Year 9 Sapa Trip 2017

Day 1 (28 Nov 2017)

Following a long day of traveling, we have arrived in Sa Pa town. We had time for a sizable lunch in Lao Cai before heading up the mountain to Sa Pa town. Once we arrived we had a chance to do some shopping in the local market. After perusing the local delights, we had a stroll through scenic Sa Pa town. Before we alighted the buses to the homestay we posed for a team photo outside the historic church. We are now heading down theough the rice terraces to our homestay in Ban Ho, where we will relax and settle in before the evening’s entertainment.

Day 2 (29 Nov 2017)

Following a fortifying breakfast it was straight into the action. The amazing race began with An artistic challenge, setting up the race to the first challenge point. Here students competed in a race based in the traditional ploughing method. In an early indicator of how the day would go Hue emerged victorious.

From here the teams were introduced to their new team mate, a large bamboo pole. The teams then race to the top of the mountain, where Da Lat won the festival corn throwing game; to much consternation from Hue.

Pausing only for a quick refueling stop the race continued, with all teams putting wins on the board. Games such as the ‘flying bridge’ and the wobbly walk were conquered. The final challlenge of the race was to learn how to make different coloured sticky rice. The students used different ingredients to dye their technicolour rice.

Back at the homestay our cooking class commenced. Making spring rolls and cooking the sticky rice to be our reward for a hard days work. The amazing race was grueling but hugely rewarding; it gave us the opportunity to overcome physical challenges, and strengthen our bonds as a team. We are now eagerly awaiting the results.

Day 3 (30 Nov 2017)

Once again it was a day of action for year 9. Out first port of call was the cassava field to harvest the local crop. Many of our students displayed hitherto unknown agricultural skills. After this it was time to get dirty! We headed to a local farm to help them with their rice planting. Again some students displayed some exceptional skills here. On the other hand some excelled at getting very muddy!

After lunch we made our way to the local primary school, where we were treated to some wonderful performances from the children. We were able to give them a slightly less traditional performance as cheon geon & Do  Yeon stepped up to deliver a beatboxing number. Then it was time for the work to start! One group went off to help paint one of the old school buildings; the rest of us had the serious task of transporting rocks from the riverbed to the school to line the foundations of their new building. We formed a chain with the local children and staff all the way from the river to the school. It was hard work enormously gratifying to be able to help the local people. The students have certainly earned the barbecue feast that awaits this evening...