Wednesday, 29th of August,
I woke up at 5.45 AM to the sound of my alarm, I get ready to depart for school at 6.00 AM. I double check my bags ensuring that I have everything that I would require for this trip. After a quick breakfast, I set off to school where, we would embark the bus and start our DP1 orientation journey. This journey was unique in many ways, it was an opportunity for me to get to know the new kids that joined the school as well as get to know those I have been with for a few years even better. The environment we were thrown in was new and possibly alien to some of us. It was different to these screens that we get accustomed to and showed what is very real and very alive. For many of us this was, a step out of our comfort zone a challenge to overcome. From the rushing of water to the crackle of lush jungle under our feet there were so many new experiences gained throughout the course of the trip.
DAY 1
The first day focused on the idea of “Activity” including different challenges such as rafting, canyoning and drifting down the river. For rafting we were divided and put into groups of which, I was placed with Luca, Nehemiah, Virath, Shivani and Mr. Duncan. Once receiving a briefing from our guide we rode down the violent rapids with a newfound co-ordination between all members of the group. Through the course we learnt to use commands to synchronise movements and while utilising that movement, navigate our way down the rapids. This experience was a rollercoaster of emotions going from excitement to somewhat concern to satisfaction.
Rafting down the rapids. Photo credit: Mr.Duncan
Following our rafting experience we migrated to the canyoning streams, in order to work our way down the canyon. The canyoning required a lot of courage and trust seeing how we were required to slide over smooth rock or jump from high ledges into pools of water, sometimes, narrowly missing the edges of rock formations. Using this we explored and ventured our way down the canyoning, taking caution when navigating on the slippery moss growing on the wet rocks. Finally, we returned to the main river, grouped up, and connected hands to make a circle. We would then all together drift down the current of the river to reach our final destination of the day, Base Camp.
Floating down the river Photo Credit: Mr.Duncan
The first day of the trip was filled The activities undertaken required us to find courage, embrace change and learn to increase our collaboration with the other members of our journey. These activities would push all of us to think about what we would do, to challenge ourselves and accept that, it wasn’t necessarily going to be easy. Many students found courage in the support of fellow classmates, others had it with them all along and rarely was there an instance where someone didn’t have the courage to participate an activity or overcome a challenge.
DAY 2
The second day focused on the idea of “Creativity” and for that we ventured up to the mountainous landscapes. Initially we traversed up an asphalt path but, as we moved deeper into the mountain jungle the path became more and more of a dirt road until the point where we reached the stone stairs to the Balangoda cave. Upon arriving at the cave we were tasked with reflecting about our journey to the cave by drawing a map. From what I could see from many maps, I concluded that many maps were based upon significant events and experiences gained over the hike, since emphasis were placed upon these points of the hike on the maps.
Hiking to the cave Photo credit: Mr.Duncan
Reflections in the cave Photo credit: Mr.Duncan
Following the cave reflections the group embarked on a hike through the jungle with the goal to reach an abseiling location. The journey was rather interesting as it was very different from our day to day lives and quite relaxing to receive this direct exposure to nature. We made it to the abseiling location towards the early afternoon and after a briefing on the techniques used for abseiling safely and gearing up we abseiled down the slope in threes. Abseiling was a whole new experience for me and one I wont forget anytime soon. The moment when I stopped halfway down the slope to look around and take in the environment was a highlight for me. Feeling the water rushing beneath my feet, looking at the mountain horizons and all of this while walking vertically down a slope simply amazed me. Following this we had a final return hike to our bus and once again adjourned the day.
Me, abseiling down the slope Photo credit: Mr.Lockwood
This day was filled with moments of reflection, critical thinking and once again courage. Whereas the previous day had been all about questioning our actions and finding courage to participate in activities, this day primarily included us being reflective and gain a new insight on this natural world which, many of us don’t have a large exposure to.
DAY 3
The 3rd day came by too soon yet, was all about the idea of “Service” and therefore it included us interviewing the local populations of Kitulgala. My group went to interview a local monk to gain his insight on life in Kitulgala. We found that the monk has seen a change in the Kitulgala culture, adapting itself to service tourism which, has a large impact on its economy. Hearing the life story of the monk was quite intriguing since I got to see a new perspective on Kitulgala life and have a new understanding on how tourism has an affect on the local populace of an area. Following these interviews we bade our friendly borderlands hosts farewell and set off back to Colombo, returning to our every day lives but, with a new view on the world and the people around us.
Interviewing the local monk Photo credit: Mr.Duncan
Conclusion
In conclusion, I found that this orientation trip was not only a place where we can explore the environment of the nation we live in but, explore ourselves as well. I found that many developed newfound forms of courage. Whilst others finally got off their phones for a period longer than an hour. I found that it shows us what it truly means to be alive and to apply our school learning into this experience and vice versa. Finally, I got to know my classmates much better and made a few new friends along the way. A truly, rewarding and worthwhile trip!