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Picture this: a bunch of aviation nerds camped out at an airport, eyes glued to the sky, just waiting for their moment of glory. While the rest of the world is probably glued to their screens, these folks are out there at Calgary International Airport, hoping to catch a glimpse of some high-flying royalty as the G7 leaders land.
Doesn’t that sound riveting? I mean, who wouldn’t want to stare at planes all day?
Anticipation fills the air
Corbin Johnson, a self-proclaimed plane enthusiast, is practically bursting at the seams with excitement as he dreams of seeing Air Force 1.
“Sure, it’s the gold standard of aircraft, but let’s be real, I’m here for all the action!” he declared, camera slung around his neck like a badge of honor. As he perches himself at the viewing area, it’s clear that this is not just a hobby for him—this is a full-blown obsession.
He reminisces about his childhood, when his parents would drag him to the same spot, probably hoping to ignite the same passion in him. Spoiler alert: it worked.
But let’s not kid ourselves. The real cherry on top of this aviation sundae is the crowd of dedicated plane spotters sharing intel about incoming aircraft.
“Did you hear? The Japanese delegation is Canada-bound!” It’s like a gossip fest, but with less drama and more jet fuel. Exciting, right?
Protesters steal the spotlight
Just when you thought it was all about the planes, a horde of protesters crashes the party, waving signs that scream “Yankee Go Home” and “True North Strong and Peeved.” Ah, the sweet smell of political dissent wafts through the air.
Leanne MacKenzie, fresh off two decades in California, is out here to protest what she calls “fascism in the U.S.A.” as she boldly claims, “I’m sure Trump will just ignore this because he’s the biggest baby on the planet.” Nice touch, Leanne.
Nothing like a little hyperbole to spice things up.
And let’s not forget Lesley Boyer, a grandmother with a sign that’s more colorful than her vocabulary. “Both of my grandfathers fought fascists,” she proclaimed while seated in her wheelchair, undoubtedly drawing the attention of everyone around her. Because let’s face it, if you’re going to protest, you might as well do it with flair. “I’m terrified he might actually try something,” she adds, spreading fear and intrigue in equal measure.
The chaos of the G7 summit
As the leaders land, the airport is anything but normal. Sure, planes continue to take off and land, but the atmosphere is electric with tension. The police are on high alert, having set up designated protest zones and are ready to broadcast these demonstrations live to the summit leaders. Talk about a reality show with global implications!
RCMP Chief Supt. David Hall has the audacity to suggest peaceful protests. “We know it’s important for people to have their message seen and heard,” he insists, while the chaos unfolds around him. Really, David? That’s rich coming from someone in uniform. But hey, at least he’s trying to keep things civil.
Final thoughts
Here we are, on the brink of political history, where airplane enthusiasts and protesters collide in a dramatic showdown. What a time to be alive! With plane spotters on one side and passionate protesters on the other, Calgary has transformed into a bizarre circus of political fervor and aviation adoration. So, what’s next? Will Air Force 1 touch down without a hitch, or will the protests steal the entire show? One can only speculate—after all, the world loves a good spectacle.
