I was first introduced by my friend to the KMCC or the Kababayan Multi-Community Centre after having lived in Canada for a year. The KMCC is a non-profit agency providing settlement services to newcomers and immigrants living in Toronto. Since then, I’ve always joined the KMCC’s activities when possible. A particular annual tradition celebrated by the Kababayan Multi-Community Centre is to travel to the Niagara region. Common activities include picking apples, visiting a winery, sightseeing, and shopping at the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls in the USA.
Our bus left Toronto at 8:30 in the morning and went straight to the Apple Vale Farm. We reached the farm at around 10:30 a.m. and started picking our own apples. They had a variety of red and green apples as well as pears to pick. I personally didn't pick apples for my self and just helped my friend pick instead. Even though we do it every year, I still get excited and love the idea that we are going to the farm with friends.
After apple picking, we travelled to the Gateway Food court to have our lunch. Some people brought their own food and ate on the bus and some had their lunch at the food court. After lunch, we travelled again for 30 minutes to go to the winery farm in St. Catherines. The scenery was so breathtaking that even while we were still in the bus everyone was taking pictures of the beautifully landscaped vineyard. It was my first time visiting a winery and it amazed me to see with my own eyes the plantation of grapes that will eventually become wine. The staff showed us the cellar where the barrel of wine is stored and explained the process of making the best quality of wine, including how long they stored the wine in the barrel before they poured it into the bottle. After showing us the storage, they had us taste the wine and gave us the option to buy some. While waiting for everyone to come out of the store, me and my cousin enjoyed the vineyard scenery by taking a lot of pictures.
When we were done at the winery, our bus headed to the Fashion Outlets of Niagara Falls to shop till we drop. It was one of the activities that everyone anticipated the most. Everyone wanted to buy their favourite brand for less. We only had a limited time of one and a half hours to shop, but I think everyone enjoyed their time.
Lastly, our last stop of the trip was to sightsee the beautiful and amazing Niagara Falls. Even though I had already visited Niagara Falls a couple of times before in the past, I am still in awe as I wonder where the water comes from. I still haven`t experienced going there in the winter time. They say it is more beautiful at night when the different colored lights reflect on the falls.
Although it was just a one day trip, I personally enjoyed it. The weather was so nice that day; despite it being cold, it was still sunny. It was one way to get refreshed and have a breather from our usual routine and was an excellent time to bond with friends and family.
