It felt as if it were a scene taken out of a Hollywood movie.

 

I stood in the press scrum, waiting in the bitter cold and snow for the arrival of U.S. President Barack Obama on his first official visit to Canada.

 

Waiting anxiously amongst the crowd of professional photographers, I couldn’t help but feel the energy and excitement when notified that the president would arrive in approximately two minutes.

 

As if on cue, Obama’s motorcade arrived, including the presidential vehicle nicknamed “the Beast,” then the massive Boeing 747, famously known as Air Force One, touched down on the tarmac, accompanied by two hovering helicopters with armed police.

 

Snipers gathered on the top of surrounding buildings as a reminder to everyone who was about to exit the plane. 

 

As the stairs were rolled to the front of the plane, the excitement grew to a fever pitch.

 

Waiting to greet him on Canadian soil was Governor General MichaëlleJean and a line of Mounties standing in ceremonial position. 

 

As the doors opened, a member of the secret service gave one final check. 

 

Then, the moment we had all been waiting for: the president.

 

He appeared and waved to the crowd. As around 100 sets of eyes were on him, he made his way down the stairs to meet the small group of officials accompanying the Governor General.

 

Immediately after the president and the Governor General met, one could sense an instant connection. They smiled and laughed amongst themselves as they made their way across the tarmac to hangar 11, a special hangar for foreign diplomats and leaders.

 

Although initially advised not to speak or direct any comments at the president, I for one could not resist. As the Governor General and the President strode by just a metre away, engaged in a lively conversation, I felt compelled to get his attention. 

 

Thinking I would never get another opportunity I shouted, “Mr. President, welcome to Canada!” 

 

The president heard my call.

 

He turned in my direction, waved and said “hello,” before walking inside the building.

 

It was unlike anything else I have ever experienced. I realized that his calm, cool and collected persona that many have come to known and recognize was only magnified in person.

 

Clearly, the excitement surrounding his visit was not limited to his arrival on the tarmac.

At one point, thousands of people gathered on the hill to catch a glimpse of the president and his motorcade as it took route on its way to meet Prime Minister Stephen Harper on Parliament Hill. 

The two leaders met to discuss three main issues: the financial crisis, Afghanistan and the environment. 

 

But amidst all the hoopla and talks, I would safely argue that the thing people will remember most about this historic day was President Obama’s impromptu stop to the Byward Market for a beavertail.
 

And I must admit, I’ve been craving one ever since.