VILLAGES IN INDIA

This summer term, 5C has been busy making puppets of people living in the Chembakoli region of India- an activity that crosses over with our Geography topic of ‘Villages in India’.

They have written play scripts about conflicts in the region, which will be  performed as a puppet show in front an audience. The backdrops for the puppet shows were completed by year 5 children, using pastels.

They thoroughly enjoyed the activity and had to design clothing, “style” hair and solve problems of how to attach or join various parts together. They rose to the challenge and surprised and impressed each other with their creative and problem solving skills.

 

Break a leg!

After weeks of rehearsals, the day of our first performance has arrived. This evening, KS2 will be performing The Wiz.  Year 5 have been actively involved by singing 4 songs in the musical. We also have some very talented actors who are part of the main cast, as well as dancers.
We look forward to the shows, tonight and tomorrow night.

That's it folks!

Yesterday saw our party of 25 make our way back to KSA. After a late start, breakfast and checking out of the hotel, we made our way to Athens airport.

At the airport, few hold ups like checking the validity of some multi-exit/entry visas, gave Ms Naidoo a few anxious moments. But after a while we were given the go ahead to have all in our party checked-in on our Qatar Airways flight. After this delay, there was no time for a Happy Meal, as has become the tradition. The children were determined to spend whatever money they had left and bought as much junk food as possible at the kiosk at the boarding gate.

The air stewards and stewardesses usually had big, welcoming smiles as we entered the plane. Frankly, after 10 minutes with 21 bouncy children and Mr Gray, asking for nuts, fizzy drinks and why their entertainment systems were not working, I don't know if those smiles were still genuine. The wishes of 'good luck' to the adults as we were departing could have been an indication of what they really were thinking.

Two smooth and uneventful flights later and we were back at Dammam Airport. Our intrepid party once again attracted the attention of onlookers. We were moving along swiftly through Immigration control till it was discovered that Areesha had lost her exit/entry visa. A few words from Mr Gray with Saudi Immigration officials and a quick stamp in the passport and she was sent through with the rest of the party. Ms Naidoo once again gave a huge sigh of relief.

It was a fantastic learning experience for all those on the trip, one not long forgotten. A big thank you to all those that helped to make this trip successful. A very big thank you go to Mr Gray, Mrs Hull and Mrs Roberts!

What is that?

The four adults were grateful for the later start this morning, with an 8am wake-up call. The plan of action for today was a tour of the main sights in Athens.

The first destination was the first modern Olympic stadium built in 1896. Mr. Gray was given a history lesson by Karam who reminded him that the first games were actually held in Olympia and not at this stadium.

Then it was off to the New Acropolis Museum to see some of the artifacts from the Parthenon. One of the first questions asked as we entered the museum was, “Can we buy anything?”

A scorching day, the sun shone on us as we then made the trek up to the Acropolis. “What’s that?” asked Diana, pointing to the temple ruins on the hill. It was of course the Parthenon, something that has been pointed out these past four days as we have gone past it towards our hotel. Lois’s most amazing discovery whilst at the foot of the Acropolis was that she had found a Wifi connection. The children certainly had lots of questions for Anna as they tried to complete their workbooks.

Lunch in the Plaka followed...another feast of a four course meal. The potato chips were devoured, not only by the children but by Mr Gray and Mrs Roberts too! Areesha has found a new favourite food – tzatziki. She loved it so much she actually asked Anna what it was called.

The long awaited shopping in the Plaka followed, with the children very eager to spend what was left of their money and to get souvenirs and presents for family and friends back home. Parents, despite our best efforts, there will be slingshots and swords coming home. Mr Suter, please note that Ms Naidoo did not have any encounters with shopkeepers that had you rolling on the floor with laughter like last year.


Dinner and an evening quiz, testing knowledge gained from the week’s sights and sounds, was also held.


