Message from Da lat Trip Leader 2016

The Dalat trip has developed a great reputation here at BIS Hanoi over the past few years, and it was a cocktail of emotions that boarded the bus to Noi Bai, with minds nervously wondering about some of the more intimidating activities whilst also enjoying the prospect of an escape from day-to-day school life and spending time with friends.

Arriving at what would be our accommodation for the first two nights, left Hanoi seeming a long way away. It definitely took some adjustment for the students to be without their everyday comforts, with canvas for a roof and no access to internet, but this stimulated interaction between friends that was unimpeded by the disruption of social media and would serve as an invaluable opportunity for students to interact with different members of the year group, whilst strengthening existing friendships. Not only did the homely luxuries of Hanoi seem a long way away, so did the sticky Hanoian air and the hustle and bustle of the city; looking out from the campsite over the lake and surrounding hills, was, quite literally, a breath of fresh air.

Over the 4 days, the students were a credit to both themselves and the school as they battled their demons to tackle a selection of daunting activities as well as cajoling their peers into overcoming their fears as they climbed, abseiled and leapt all at great height above the comfort of terra firma. As well as some of the more individual activities, there were some great displays of teamwork in a range of group activities, ranging from completing various command tasks, practicing for the talent show and the raft building activity, though the workmanship in the latter activity was in many cases not quite fit for the task. This did however lead in itself to much hilarity as students and staff alike were left floundering in Tuyen Lam lake.

It was a spectacularly successful 4 days and students will be more than happy to share their experiences with you if you ask and though the details of the trip are softening in the memory, the impacts that it has had on building friendships and shaping skills will continue to strengthen long into the future.

Mr. Edward Westropp, Head of Years 10&11