Twelve months ago I jumped at the opportunity of missing a week of school to go on a trip half way across the world, knowing that it would an amazing experience. I now know that I, and everybody else that went, underestimated how amazing it would be!
The trip was open to ‘gifted and talented’ students from a small consortium of schools in West Wiltshire. It was application by letter, persuading a panel of judges why they should pick each of us. After some careful consideration, it was narrowed down to the top sixteen who all attended the trip alongside mentors Tim Randle and Robyn Fryer, and Matravers staff members Sally Thorne and Chris Dark.
We departed from Clarendon School on Saturday the 20th of November to leave behind the freezing temperatures of England and spend some time in a considerably warmer environment. Our plane left Heathrow that night and eleven hours later, still wearing winter clothing, we were subjected to the unbearable heat and 80% humidity of Malaysia.
There was a slight hold up at Kuala Lumpur Airport as Mrs Thorne and myself stood in the wrong queue at passport control, and Mr Dark struggled to pass through the scanners without being searched by security. However we put these minor faults behind us and went to meet the Malaysian students that we’d be spending the next nine days with.
They kindly greeted us and led us outside to their school bus, which was not quite what I had in mind. It looked more like a VIP bus! Although it looked normal from the outside, the inside was finished with rich red carpets, varnished wood and cream leather seats.
Our amazement however was short lived when we set off. There seems to be no rules on the roads, whatsoever! The motorway was more like the dodgems at a fairground, and to make matters worse the bus seemed to have no top speed. It just got faster and faster! It soon picked up its nickname, ‘The Bus of Death.’
We arrived at the college (alive) to be greeted by the headmaster and a cultural dinner. Personally spicy food doesn’t appeal to my taste buds, however some liked it.
Following this we were shown to our apartments. Having only been in the country a few hours, the various insects that we’d met so far weren’t exactly going to be welcome where we were staying, so we were horrified to find a big gap under both doors. Nobody had lived in the apartments for six months, so it was crawling with unwanted wildlife.
Being typical members of the male species, we decided that we were too scared and decided to move all our beds together out in the hallway to protect each other. (We claimed that it was so we could be nearer to the air conditioning!)
The next morning was the first day of the conference. The theme, global issues, was well picked and relevant. The groups consisted of two English students and two Malaysian students. Each group was given a topic and three days to carry out research and complete a presentation.
That night, due to the delightful effects of jetlag, we all chose to go to bed early. We were however interrupted by a welcome party of Malaysian students who didn’t like this idea and came knocking on our door in order to get to know us a bit better. As tired and as rude as we may have seemed, they were all so friendly and made us all feel so welcome.
The following day was the trip to the Cameron Highlands. Our lack of sleep was no problem as everybody slept during the long drive. Eventually, after five and a half hours, the bus got as far as it could go on the windy roads. We climbed out and walked the remaining few kilometres up the hill to the Boh Tea Plantations. We toured the factory and nearly emptied the shop before heading to a local market for an hour.
The next evening brought to us an Indian tradition, Davali Night. Many of the Malaysian students performed some traditional Indian dances and they introduced us to Henna. Henna is a bit like a tattoo, but it comes off after two or three weeks. Traditionally people have flowers and patterns printed onto their hands (as Mr Dark did!) but us lads were having such a fun night that we decided to have the word ‘MUM’ in a heart instead. It took a lot of scrubbing to get that off…
Thursday led us on a trip to Kuala Lumpur, the capital city of Malaysia. We spent some time in KLCC, a large shopping centre at the base of the famous Petronas towers. Following that we visited a traditional Islamic museum, which gave us an insight into the local culture. After a quick lunch stop at KFC and a heavy downpour, we headed to the roof of the new HSBC tower for a brief insight into what they do. HSBC sponsored the trip. There was time for a quick look around the central market before we headed back home for dinner.
Friday was presentation day. Each group presented what they had found out over the week and how they plan to resolve their issue. It was really interesting hearing the different views of the Malaysian students in contrast with our own. The presentations were judged by Mrs Thorne, Mr Dark, Tim and Robyn and every group was given constructive feedback.
