Grammar Gazette- Issue 1, 2007

CHALLENGE

sophisticated community. Here we were exposed to many aspects of a male dominated society and a community consisting of vast financial extremes. We experienced the confronting ritual sights of animal sacrifice, a thrilling ride on a rickshaw, and the peace and tranquillity of Mother Teresa’s Missionaries of Charity where her memorial museum and tomb is situated. Kolkata provided us with a variety of both, exciting and moving experiences in preparation for our subsequent three weeks in the already captivating country of India. Our picturesque trek through the Indian Himalayas included various challenging and memorable elements such as negative temperatures, snow, a significant lack of showers and electricity, as well as extreme walking distances. The highest point on the trek was 3600m, which for some will be the highest point of the world they will ever physically conquer. Witnessing the sunrise behind three of the four highest mountains on earth was surreal and inspirational. For five days we combined a community service project in Gangtok with the adventure of our journey and it not only turned out to be a highlight of the trip but became our home away from home. Whether girls were painting the community hall for the Tibetan Women’s Association or transporting rocks for the Thi Sambhuda Tibetan School, the Grammar girls were immersed in the heart of the community and their culture. It was an extremely gratifying feeling knowing how much the community appreciated the help. Whether it was little notes from the children at the school or the tearful cries of ladies from the Tibetan Women’s Association, it was with sadness and trepidation that we left our home away from home. The expedition to India provided all of us with interesting and challenging goals as we learnt the principles of leadership, became involved in a community project and experienced first-hand a fascinating culture. Throughout the twenty-four days of exploring and discovering India, we came to appreciate the beauty of the country, the diversity of its people and the culture they embrace. From witnessing some of the world’s worst poverty to actually touching the Taj Mahal, the expedition was an eye opening experience to a different part of the world, different people, a different culture and a different way of life. For all of us who participated in the Antipodeans Abroad trip, not one experience was the same. We were extremely fortunate to have the opportunity to be exposed to such a diverse culture. It was an unforgettably rewarding and inspiring experience that words cannot explain.

Antipodeans Charlotte Boyte (12B) and Phoebe McRae (12B), recount the challenging journey taken by a group of Years 11 and 12 students on their Antipodean Expedition at the end of last year. in India

For forty-eight adventurous girls, the opportunity to travel to India with staff members — Mr Seaha, Miss Martel, Ms Boyle, Mrs Hann, Ms Hennessy and Miss Axelsen, was one of a lifetime. The girls had chosen to join the Antipodean Expedition for a number of reasons; they were motivated by their desire to serve India’s community, the associated physical challenge and the excitement of spending a month in a foreign country experiencing a different culture. Upon arriving in India, the sharp senses of the Grammar girls, ready for an adventure,

were met by potent smells, harsh spicy food and loud and persistent car horns. Intense co-operation between group members was required to navigate and explore the bustling streets. The vast range of experiences in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) was exhausting and exhilarating. An excitable seventy-one year old man who has worked in the tourism business for forty-one years guided us on our first tour of the rich Indian culture. Believed to be the ethereal abode of the goddess Kali, who embodies fortitude and strength, Kolkata is home to a joyous, cerebral and

grammar gazette autumn 2007