Wow, LIYSF is almost over yet, the general consensus is that it feels like we arrived only yesterday. Even though I’ve met some great people here and would easily spend another month alongside them, this day was dedicated to getting every last second with one of my new best friends, Issie. From the start of the day, we ventured our own way to avoid a diluted experience. Visiting Joe and his Juice for a mobile breakfast we walked through Hyde Park.
Photo 1: The lake’s swan
Following one photo shoot with a London local the two of us headed to the local ice rink. I think Issie forgot I was from the Great White North as she was convinced her years of rollerblading would lead to her crushing me on the ice. Though I am no pro, I had to rep Canada and put that Aussie in her place! All jokes aside we had a blast and I was happy to show her the basics of life on the ice.
Photo 2: London’s Ice
Struggling to walk around after wearing some skates we headed back through Hyde Park and embraced our inner child with a nearby carousel.
Photo 3: Wilson’s Carousel
There was no more time for shenanigans though as we had to get dressed up for tonight’s last lecture and closing ceremony. Bringing nothing formal with me here, as I was limited on suitcase space we hit the thrift store to find a dress shirt. Looking spiffy now we attended our final “lecture” of the day. I say lecture in quotation marks, again, because this felt more like a live interview that we got to witness. This is the second “lecture” I have attended and they really do feel out of place. Regardless, the crowd questions for our speaker were excellent and led to some interesting dialogue. Even though this “lecture” wasn’t for me I still appreciate Vilas Dhar giving up some of his precious time to share his life as a philanthropist, technologist, and scholar.
Following our closing ceremony, which included a video compilation of our time here and giving our thanks to the wonderful staff and speakers, many students met at the stairs outside the Royal Albert Hall for some group photos. Participating in some and then taking some two-shots of ourselves was a nice way to end the official 65th London International Youth Science Forum.
Photo 4: Spiffy Issie and I
To wrap up the night, Issie and I returned to our favourite pizza place Da Mario in Kensington for one final dinner together. Sharing our favourite memories, funniest photos, and intricately planning out trips to visit each other it was impossible to not cry during these final hours. Since day three we’ve spent every day together and in the blink of an eye, it was all coming to a close so fast. When applying for this trip through UFV’s Faculty of Science I really didn’t think much of it as I was convinced my chances of winning were few and far between. Amid essay writing and presentation prep, I was stressed out of my mind and wasn’t even sure I still wanted to be in London for two weeks. Being on the other side of it however, through the speakers I’ve heard, places I’ve seen, and the people I have met I can think of nothing else in my life so meaningful, so life-changing! Regardless of the photos and souvenirs I’ve accrued during my time here, it would be impossible to forget my time here. LIYSF is truly an experience of a lifetime and I can’t think of any greater gift to be bestowed upon me.