Written by Hanyue 2022 Cohort
On Wednesday, we went to Steveston village. We bought a big lobster pizza and an extra one. They were not enough for us, but we didn’t order more because we thought they were expensive. Instead, we would go hungry or buy something else to eat rather than order one more. Surprisingly, the store gave us two extra. Everyone had happy smiles on their faces. Then we didn’t wipe them out at lunch, so we had to pack them away and take turns carrying them all the way!
We visited the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. At the entrance, we saw a group of elementary school-aged children coming out of the cannery; they were probably the main participants. When I saw them, I thought of how my English was not as good as theirs and felt a pang of sadness. Our tour guide was a beautiful, enthusiastic lady whose native language was French, but her English was also close to native level. She introduced the four stages of a salmon’s life. What a cute and delicate creature. The cannery contains a gifts shop, a museum and a balcony. Our tour guide reminded us to wear jackets or gloves.
After she took us to the museum, I only felt a chill. Our guide told us that before, workers were standing in the cold water to walk, which scared me. It’s hard to imagine how to work on such a cold day. They may suffer from wind chill, rheumatism, and gout. Thanks to technological progress, thanks to civilization.
Another thing that impressed me a lot comes from our friend Merry. She’s a plush salmon toy. Our guide held it up to greet us. Then she asked us, to butcher a fish, which parts should be removed? “Tail!” I jumped out.
What happened next shook my classmates and me. We saw our guide ripping Merry’s tail off. Hello? Is Merry our friend? True friends should give their bodies and lives to their friends. Afterward, the guide removed Merry’s fins, head and guts. Finished the works of Merry. There is some blurring of memories after that. We completed the tour, bought souvenirs and walked along the river. We discussed that the real estate in the area was very friendly, facing the sea, calm and quiet. We inquired about the price of buying it. It is a beautiful wish that will come true one day. Unconsciously, the new year has passed for nearly a month. Seize the day, my friends.