TRIPS // GERMANY sections of the Wall , Checkpoint Charlie and the Potsdamer Platz . All too short a time , alas , but we hope that it whet the students ’ appetites for a return visit .
Our final trip together took us up into the beautiful Harz Mountains towards Rammelsberg where we enjoyed a really engaging tour around the famous mines – Pocklingtonians became Bergbauer for the morning and were even permitted to chip away at the ancient cave walls in search of precious metals – I don ’ t think anyone found anything though ! We enjoyed some free time in the gorgeous town of Goslar before heading further up into the mountains – drizzle turned quickly to sleet and then to snow as we approached our destination . Sadly , we were unable to enjoy a cable car ride up to the summit due to a complete lack of visibility . Risk assessment quickly adapted and we then headed towards the outdoor ice rink – such fun with everyone having a go – our students held the arms of their German partners and quickly learned that teamwork makes the experience safer and stronger !
After enjoying a lovely Abschiedsfeier together on the last evening , suitcases crammed with thoughtful gifts for loved ones at home were sadly packed and snapped shut . After a short time together with partners in school on the final morning , we left Alfeld and headed back north to Hamburg . A smooth and safe journey brought us back to Pocklington … full of lasting memories and happy friendships .
My thanks go to all our wonderful Pocklingtonians who made this trip – my very last Alfeld Exchange – such a happy one . They represented Pock with courage and truth – displaying every school virtue to its fullest potential . And of course our deep thanks go to our lovely Mr Galloway , who came out of retirement for the week just to help us out – vielen herzlichen Dank !
WJW
THE POCKLINGTONIAN 91