The why? behind this trip

Almost 100 years ago, my maternal grandparents emigrated to Canada from what was then Russia (and since then has been the Ukrainian SSR, then Ukraine, and then for my grandfather's place of birth, back to occupied land, but only because Russia has bigger guns).  Mennonite by culture and religion, my grandparents eventually settled in Saskatchewan where they met and married, and had 8 children who became my aunts, uncles and mother.  

There was a mass exodus of Mennonites from Russia in 1923, and they were supported in Canada by Mennonites who had arrived earlier.  

My mother found a company that is re-enacting this arrival, albeit in much more comfort than my grandparents would have had, through a trip in July 2023.  A link to the website is here: https://tourmagination.com/tour/cross-canada-russlaender-centenary-tour/

My mother, sister and I are booked for the full journey, and my uncle and partner are looking to join us for the last leg of the tour.  The vast majority of the travel will be by train.  We will be visiting Mennonite communities across Canada, partake in cultural events (which will include lots of food) and will be listening to lectures by some of the leading researchers into Mennonite history.

The purpose of this blog is to share these experiences with my family, some who are travelling with us, and others who may be watching vicariously from home.  Please feel free to post comments and questions, and I will try to respond to as many of them as possible.