The travel diary of Alwyn Martin
On the first day we arrived at school we had lunch which was typical of the Finnish forest. It was very tasty! I was very nervous about the new situation, but after the lunch when we went to our host families and it wasn’t so stressful any more. I think after the dinner the ice was broken and Onni and I talked a lot more.
I think Tuesday was the best day, because the museum was very cool and much better than the museums in Germany because you didn’t have to read so much to learn things. Then we walked into the Nuuksio National Park. It was very interesting to see how the forest in Finland looks like. After a walk through the forest we grilled some sausages on the campfire, which was a lot of fun.
On Wednesday we had our presentations in the morning. I was a bit afraid of that, but after I had started speaking, it went very well. After that we went to Helsinki and we visited many sights, theatres and museums. I really liked the mix between the old buildings and the new ones. After that we had 2 hours of shopping which were too long, but we could find very interesting shops. After that we went to the Kiasma art museum and had dinner there. In my opinion it was the best food on our trip.
On Thursday, surprisingly, we were asked to give the same presentations again in two 6th classes, but it was ok. In the evening we had a party where we ate some snacks and talked a lot.
On Friday the Finnish group showed us their school. It was very interesting to see the school there. After that the Finnish pupils had their presentations which were very interesting. They told us a lot about how wood can be used in the textile industry and in packaging. But after that we had to say goodbye.
All in all it was a funny, exciting and great week in Finland. I really enjoyed it and I would do it again!
The travel diary of Felix Hammer
Monday 01.10.2018 – At 3pm we landed at Helsinki Airport and Elenna a teacher from the Finnish school picked us up and drove us to school. The girls waited for us at the school yard and the boys were in the kitchen. All teams had a great meal which the Finnish and Estonians had prepared. Then I drove with my host student Aaro and met their family. They showed me their home, it was really great. Today I meet some new people and found a lot of friends. And I learned that lots of Finnish people have their own sauna. I can be proud that I can live in a Finish family.
Tuesday 02.10.2018 – Today we drove with the teams to Nuuksio National Park and had a tour with a national guide. It was interesting to see that there are a lot of stones in the forest from the ice age. Then we were at the museum. After that we went to a tourist point where we had a wonderful view. Then we were at a campfire and grilled sausages. It was very funny, because we made our own song with some people of the Finnish team. And at last we. Finnish and Germans went to Subway.
Today
I learned a lot about the Finnish forest
I learned that Finnish people are very funny
Wednesday 03.10.2018 – Today we were at the big Auditorium and had the presentations of the German and Estonian team. I was a little bit scared of it, but it was a nice experience to give a presentation in a foreign language to other students.
Then we went to Helsinki and saw a lot of the capital. In our free time we made a small shopping tour with a group of five. In the evening I went for a walk with my family
Today
I learn a lot about the Finnish history
Thursday 04.10.2018 – Today we went to the classroom of the sixth graders and held our presentation about forests in Germany again. Then we had our forest Olympics and worked in teams to solve the different tasks the teachers gave us. On our last evening we had a small party with our guest families and the other teachers and students. It was very nice.
Today
I learned that the Finnish people make good meals and that they have free school lunches.
Friday 05.10.2018 – On our last day we had a school tour and learnt, for example, that they have their own school doctor or even two sports halls. Then we attended a lesson and learnt that the rooms a equipped with computers, beamers and document cameras. They have got a lot of modern devices. At last we had a great school lunch. Then we drove to the train station and had to say goodbye to our new friends. I was really sad in the train. So the days were a great experience for me. We met such very nice and friendly people there.