Our life changing journey began back on Wednesday night 10th April Week 10, in Term One. The 7th TVCS school trip to Germany departed for an adventure which was to last 3.5 weeks. The group was of comprised 12 students, 2 staff – Frau Belinda Allen and Mr Daniel Crook plus retired teacher Herr Roger Allen.
We began our trip with 3 days in Berlin - the lively and colourful capital of Germany which has such deep history. We visited the parliament building, the famous Brandenburg Gate, site of the Berlin Wall and many other infamous sights in this bustling city. It was an exciting start to our journey and everyone was thrilled to finally be in Germany. Students were enjoying the opportunity to put their German into practice and loved trying the local food and drink. We were also greeted with freezing weather of 4-6 degrees during the day which was a shock to our system bur equally a cool experience.
We then were off on our amazing exploration of this stunning country along with Austria and Switzerland spanning approximately 2 weeks. The various destinations included medieval Nuremberg where we stayed in the old stables of an medieval castle, had a walking tour including the home of famous German artist Albert Dürer and visited the Nazi Rally Parade Grounds; a day trip to the Gem of the Middle Ages Rothenburg where we were delighted to find a Lindt Chocolate store with a vast array of different varieties from back home; Salzburg in Austria including a Sound of Music tour and visit back across the border to the beautiful alpine lake - the Königssee; and the Untersberg Mountain where most students experienced snow for the first time; stunning Grindelwald in Switzerland for three days which included a trip to Lucerne, a visit to the thunderous Trümmelbach Falls and our 2nd trip to the top of snow-covered alps the Schilthorn with 360° magnificent views over six countries.
These breathtaking sights gave us perspective into God's almighty magnificent creation. We then finished off to with a few days in the delightful, pretty city of Munich which included a trip visit to the Dachau concentration camp – a sobering experience, but then a fun evening swimming the Olympic pool. All such wonderful experiences and a great atmosphere.
Finally it was off to Bremen in North Germany for our long awaited 7 day homestay and school visit. The beginning of the week was full of nerves and uncertainty as the German and Australian students alike were both excited and nervous to meet for the first time on the train platform of Bremen, Frau’s beloved city where she lived as a teenager for one year. But by the end of the week, however, many lifelong strong relationships had been formed and as we gathered on the same train platform to depart for the River Rhine 7 days later, many tears and long hugs we shared. During that one week cultural visit, we were guests at the local school, Lise-Meitner-Schule, and we were very well received. We presented the school with the Australian flag and other trinkets from our local MP Mr Tony Zappia. The homestay week in Bremen provided many opportunities to see the cultural life and language in everyday situations. This was both challenging and exciting and all students have fond memories of their German host family and they are still in touch. The farewell evening was touching as both guests and hosts shared how much the experience meant to them.
Our last few days were spent on the River Rhine in the gorgeous little town of Kaub where we enjoyed a Rhine Cruise, a tour of medieval castle the Marksburg which was never destroyed in battles over the centuries, and experiencing quintessential Germany with a visit to a little medieval town Rüdesheim going up a chair lift to the top of the Rhine cliffs. Our final evening was in the large and modern city of Frankfurt before an early flight home taking 2 flights of approximately 20 flight hours in total.
In summary, each day on our adventure was a highlight in itself and the students and staff experienced such a variety of experiences that I could take up the whole newsletter and still would not have covered everything! It was wonderful delight to see each student grow in their self-confidence and the ability to manage themselves in this experience and witness German culture, history and language firsthand.
Here are some of the students’ comments:
The German trip is the best thing I have ever done. The Homestay was my second family. - Amelia H
Overall, I loved my experience. Visiting castles and churches which are filled with so much rich history was a definite highlight. - Sofia S
It was an amazing experience. It made my self confidence grow. I loved seeing snow and meeting many amazing people. I would highly recommend the trip. - Abby S
The German trip for me has been a life changing experience. Being able to see the beautiful villages, the alps and experiencing the authentic German culture have all been such memorable moments that I will never forget. - Claire C
I did so many incredible things and went out of my comfort zone to travel to a different country and manage it all. I loved seeing more of God’s creation, learning more history, more about the German culture and improving my German. I recommend other people to go. - Sarah W
Honestly hands down the best experience. There was never a moment where I was disappointed. All the amazing people I met, and all the amazing sights seen, I will never forget. - Izak S
We went to a variety of different cities, each with their own unique German history, buildings, culture and food. We spent a week in Bremen with our host families and had so much fun living in a German home. - Alana S
Totally worth it. You will have the time of your life. I understood the language in a new way. - Jordan H
It taught me multiple things from food, culture, history to learning more about myself and other people. I’ve made lifelong friendships and connections. - Ashlee B
Germany is so beautiful. My experience is one that I will never ever forget. I’m so thankful for this amazing opportunity. - Jade B
Seeing all of the posters in the German classroom come to life and being there with friends was amazing. - Brad R