After a night’s entertainment, it was off to bed for our last sleep in Greece. Our evening prizes included the following:

Most random comments – Aya
Biggest spender – Youssef
Best worker – Sahil
Best casualty – Diana
Allergy queen – Areej
Biggest complainer – Mohamad A
Wisest spender – Emilia
Biggest daydreamer – Omar
Biggest Drama queen – Nicholas
Most eager to learn – Mikail
Biggest hair – Paul
Best smile – Wian
Loudest voice – Areesha
Best businessman – Karam
Best group captain – Sara (Captan)
Best runner (chasing Mr Gray) – Munisa
Most junk food consumed – Lois
Best waster of food – Aastha
Fussiest eater – Farah
Slowest eater – Kate
Messiest eater – Mohammed D.
Bonus prize: Smelliest room – Karam and Mohamad A


That’s all for tonight folks. Spare a thought for us teachers who will be overseeing the packing of smelly, dirty laundry and souvenirs tomorrow morning. I would like to reassure you all that the following comment of “Party all night” from Lois for “What has been the best moment of the trip so far?” has absolutely no merit to it! There was also definitely more to this trip than Paul and Wian's, "Looking at the room!"

Ruined by ruins?

Day 4 started with a wholesome breakfast overlooking the sea with the sound of lapping waves as background music. The children were somewhat subdued with the past 3 days of activities starting to take its toll. Mrs Roberts was not very happy with Aastha as her alarm went off at 5.30am disturbing Mrs Roberts’s beauty sleep. Mr Gray had to fireman lift a fast asleep Karam out of bed. Breakfast conversation did take a more academic turn when Aya asked Mr Gray, “What is the largest number you know and do numbers go on forever?” When they realized they were packing to leave Tolon, the children were disappointed that they were not going to have the opportunity to swim again.


After a delayed departure, we finally headed for the theatre of Epidaurus. The children were awed by the size and shape of this ancient theatre. Having their workbooks with them got them asking Anna loads of questions. Making the long trek up the stairs was worth the while as we got to hear Anna drop a coin in the middle of the ‘stage’. We were also entertained by another school group performing a tragedy.

Then it was off to the Palamidi Fortress which was actually a Venetian construction. The children were actually disppointed that they didn't get to walk up the 900 or so stairs. The views from the top were amazing we got to walk up the bastion.

From the Palamidi Fortress, we made our way to Mycenae, the acropolis of Agamemnon. Anna was once again impressed with the children’s eagerness to view what the sights had to offer, especially as we were walking around in the 30 degree heat. They were given an explanation of how the cyclopean walls were built and how myths such as that of the Cyclops (one-eyed giants) were actually based on actual men wearing headbands with one eye. Then it was off to the beehive tomb (Treasury of Atreus) which was discovered by a shepherd looking for his lost sheep.

A hungry bunch then descended at the restaurant at Mycenae. We were treated to creamy mushroom pasta, fish and chips, stuffed tomato for Areej, and ice cream. The first couple of courses went down really well when Ms Naidoo threatened to withhold the ice cream if the courses were not eaten.

A stop at the local pottery shop then got the children taking out their wallets eagerly. The salesman was certainly on top form impressing the children with his bargain prices. All that could be heard from them were, “Wow” and “Wow, that’s cheap!”

Then it was back to the coach for the ride back to Athens. While there was no seasickness on Wednesday on the ferry, there was definitely a couple of green faces on the coach today – Sahil and Mrs Roberts. It was then back to Hotel Ilissos for the next two nights. Mrs Hull’s first aid skills were utilized again when Diana suffered an injured foot.

Dinner was polished off by everyone, especially the strawberry mousse and we were complimented for the clean plates.

An exhausted party of 25 went to bed early tonight!

A mudbath anyone?

Today saw us meeting our tour guide Anna for an 8.30am departure from our hotel in Athens. It was all suitcases on board as we were heading for the seaside town of Tolon for the night. It must be noted that Mr. Gray was the first one down for breakfast this morning, making up for his previous tardiness.

As the coach travelled through the city of Athens some of the buildings we got to see were the Greek Parliament and the first university in Athens.

Our first stop for the morning was the National Archaeological Museum. We spent about an hour and a half exploring all the antiquities like the bronze statue of Zeus and the gold death masks and jewellery. The children were so fascinated that they couldn’t stop clicking away with their cameras. I hope that the children remember all the details as they didn’t remember their workbooks…..all except Sahil. Anna thought that our children were very good in following where she led. We did have a few stragglers who were very tired from all the walking done yesterday and who sought a seat whenever we stopped at an artifact. Mr. Gray couldn’t believe his luck that ICT was thrown into the tour of the museum. It was good timing that we got to see the Antikythera mechanism….an ancient computer that was used to plot courses using the stars.

