.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger
PS. Dont even worry about it, now it get the watch Game 7
Great attitudes like yours, open the most difficult doors. All the best!! :)Angi
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