Y7: Yangshuo

A quick phone call from trip leader Mr England this evening allows us to report that all students are back in one big group, safe and sound from their various activities.  Some have been doing community service in school and climbing, others have been cycling and kayaking.  The weather treated everyone to a massive downpour fro about an hour, but our hardy travellers just ploughed straight through and made the most of their time in Yangshuo.  The message from the south: everyone is happy this evening.

Y8: Hainan

Camping in the rainforest proved too hot for a full night's sleep for our year 8 travellers.  They've had some pretty interesting experiences, including joining in the bamboo dance at last night's local performance.  Apparently Mr Jones demonstrated the 'haka' in return, along with some of his circus skills.  Mr Jones's group trekked through the rainforest, then went to a bird show and had the chance to touch a monkey, snake, iguana and crocodile.  All this, and then a gorge climb and then climbing up a waterfall.  The other group tackled the high ropes course and snorkelling, and then found kayaking in the wind a challenge.  Both groups are back together for supper before their last night in Hainan.  Mr Jones anticipates some difficulty persuading them back on the plane!

Y9: Ziyuan

Ziyuan continues to test and challenge our Y9 groups.  Ms Morris reports that they are now back in Guilin eating Pizza (apart from two who are eating bread for some reason).  Some students yesterday tried  "river drive-by shop, beetles, crickets, bees". Not quite sure what that means - but we're looking forward to finding out when everyone gets back!  Mr Rice's group have been rafting - a few fell in but were recovered safely.  The other group couldn't kayak because of the river height, but went to a hot springs/wave pool instead - sounds like a great hardship!  The 1 star hotel has just asked the students to clean their plates, cups and wipe the table, and Ms Morris describes the look on the students faces as 'priceless'!  They're having a 'talent quest' this evening - so i guess we'll see what that brings.

Y12: Cambodia

From Ms Deleporte: "Today was a very exciting and sad day for our students and the Starfish pupils. Our students taught their last two lessons this morning. The last lesson saw all the students gathered in the sports hall where we danced salsa and sang 'Twist and Shout'. Fun was had by all. The tears started rolling and after a lovely lunch we said goodbye to the pupils and headed off on a 6 hour bus journey to Siem Reap. We have now settled at the hotel for the night and await the morning which will see the sun rise over Ankor Wat."