After the museum we headed to the ancient city of Corinth. Stopping at the Corinth Canal, we got to see a yacht passing through the 80m high, 8m deep and 70 feet wide canal. There were cheers and waves for and from the yacht’s occupants. Some of the boys were very eager to try bungee jumping but we convinced them otherwise.

 Then it was off to a lunch of cheese pie, salad, chicken and pasta and cake. Some found the cheese pie delicious while others couldn’t manage the third course after the first two. While Mrs. Roberts, Mrs. Hull and Ms. Naidoo were concerned about their expanding waistlines, Mr. Gray just happily tucked into all four courses.

Our next stop was at the ancient ruins of Corinth. The children were fascinated to see the ruins of an ancient market place and could still hear the waters that flowed through the ancient fountains. Once again our children impressed Anna by being eager to see the various ruins this archaeological site had to offer.

Then it was back to the coach to continue to our final destination for the day…Tolon. Arriving at approximately 5.15pm, the children were very excited to get some promised time in the water. Munisa, for example, was so eager that she rang Mrs. Roberts at 7.20 this morning to ask if she should wear her swimming costume at that time. The water was slightly chilly, but in the evening sunshine, this was forgotten as they frolicked in the water and tried to bury each other in the sand. Mr. Gray was not eager to get his feet wet, but we did have a few children try to entice him in. I don’t think that we saw Mr. Gray move as quickly as he did.

 After a shower and a filling dinner of spaghetti, we went for an evening stroll and some hot chocolate. Mohamad A, after speaking about it since his arrival in Greece, finally got his Greek football shirt.

The children were truly appreciative of the beautiful view from our hotel overlooking the sea. The moonlight on the water was a sight indeed. Looking at the distant lights across the water, the children were asked where these lights were coming from. Very confidently, Karam pointed out, “That’s Chembakolli!” For all those that know, this is what we have been studying in Geography for the past 3 weeks. However, it is a village in India!

Camels, nuts and gelato

A very early start for this morning with breakfast at 6.30am and a 7am departure had a few bleary eyed travellers today, with Mr Gray the last one to turn up for breakfast. The 6am wake-up call had all up with the exception of a few where Ms Naidoo had to use the master key to give a personal wake-up call.  Some eager beavers like Kate, Emilia and Lois were up at 4am....so they say!

The plan for the day - the 3 island cruise, stopping at Hydra, Poros and Aegina.  As always, the BISAK contingent were met with eager to please smiles by the ferry's crew. The day was sunny with calm waters and a slight breeze. No seasickness was experienced this year..... a huge sigh of relief was given by the teachers. Mrs Roberts and Mrs Hull were grateful that they didn't have to clean up after Ms Naidoo who was actually not as green as last year. Although, Mr Gray did find it amusing to keep swaying in front of her to get her going!

The highlight of the ferry journey was not as much the Greek dancing lessons as the massage chairs that were available. Up to 20 Euros was spent on these chairs. One particular budding businessman (Karam) was giving his own massages to earn money for the massage chair. 

One very diligent child, Sahil, chose to ignore all the entertainment and instead worked on his activity booklet.

The idyllic island lifestyle was appreciated by all the children especially Hydra where motor vehicles are limited and animals are used for transport around the island. However, we realised we still carried a part of Saudi Arabia with us when Aya, pointing at a mule shouted, "Look at the poor camel!"

The backstreets of the islands were explored and as usual the shopkeepers' eyes lit up when they saw a party of 25 heading their way. Youssef almost had to spend his pocketmoney on damages when his backpack almost hit a display cupboard full of ceramic souveniers. Not much of Poros was seen as 25 minutes of the 35 minutes given for the tour of the island was taken up by buying delicious gelato. Mr Gray using his power of negotiations, got the teachers' ice creams for free. 



Our ferry's saxophonist enjoying gelato too


We also got to sample some of the islands' pistachio nuts but poor Areej had to stay far away from them....around every street corner.  She moaned  that she may as well have stayed on the ferry.

While Mr Gray impressed with his knowledge of Ancient Greek artefacts, parents be warned that the shards of  'ancient pottery' that are being carried back, may incur excess luggage charges and being fined by the Greek authorities for smuggling artefacts out of the country.

After a long and tiring day, we left Aegina and headed back to the Marina Flisvos. An indication of just how tired the children were, was Areesha asking Mrs Roberts as we were boarding at Aegina, "What's a ferry?"