Earlier in the week we were approached by some of the college lads who asked if we played basketball. Whatever our response was, they interpreted it as ‘we would like to play a game in front of the whole school on Friday’.
Now I don’t know how many of you know me, but I’m not built for sport. I don’t even know the rules of basketball yet I found myself playing against 18-20 year old men who train every day in the unbearable heat. As you could imagine, we didn’t do well. Personally, the enjoyment stopped immediately after we sang the national anthem.
But one good thing came out of all this – I can officially say that I made the starting team in sport! (Once)
That evening was the end of term meal. It was accompanied by many performances, one of which being a cultural performance from us. Oh dear! We just managed to scrape together a five minute tour of UK history, including stories such as Stonehenge, King Arthur and the Round Table and the 1966 world cup.
Saturday started with a bus journey to the coast and a ferry to Pangkor Island. We spent the day in and about the hotel, walking around the markets, the golden sandy beaches and admiring the clear blue sea. The temperature must have been in the low 40s when I received a text from my Dad telling me that there’s snow on our drive!
The following day we were taken in small pink taxis and dropped off at a jungle. Having not been told about the jungle walk, I found myself wearing flip flops. Not the greatest footwear for the day if I’m perfectly honest. It was worth the inconvenience because the jungle was amazing!
That night we returned to the mainland and were invited to a leaving party at the headmaster’s bungalow. This was really difficult for everybody because we’d made so many great friends and now had to say goodbye. That wasn’t the end of our friendships though, facebook’s brilliant!
We spent the final night in our apartments and left early the next morning. We were accompanied to the airport by the students that we’d been working with and saying the final goodbye was really difficult.
The trip was an amazing experience for both us and the Malaysian students. We had an insight into their culture and got to know some amazing people. Most of the students are applying for English universities next year (despite the fees!) so our friendships will no doubt continue into the future. I’d like to thank Mrs Thorne and Mr Dark for all their effort beforehand and during the trip, as everybody appreciated it.
Mr Dark only got searched twice on the way home…
Chris Joyce, Matravers
Monday, 13 December 2010
Thursday, 25 November 2010
Thursday - Kuala Lumpur
On Thursday we travelled to Kuala Lumpur for a day of culture, training and shopping.
We started off at the famous KLCC shopping centre, in the Petronas Towers. These twin sky scrapers dominate the KL skyline and are a famous image of the city. The shopping centre in their base is vast and packed full of designer labels, along with shops we're familiar with seeing on the British high street, such as Top Shop and Accessorise.
After wistfully window shopping our way around KLCC, we went to the Islamic Museum of Art. This beautiful building is packed with examples of art, scripture, fashion and jewellery from around the Islamic world. The students really enjoyed learning more about Muslim culture and I think the KYUEM students enjoyed the opportunity to show off and act as tour guides.
Unfortunately this was the last of the sunny weather we saw on Thursday, as shortly after lunch, which we enjoyed in Little India among the market stalls, it started to rain in a very serious way. Umbrellas were purchased where necessary but they didn't manage to keep everybody dry. Thankfully, we went off to our leadership seminar at HSBC at this point, where Elizabeth Wee, Head of Group Communications and Corporate Sustainability, gave us a talk on HSBC's position in the world and the sort of skills they look for among their leaders.
This took place at the top of HSBC's new building, which offered panoramic views of the city.
After this, we went to Central Market for further shopping opportunities. There was a 10 ringitt challenge among some students, who were tasked with finding something they could buy for 10 ringitt or less. Some impressive items came back, including a wooden flute, a back scratcher and even a walking stick.
After a scramble back to the bus in the rain, we returned to college in time for the annual Christmas party. This included carol singing and some traditional party games, all outside in the 30 degree evening heat!
I hope you've enjoyed looking at some of our pictures and hearing about our antics. Unfortunately I don't know if I'm going to get another chance to blog between now and when we get back; so I'll take this opportunity to say (touching wood!) that it has been another very successful and enjoyable trip. All the students have acquitted themselves well and represented their schools and county in a very pleasing way.
