My Story in Canada

Opening Reflection

Some journeys don’t change your life in dramatic ways. Instead, they soften you. They remind you of the quiet beauty in ordinary days, the comfort of family, and the way small moments can stay with you long after you return home. My trip to Canada was like that—a collection of gentle memories stitched together by love, curiosity, and the simple joy of being somewhere new.

Chapter One: Takeoff to Adventure

Tuesday, August 26th, 2025. The sun was bright, and my excitement felt even brighter. At noon, Mom and I closed the door behind us and stepped into a journey that felt both familiar and new. My younger brother, Sarim, drove us to the airport with a mix of pride and nerves. This time, it was just the two of us travelling—a quiet mother‑daughter adventure.

While Mom went to find food, I watched the airport around me hum with life. She returned with a sushi‑style salad—fresh rice, soft fish, and flavours that surprised me. We shared a peaceful moment before boarding.

Seat 51G. Window seat. Next to Mom. I split a chocolate with her, a tiny sweetness shared above the clouds. The flight was long, but stories kept me company: Wendy and Peter, The Little Princess, and a novel about a brave orphan in World War II. Dinner was warm bread, rice, vegetables, fruit, and a cold Diet Coke.

When we landed, the Canadian air felt different—cooler, calmer. My cousin met us, and we took a taxi home, watching the city pass by like a quiet welcome. After dinner, vitamin water, and strawberry yogurt, I fell asleep with the soft exhaustion only travel brings.

Chapter Two: A Fresh Start

The next morning, sunlight slipped through the curtains at 7 a.m. I brushed my teeth, ate golden French toast, and took my epilepsy medication and vitamins. Then I rediscovered something I hadn’t done in ages—colouring. The crayons felt familiar, like meeting an old friend.

We took the bus to shop for fruits, vegetables, hummus, and pasta sauce. Lunch was simple pasta with veggies. The afternoon drifted by with a detective show, soft music, and the comfort of being somewhere safe and warm.

Chapter Three: Morning Glow

The morning light was gentle, almost golden. After my medication and vitamins, I poured cereal with cold milk—simple, perfect. I wore a pink T‑shirt and grey trousers, then headed out with Mom.

We wandered through the mall, letting time slip away. Lunch was a burger, fries, and a Diet Coke with no ice. Back home, I coloured while music played softly. A warm chocolate chip muffin made the moment even sweeter.

Friday approached—Jummah, a sacred day. I listened to Surah Al‑Kahf, letting its verses settle my heart. I dressed in a blue skirt with white flowers and walked with Mom toward the sea near the train station. The water shimmered beautifully.

But on the way back, a strange moment interrupted the peace. A young man asked about the train, then spoke angrily about the police. His words unsettled me. I didn’t respond—just looked at him, confused and concerned. Back home, I returned to reading and colouring, letting calm return.

Chapter Four: A Sacred Friday and a Strange Encounter

Friday always brings a sense of peace. I listened to Surah Al‑Kahf again, dressed modestly, and walked with my family to the sea. The breeze was cool, the water bright.

On the way back, the same uneasy feeling lingered from the young man’s words. I didn’t know what had happened to him, but the moment stayed with me. Back home, I let the day soften again with quiet activities.

Chapter Five: Songs, Stories & Sweet Escapes

A warm shower, soft hair, clean clothes. I read several chapters of my book, then watched YouTube on TV. Music filled the room—Greensleeves, ABBA, Deep in the Meadow, My Little Pony songs. Each melody felt like a small escape.

I packed my yellow bag with my diary, earphones, medicines, and inhaler. We took the train to the town square, visited a museum filled with Roman, Chinese, and biodiversity exhibits, then ate brown rice with chicken and lettuce. By the time we returned home, my legs felt like they were being eaten alive. I rested with chocolate ice cream.

Chapter Six: Braids, Bonding & Big Smiles

My aunt braided my hair into neat little plaits. I wore a cute outfit and felt ready for the day. We met my maternal uncle and his Mexican wife, then went shopping.

Lunch was at a Pakistani restaurant with my paternal relatives. I ate lamb chops, chips, and traditional bread, with Diet Coke and chocolate ice cream. I talked with my younger cousin Aisha—despite our age gap, the conversation flowed easily. Family has a way of bridging distances.

Chapter Seven: Pancakes, Parks & Peaceful Evenings

We had breakfast with Uzma’s Libyan school friends. I ordered blueberry pancakes—soft, warm, comforting—and fresh lemonade. Afterward, we visited a park with trees and a playground that looked more like a mini gym.

Later, we walked to the beach as the sky darkened. I ate strawberry jam sandwiches and a banana while the waves whispered nearby. Back home, I prayed Maghrib, drank milk, and rested.

Chapter Eight: A Stroll and a Scoop

We took a long morning walk and passed an ice‑cream shop that wasn’t open yet. The sign said 12 a.m., which made us laugh. Surely they meant noon.

After lunch, we returned. I had chocolate ice cream; Mom had cinnamon bun ice cream. Later, we visited another town square. It wasn’t very exciting, but we were together. We ate burgers, shopped, and bought a word search book. That night, we began packing.

Chapter Nine: Rainy Days and Last Moments

Heavy rain changed our plans. Instead of the lighthouse library, we took a taxi to the mall. We bought a tent for our cat Nuri, oven gloves, and a microwave cover for my aunt. Lunch was chicken burgers. That night, we all had fish and chips—a taste of home.

Chapter Ten: Homeward Bound

Our last day arrived. After finishing our packing, we headed to the airport at 6 p.m. We passed through luggage checks and passport control, then waited at Gate 75. My seat was 24K.

During the flight, I worked on crossword puzzles, then had my special meal: rice, vegan sides, a little chicken, salad, bread with margarine, and gulab jamun. I drank Diet Coke and drifted into sleep—rare for me on a plane.

Hours later, morning light woke me. We landed in the UK, though not in London. After yogurt and cake, we collected our luggage. Dad picked us up, and finally, we were home.