All our classes are out in the big wide world
Outdoor classes in the Grand Canyon
Photo: Nadia Jensen
These two weeks before Easter, all of our classes have been around the world! They are spread out from Brazil and the USA at one end of the world and Vietnam at the other end.
Below, the various classes have written a short travel letter from the trip:
The photography class got off to a great start with their backpacker trip from Hanoi in the North to Hoi An in the South. With subjects like islands in Halong Bay, rice fields in Ngoc Hoa, a boat trip in Tam Coc and beautiful views down to Mai Chau, the cameras have immortalized the contrasts of Vietnam. Despite temperatures in the 30s, there is a happy group of people cycling and singing on their way to their next adventure in this beautiful country. We have had a great trip and are looking forward to taking a closer look at all the subjects we have immortalized!
Both outdoor classes arrived in Deer Hill late at night after a long journey by plane and bus. The next day we continued to the San Juan River where the classes split up to go rafting on the river. For four days we enjoyed rafting, good food and experienced camping the American way under the stars. Then we headed to Mexican Hat with an overnight stay at Goosenecks state park, before we left and spent two days at Natural Bridges and had a relaxing day at a swimming hole at the bottom of White Canyon. After many spectacular experiences, everyone was geared up to visit the highlight of the trip; the Grand Canyon. Early in the morning the trip started to the bottom of the canyon, down the route called the South Kaibab Trail. After 1 mile and 1500 meters of elevation gain, we were able to swim in the river and have lunch before we started the return trip. We took a different route up than down, called the Angela Trail. This route was twice as long, but on the other hand much gentler and through lush and beautiful terrain. After an impressive effort from the entire class in both a warmer and drier climate than we are used to in Sogndal, we were able to enjoy a well-deserved burger and shower at the top. The next day, city life and shopping in Flagstaff awaited, before they went on to Prescott and visited Prescott College. Here we met a good friend from Sogndal Folk High School, Dough, who showed us around both the nature and the city. Rich in experiences and good memories, we will return to Norway, satisfied after a successful study trip.
Greetings Hanne and Ingvild
Both “Ski and Climbing” classes have been to the Alps on a ski trip. The trip started with a boat to Denmark and a train to Innsbruck, a new twist compared to previous years! We spent the first few days in the ski resort outside Innsbruck before going on a cabin to cabin trip in true Alpine style with included summit trips. Here we experienced everything from demanding weather, fantastic sun, beautiful peaks and powder snow! Together with us on the cabin to cabin trip we had some local guides who were with us. The study trip ended with a few nice days on the slopes before we took the train and boat back to Norway.
The sports class took a trip to Brazil and Rio de Janeiro. We started the trip by visiting the sailors' church in Rio de Janeiro and the people who live there. Here we were served waffles and enjoyed swimming and table tennis, among other things. Later that day we went to Copacabana, a district with a fantastic beach, where we played beach volleyball and beach tennis! The next day we visited Casas da Noruega, which is a Norwegian school project in Bancários, one of Rio's many favelas. Here we got to see how they live in the favela, how their school has been created and we got to help distribute food boxes to some of the families. Of course we also played a football match, girls vs girls and boys vs boys - this was great fun! In the evening there was a barbecue in the middle of the street in the favela. This day was an absolutely fantastic day that we will remember for the rest of our lives. The next few days were spent cycling in Rio, taking samba classes, visiting an elementary school and even more beach volleyball. Then we took a mountain hike to Pedra da Gávea, a wonderful hike with fantastic views! We also visited Sugarloaf Mountain, a spectacular mountain peak with a gondola lift from the bottom to the top. Here we saw large parts of Rio! The last day we ended by visiting the Christ the Redeemer statue which also has a fantastic view! Thanks for the trip.