There is a new activity that has been added to the trip itinerary…sleeping on the bus. It would appear that the students have finally run out of energy! Long travel and days full of activities have led to some tired kids.
Staff perspective:
All the grade 8 staff have been impressed with the organization and quality of activities we have participated in. We have been treated to top-notch food at every turn, and the staff have been very friendly and helpful. It is neat to see new friendships develop, student-leaders helping their peers and all of us developing trust in our group leaders. The students have been very well behaved thus far. They have certainly acted as good ambassadors for TIS. So far, the trip has exceeded our expectations.
Student Perspective:
At the end of each day, when we arrive back at the Prem Center, it is fun to hear the students talk about their group’s experiences. Great debates ensue with each side claiming that their group’s experience was superior in some way. Here are some of the comments made by students at last night’s fire side:
“I was so scared at first, but then I went and did it again!”
“The house boat was so fun…the best day ever”
“Everyone fell asleep on our bus ride home”
“I was so proud of my self.”
Aside(s):
1. One interesting aspect of this trip is that we have 4 groups going in different directions. This leads to great excitement when we arrive back at the Prem Center. This also creates great anticipation of the next days activities.
2. Another interesting issue has been finding time to manage this blog. We are scheduled from 7 AM until 10 PM, most often away from the Prem Center. We appologize for not posting pictures sooner, but we have made a mental note to bring a laptop for late night entries next time
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3. If you would like to see some pictures of the climing, the Chiang Mai Rock Climbing Adventure said they would be uploading photos from each day on their Facebook Page. You can become Facebook friends with them an have a look:
www.facebook.com/…/Chiang–Mai…/Chiang–Mai–Rock–Climbing–Adventures/31250346637
4. The news from Bangkok is pretty good. Local staff have been monitoring the situation. Most International Schools remain open in the down town core, and reports from people in the area state that the situation is not tense. Rather, the demonstrators are planning a peaceful protest at a scheduled time in a controlled manner. The airport is just over an hour away from the planned areas for the protest, so we don’t anticipate any problems with our flights home!
Sincerely,
The Grade 8 Experinece Week Team
