On Monday, April the 25th our geography trip was finally confirmed and we could finally start packing for the next day.

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This trip lasted from Tuesday, the 26th until Friday, the 29th. This trip was organised so we could collect data points for our IAs in geography. We created a survey which we worked on for the last couple of classes.

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Next morning, we got to school just like every other day, except that when the bell rang for the start of classes, instead of going to class like our classmates, we were headed towards the bus.

Around 9, we finally departed. The ride lasted approximately 2 hours.

However, when the bus stopped, we weren’t quite there yet, we had to hike our way to the accommodation.

Finally we arrived, but we only had time to leave our bags in our rooms before being on the move again. We used this time for ecotourism, we explored the region and the forest that was surrounding us.

On this hike we saw many different plants and trees, as well as lots of animals such as lizards, butterflies, etc. And, the most common organism in the forest that wouldn’t leave us alone during the entire trip, leeches. After each hike, our legs would be covered in blood, making it look like a crime scene.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After that, we got back to Martin’s Lodge (our accommodation) for lunch. We were served a wide variety of traditional Sri Lankan dishes (it was very tasty and not at all spicy).

When we finished lunch we had time to relax a little before leaving for another hike in the forest.

This time we didn’t come back until later in the day.

Later in the evening we had dinner and then we had time to play cards and relax before going to our rooms.

Next morning, we woke up at 6:30 (or at least we were supposed to) and then got ready for the day. We were served breakfast around 7 and right after that we headed towards the town centre of Sinharaja. We split up into 3 groups and searched for people in that region to interview for a survey.  Unfortunately for our group, we ended up going the hardest route. We lost so much time just getting from house to house because most people lived on cliffs and rocky roads were the only way to get there. We ended up walking several kilometres.

After we were finished, all the groups met at one house, where we were provided lunch. We had time to relax a bit before getting into the jeeps that drove us (again, to one point, not to the lodge, we had to walk the last part).

Later we went to see a stream that was close by the lodge. We stayed there for a while and had the chance to swim. The water was refreshing and filled with fishes. What was interesting was that the water temperature changed, depending on where in the stream we were standing. The pools were warmer, while the running water was cold.

 

 

In the evening we got back, we had dinner and some time to play with cards before heading back to the forest. Although it was raining (pouring), we went for a night frog watch. We got to see the forest during night time, which gave me a completely different experience from when we hiked during the day. We saw many different animals and insects (and of course, leeches).

Learning Outcomes:

Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth: I found the interviews very interesting, and very educational because it taught me about different lifestyles and made me aware of how some things such as appliances which appear regular to me are not available to others. After this activity I feel more confident in making a survey and forming questions that could apply to everyone and that would give me the data I need.

Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process: as we had to hike all day (and sometimes during night as well) pushed me to be more active (usually I’m not active every day all day), and spotting animals in the forest, especially when they are camouflaged, taught me how to be more observant.

Demonstrate the skills and recognize the benefits of working collaboratively: when we interviewed people for the survey, we had to work together to achieve and collect the data we need. We had Ms. Desline help us translate the questions and answers and we took turns who would ask the questions, who would record the answers, and who would give the gift (as a thank you for participating)