India 2023

Our trip to India was full of surprises and completely exceeded our expectations. We had initially assumed that India was a poor and dirty country, but as soon as we arrived we were fascinated by the green beauty of the country.

The flight to India was exciting for all of us, as it was our first time flying with the class. On arrival, we didn't notice much difference to the weather in Dubai at first. But when we took the bus through the streets of Delhi, we immediately saw the contrasts. The streets were crowded with people, sacred cows, dogs and even elephants. Tuktuks could be seen everywhere. In addition to magnificent houses, there were also slums, which was a completely new experience for us.

The first bus ride to the school was long, but we had a lot of fun and there was so much to see. Our Indian host families had been eagerly awaiting our arrival. We were welcomed in the traditional way with colorful flower wreaths. We spent the very first night with our host families.

At first I found it strange that I was alone in a unfamiliar family, but then it became full of fun. I will stay in contact with my host family.

Nathalie B., 10b

On our first day after arrival, we drove to Agra. There we visited the Fathepur Sikri Fort, one of many forts in the region. The next morning we had to get up at five in the morning for the third time in a row to visit the Taj Mahal at sunrise. Unfortunately, we were a little late and didn't get to see the Taj Mahal at sunrise, but it was still a unique experience.

We then continued our journey by bus to Jaipur. The route Delhi - Agra - Jaipur is also called the "Golden Triangle" of India. We arrived late in Jaipur but in the evening we visited a traditional market where we could experience various activities like elephant rides, camel rides, boat rides and temporary tattoos. Dinner was late and we got back to the hotel very late. To keep us entertained, one of our guides told us a scary story that really scared many of us.

The next morning we visited a "science museum", which felt more like an outdoor park. There we saw the world's largest sundial and of course had to think of our math teachers. We also visited a palace and were even allowed to enter the throne room of the former Maharaja. Before we returned to Delhi, we visited the Amer Fort. When we got off the bus, we had to dodge an elephant galloping along the road. The Amer Fort was located on a hill and offered a breathtaking view of the "Pink City".

The bus ride back to Delhi was long and took about seven hours. Most of the time we tried to sleep, but we also sang a lot together and then our guides suddenly ordered pizza from the bus.

Back in Delhi, we spent the remaining days visiting our host school, Delhi Public School, and exploring the city. We visited markets, art exhibitions, the Gandhi Museum, the Lotus Temple and the Delhi attraction "The Red Fort". Here we were told that the fort is a must-see, just like the Burj Khalifa in Dubai.

The reception at the German Embassy in New Delhi was a special experience. Ambassador Dr. Philipp Ackermann gave us a warm welcome and answered all our questions, as well as providing a very interesting interpretation of India's current role in world politics.

An important part of the trip was the visit to the Bal Sahyog children's home. The children were very happy about the English books we brought with us. Meeting the orphans was very instructive for us.

The visit to Dehli Public School gave us an insight into everyday school life in India. We had a sports day where we played cricket, soccer and another game from India. On another day, we painted on canvases with our guest partners, and the principal even taught us the mantras that help us to relax.

The school is definitely very different. I've heard from the students there that there are strict rules

Sébastian L., 10b

Unfortunately, every trip comes to an end. Our hosts rounded off this unforgettable trip perfectly with a great farewell ceremony. They presented a great show consisting of an orchestra, a traditional dance and Bollywood dances. At the end, we all danced together, including teachers and host parents. Everyone was then able to spend the rest of the day with their host family.

When the last day came, we couldn't believe it. No one really wanted to start, but eventually we were on our way to the airport and back to Dubai.

I felt very comfortable with my host family. At first I was very excited to get to know them. A friendship developed and we still write to each other

Amina A., 10a

We would like to thank Mr. Lummel and Mrs. Altay for accompanying us on our trip to India. Thank you, Mrs. Altay, for organizing everything so wonderfully and always making sure that we were well and that you looked after us very lovingly. She was also always someone we could talk to about anything, so that we felt at ease. Thanks to Mr. Lummel, the trips and the rest of the journey were never boring thanks to his jokes and stories. He also explained a lot to us, for example about the history of Mahatma Gandhi and also about life in India in general, that we should be careful about the water we drink and what we should (not) eat. The teachers were very open with us and were always there for us to talk to.

We recommend the India trip to all of next year's tenth graders. It is an unforgettable experience that should not be missed!

By Nathalie B. and Kim R., 10b