Wednesday, August 28th 

Everyone running to the bus at 6:00am so that we could embark on our journey, excitement on our faces but fatigue under our eyes due to the lack of sleep because this is something that we have been looking forward to for the past 6 years of our secondary life!

On our way up to Kitthugala in the rain which was contrary to how we were feeling. We obviously had to stop for the ritual bathroom breaks and to catch up on what was happening in the bus next to us.

We got to the site and were greeted with cake and tea which was much needed after sitting on a bus for 3 hours. Across from where we were sitting it was covered with dust, stones and rubbles of a half-constructed dam.

The government dam that has ruined the ambience of the Kalani river

We talked about the implication of the river on the environment and how it affects people’s livelihoods. The completion of this dam is going to have a massive effect on the tourism industry in this river because most of peoples jobs here consists of using the river. This is being taken away from them, we got to get an insight into some people that would be affected by this mass destruction in the environment. What makes it even more devastating is that nothing can be done by anyone. This really made a dent about what we are doing to our planet and pulling it back into the climate crisis. We need to do more, but how can we go against the government?

Our next chapter consisted of jumping, slipping and the screaming contributed by Anargi because of all the leeches. The complaining and winging done by all of us because of the freezing water that we were treading through. Each of us revving on our classmates up to face their fears and jump. We were sliding down rocks, holding each other’s hand in fear, and staying close for body warmth. this was where we were truly bonding. Not caring about gender just having fun and pushing each other into the freezing water. Listening to the sounds of rushing water and chattering teeth is what makes the experience so memorable. We had already done this activity during DOE and my 9th grade WWW so I wasn’t pulled too far out of my comfort zone but I could aid my classmates that needed more help.

Us waiting for everyone to finish a jump and pushing each other into the freezing cold water. DYSFUNCTIONAL.

After performing acts of flips and synchronized swimming, we stopped in our life jackets and helmets, smelling like…not good so we could feed our freezing cold bodies. Each of us drying out our shoes and socks before we had to start our next journey. The curry had never tasted so good and our stomachs have never felt so full.

Filling our stomachs with Rice and Curry

Standing in the murky water with life jackets and helmets on and a paddle in had to complete our rafting look. We were thrown in a group together and named our selves “big fish” in courtesy of Kevin.  Our raft was already half full of water before we started…not the best sign for how our group was going to perform.

My group, “big fish”, in the blue raft.

The half-full raft was definitely foreshadowing what was going to happen when we hit the rapids. As we set off on our journey paddles flailing, us shouting, and cold water hitting our faces couldn’t begin to sum up what happened on our raft. We had the comedic due of Keving and Andrew falling out of the raft that left us WHEEZING. The constant nagging because of my team’s lack of synchronization. Each rapid had its own set of laughs and butterflies in everyone’s stomachs. Being able to share this experience with my classmates made it the most memorable and something that we can laugh about later on when we are starting to feel the stress of DP. We really had to trust each other in this activity to do their part so we could get through the rapid safely.

The ending of our first day consisted of floating down back to camp where we were greeted with warm cups of soup. I don’t think we have ever slept so well listening to the river rushing down and the crickets chirping.

Thursday, August 29th 

You were woken up by the sound of alarms and birds chirping outside of your door. Everyone groggy as we started stretching in the rain. Our first adventure started in the rain embarking on a gorgeous hike where we had a TOK lesson in a cave. We drew maps and got to experience a philosophy lesson with Mr.Leigh. Considering I am a part of the Duke programme my mapping skills are still something left to be desired. We also had to participate in yet again another see, think, wonder about the cave.

Our see, think, wonder in the cave.

Our next adventure started with a hike all the way to the top of a rock so that we could do ab sailing. This was a very challenging hike for us because it was all uphill and we had the scorching hot sun to accompany us. This was a much more challenging hike for me because we usually hike in a rainforest in the cool but today was much hotter and we didn’t take any breaks. As we had gotten to the top of the rock we were greeted with freezing cold rain. perfect. In our freezing state, we were wrapped in jackets and sitting as close as we could to each other so we could stay warm. After an hour we had to do the scariest part of the whole trip. Ab sailing.

Standing on top of the mountain with water rushing down at you concentrating on your guide, pushing away the thought of being afraid. Pulling yourself down the waterfall I looked at the scenery that was absolutely breathtaking. As you made your way down the ab sail you had a sense of freedom, excitement and all traces of nervousness were gone. Just you and the sound of nature. One of the best experiences of the whole trip that definitely pulled me out of my comfort zone.

Friday, August 30th 

We split into 5 groups so that we could interview the local members of the kitugala community. Our group talked to the owner of the rafting company and how he feels that the dam will affect his business. This allowed me to develop my skills in creating interview questions and build my confidence with speaking. The last part of our trip was looking at the dam. It was already constructed and we were learning how it works. We stood over the bridge that stretched over the river, one side the environment was thriving while the other was filled with horrific cement structures. It’s depressing to look at how we are treating our environment.

The horrific dam

Overall this was an amazing trip that allowed our grade to bond and share memories. I got to discover my own strengths and weaknesses within this trip and appreciate this beautiful island.