Today, we've been watching presentations and looking forward to this evening's events, which include the college feast, with a short cultural performance from the British students, and this...
I must say, having seen the Malaysian team practising last night, I am not convinced of our chances!
We started off at the famous KLCC shopping centre, in the Petronas Towers. These twin sky scrapers dominate the KL skyline and are a famous image of the city. The shopping centre in their base is vast and packed full of designer labels, along with shops we're familiar with seeing on the British high street, such as Top Shop and Accessorise.
After wistfully window shopping our way around KLCC, we went to the Islamic Museum of Art. This beautiful building is packed with examples of art, scripture, fashion and jewellery from around the Islamic world. The students really enjoyed learning more about Muslim culture and I think the KYUEM students enjoyed the opportunity to show off and act as tour guides.
Unfortunately this was the last of the sunny weather we saw on Thursday, as shortly after lunch, which we enjoyed in Little India among the market stalls, it started to rain in a very serious way. Umbrellas were purchased where necessary but they didn't manage to keep everybody dry. Thankfully, we went off to our leadership seminar at HSBC at this point, where Elizabeth Wee, Head of Group Communications and Corporate Sustainability, gave us a talk on HSBC's position in the world and the sort of skills they look for among their leaders.
This took place at the top of HSBC's new building, which offered panoramic views of the city.
After this, we went to Central Market for further shopping opportunities. There was a 10 ringitt challenge among some students, who were tasked with finding something they could buy for 10 ringitt or less. Some impressive items came back, including a wooden flute, a back scratcher and even a walking stick.
After a scramble back to the bus in the rain, we returned to college in time for the annual Christmas party. This included carol singing and some traditional party games, all outside in the 30 degree evening heat!
I hope you've enjoyed looking at some of our pictures and hearing about our antics. Unfortunately I don't know if I'm going to get another chance to blog between now and when we get back; so I'll take this opportunity to say (touching wood!) that it has been another very successful and enjoyable trip. All the students have acquitted themselves well and represented their schools and county in a very pleasing way.
Today, we've been watching presentations and looking forward to this evening's events, which include the college feast, with a short cultural performance from the British students, and this...
I must say, having seen the Malaysian team practising last night, I am not convinced of our chances!
Wednesday
We spent Wednesday in College, working on presentations. It was the day that the KFC van came to visit, much to everyone's delight.
In the evening we were treated to a traditional D'vali celebration in the grand hall. This included a lot of colourful lights and a great deal of traditional Indian dancing.
I was proud to see that the British students were among the first wave to rush the stage for the finale and some of them evidently loved the opportunity to get in amongst the Malaysian students and practise their Bollywood moves.
This was followed by extensive visits to the hennaing booth, where everybody - including myself and Mr Dark - succumbed to the lure of a henna tattoo. Some were more traditional than others, it has to be said.
(For those of a nervous disposition, please let me reassure you that these tattoos are most definitely temporary!)
We also had the chance to sample some traditional Indian foods and some of our students borrowed Indian clothing from their new Malaysian friends, so they really looked the part!
In the evening we were treated to a traditional D'vali celebration in the grand hall. This included a lot of colourful lights and a great deal of traditional Indian dancing.
I was proud to see that the British students were among the first wave to rush the stage for the finale and some of them evidently loved the opportunity to get in amongst the Malaysian students and practise their Bollywood moves.
This was followed by extensive visits to the hennaing booth, where everybody - including myself and Mr Dark - succumbed to the lure of a henna tattoo. Some were more traditional than others, it has to be said.
(For those of a nervous disposition, please let me reassure you that these tattoos are most definitely temporary!)We also had the chance to sample some traditional Indian foods and some of our students borrowed Indian clothing from their new Malaysian friends, so they really looked the part!
Tuesday, 23 November 2010
Day 2: Cameron Highlands
Yesterday we went on a long trip up to the Cameron Highlands. This is a plateau region in the mountains where Malaysia grows fruit, vegetables and tea. The air is fresher up there and, in colonial times, British visitors to the country used to go there for some respite from the humidity of the lower regions.
