Day 15

Today was our last day in Toronto before our return home to Scotland. It has been an amazing last two weeks, packed full of science as well as a bit of sightseeing and the opportunity to experience life in a university residential setting away from home. We are somewhat sad to be leaving but at the same time thrilled with the opportunities presented to us and our newfound knowledge and understanding of scientific research. The weather was lovely, so in the morning we took a stroll down Bay Street to our favourite coffee shop for breakfast, before returning to our accommodation to pack our bags. Thankfully our suitcases closed, with a bit of effort. We then ventured out for our last lunch in Toronto and went to a local place called Freshii, and had some lovely salads.

When we got back to the accommodation, we spent some time together in the common room reading reflecting upon our last couple of weeks together. None of us had expected to become such close friends by the end of the trip, and we were already planning our next meet-up!

It was soon time for us to be picked up by Mr Markwell for the journey to the airport. We had a nice last tour around the city and surrounding area before we reached the airport and said our final goodbyes and thank you to our host. We made our way through the Air Transat check in and luggage drop-off and got something to eat before our seven hour overnight flight to Glasgow.

Before we knew it we were on the plane all seated together! We watched an episode of ‘The Middle’ together and listened to some music before trying to get some sleep. Some of us slept better than others; but the plane was fairly quiet and comfortable and we had all arrived well prepared, with snacks, blankets, eye masks and pillows.

Soon enough, we landed in Glasgow Airport! We were as thrilled to see our parents as they were to see us. We said our final goodbyes together, pledging to meet up again before meeting again at the Baird of Bute Annual Awards Dinner on Bute in September.

It had been both a happy, sad and tiring day and we couldn’t wait to tell the experiences of our travels to our friends and families and to get on with writing our own stories of our studies and careers in science that lie ahead.