by David, Grade 11 Bolton Man

Boarders Without Borders was a great experience for me. I did it last year, and had a wonderful time, so I was excited when I heard it was coming around again. I, of course, signed up to go with two of my friends – Danny and Saeed – because the thought of potentially going to an unknown person’s house still unnerves me.

Mr. Hashmi picked us up, along with Charlotte’s friend, Mackenzie, on Sunday evening and we went to the Hashmi/Queen’s home. On the way there, conversation flowed easily as we talked about the different places we are from and what life is like there. We arrived at his home, and were introduced to his daughters, Charlotte and her younger sister, who, surprise surprise, we barely knew.

We sat in their living room and relaxed and, I must say, it felt strange to be in an actual home; strange but good. However, what I was especially looking forward to was eating a good home cooked meal, and when that moment finally came I was not disappointed at all. Mr. Hashmi’s roast beef and potatoes were so delicious, I had not one, or two, but three servings, and scraped the last of the potatoes out of the dish when everyone could have no more. And then there was dessert: apple pie, fresh from the oven, complemented by chocolate chip ice cream. Yummy.

The highlight of the night, though, came after dinner when we went back to the living room. I was surprised by how easily we all laughed and joked together, as if we hadn’t just been randomly matched together. In the end, I went away from our host’s home once again feeling glad that I took part in Boarders Without Borders. It was truly an awesome night.