The bulk of our time there was spent at the Boh tea plantation (above). The bus took us up a windy road until the road became too poor to support it, whereupon we got out and walked the final km up the mountain to the tea shop and processing factory at the top. We were rewarded with cups of fresh tea and cakes, and a tour of the factory, as well as an opportunity to buy tea to bring back to the UK. Even as a non-tea drinker I find the tea served up there to be very refreshing and delicious, and managed two cups while we were there.After our tour of the tea factory and our walk back to the bus (all downhill - much easier!) we stopped at Brinchang for a late lunch and a bit of shopping. This area is particularly renowned for its strawberries which grow extremely well in the climate, and there is an awful lot of strawberry related swag to be had from the local shops. We spotted plush huggable strawberries, key rings, door mats, ear muffs, bags and slippers in the shops we saw. Everybody had a chance to sample some local food at the cafes, although some preferred to stick with what they knew!
Sunday, 21 November 2010
West Wilts in Malaysia, 2010: day 1
We've all arrived safely! The flight over was comfortable for most, although I think I was in a minority in that I slept most of the way and arrived feeling much better for it.
Much excitement at KL airport and lots of taking of pictures already. It's a large and busy place and there was quite a lot going on. We were delayed for a while at immigration, as it seemed that a couple of international flights had arrived at the same time, but finally everyone had their passport stamped and had fetched their luggage.
We were greeted at the airport by Tony and Cherry Beadsworth, British teachers working at KYUEM; Fauzi, who looks after much of the pastoral side at the college; and a number of very excited Malaysian students, who will be working with us this week. Several had gone off to pray at the airport prayer room while they were waiting for us.
A bus ride to the College later and we were greeted by the college principal, Neil Sutherland, and his wife Carol, as well as a number of other staff and the rest of the students. We had a delicious supper of local fruits, sandwiches and noodles, as well as fresh coconuts and juice.
After that we went to our accommodation to get ready for a well-deserved night's rest. I think a lot of people found it difficult to sleep, since it was mid-afternoon UK time, but the chance to stretch out and rest from the journey was well-received by all. This year we are all based in the apartment blocks on the edge of the campus, with girls on the top floor and boys on the middle floor. There are a lot of unusual insects which caused some nervous reactions! Luckily we have all been equipped with anti-bug spray.
This morning we had a greeting from the principal and a little getting-to-know-you session in the staffroom before moving to our classroom and beginning work. It's been sunny so far today and is very humid, but the rooms are all heavily air conditioned and I think everyone is enjoying the break from the cold dark of Wiltshire.
Tomorrow we're off to the Cameron Highlands for a spot of tea!
Much excitement at KL airport and lots of taking of pictures already. It's a large and busy place and there was quite a lot going on. We were delayed for a while at immigration, as it seemed that a couple of international flights had arrived at the same time, but finally everyone had their passport stamped and had fetched their luggage.
We were greeted at the airport by Tony and Cherry Beadsworth, British teachers working at KYUEM; Fauzi, who looks after much of the pastoral side at the college; and a number of very excited Malaysian students, who will be working with us this week. Several had gone off to pray at the airport prayer room while they were waiting for us.
A bus ride to the College later and we were greeted by the college principal, Neil Sutherland, and his wife Carol, as well as a number of other staff and the rest of the students. We had a delicious supper of local fruits, sandwiches and noodles, as well as fresh coconuts and juice.
After that we went to our accommodation to get ready for a well-deserved night's rest. I think a lot of people found it difficult to sleep, since it was mid-afternoon UK time, but the chance to stretch out and rest from the journey was well-received by all. This year we are all based in the apartment blocks on the edge of the campus, with girls on the top floor and boys on the middle floor. There are a lot of unusual insects which caused some nervous reactions! Luckily we have all been equipped with anti-bug spray.
This morning we had a greeting from the principal and a little getting-to-know-you session in the staffroom before moving to our classroom and beginning work. It's been sunny so far today and is very humid, but the rooms are all heavily air conditioned and I think everyone is enjoying the break from the cold dark of Wiltshire.
Tomorrow we're off to the Cameron Highlands for a spot of tea!
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