Year 8 Trip to Cat Ba

Day 1 (December 4):

Year 8 are off to a fantastic start in Cat Ba. After taking the bus and ferry to the island, students were split up into 3 groups and divided into different activities. It has been a busy day with beach games, beach clean up, kayaking and climbing.

Teachers were particularly impressed with how much trash the students collected at the beach clean up, and we were also so proud of the students who were very ambitious during climbing and overcame their fear of heights, to reach their goals. Everyone has been taking part, is in really good spirits and are really looking forward to dinner after a busy first day. I think everyone will sleep very well tonight!

Day 2 (December 5)

What a day to remember! Despite an early start, the students were excited and ready to take on the day's events. Group A were excellent at picking up trash on the beach and then got a boat to Viet Hai. They enjoyed the scenic cycle to the village. Group B went kayaking and climbing and loved their day on the boat. Teachers were amazed by Kim, Yoon Jin and Eun Jae who climbed to the summit of all three climbs. Group C spent the day playing fun team games on the beach and walking up to the cannon fort on a fact finding mission. The steep hill was a bit of a challenge, but it was all worth it for the stunning view at the top. Group B and C are staying together tonight in Princes hotel and have been happily reunited, while group A are enjoying the clear starry night at Viet Hai. Another great day and super excited for tomorrow!

Day 3 (December 6):

After using up their final drop of energy for a competitive evening quiz, the students woke up this morning refreshed after a good night's sleep. The groups split up once again for their final full day of activities.
Group A went kayaking and climbing. The kayaking group returned soaked-through after playing many water games, which resulted in most of the students falling into the water (which they appeared to enjoy more than the kayaking itself)!! The climbers were very ambitious and did their best to reach the top of the 3 climbing walls. 
Group B had a beautiful, sunny day on the beach, followed by a walk up to the canon fort. The fact-finding activity and views at the summit ended up being the highlight of the day.
Group C were very successful at the beach clean-up and learned many important lessons about water pollution and what part they can play to prevent it. They loved the cycle to Viet Hai village and the trek through the cave. Best of all, is the peacefulness and tranquility of Viet hai village. 

We ended our evening by watching the football match, Vietnam vs. The Philippines. Even in Viet Hai, the homestay staff kindly brought out their own TV from their house to let us all watch it. We slept soundly under a clear starry sky to the sound of crickets.

Day 4 (December 7):

We can't believe it is time to go home! This week has honestly flown and we have made so many fantastic memories here on Cat Ba island, a few of which involved today's activities.
Group A loved going up to the cannon fort this morning and group B channeled all of their energies into building a giant mountain of sand and destroying it soon after. Group C did their final climb and kayak activity and had to battle through the wavy sea water to get back onto the boat. Now that we have finished lunch, we are ready to come back home! See you soon everyone!