The final day together

Hello from (not so sunny) Norway! It was our final day at the school today and so it meant that the exhibition had finally reached us. After another early start we all got to school for 8:15, and those who had not yet finished set off retaking, choosing and/or editing photos, and finishing off descriptions to match. However, some of us had already finished and so set about finding things to keep us busy, such as table football, or ‘psych’; a game in which we could get to know each other more, and perhaps expose some deep hidden stories, that would make ya belly-laugh. The time soon came for a (questionably) well deserved lunch break, and so we set off to the shops to find some classic Norwegian snacks and drinks.

Soon enough, the exhibition had been set up, and it was time to view. And it was outstanding. So much thought and care had gone into each photo, each description, and the products really captured the passion of each individual. How each person thought, felt, and what they really loved. But what, for me, was most amazing was the fact that together we had accomplished something amazing. And all these voices and passions together infused to show this overwhelming sense of love, and pride, towards everything written. It truly captured the essence of these trips aims- that we can be so much more powerful together.

Soon after, we had to say goodbye to the Reunion team, as their flight left in the afternoon. Gillian, one of the leaders from Norway, said some words before they left, and then it was time for them to go. With both sadness at their departure but pride from what we’d created with them, we waved goodbye.

And just like that, it was free-time! While some chose to stay back at the school, or go home for a bit, me and a group of English and Norwegian friends set off for a protest against climate change in the town center! When we got there everyone was having fun- there was music, there were banners- people were making themselves heard, together. Although for us non-Norwegian speakers, it was a struggle to understand what was going on! So, while our Norwegian friends stayed to protest, we quickly snuck off to get some more food. By this point it was about 3:30, and so while those who lived too far away for there to be any point in going home went back to school, most of us went back to our hosts via bus (which still holds beautiful views despite the short journeys).

We didn’t have long at home though, for by 5/5:30 we were back at school! This time though, it was time to party. With a table-tennis table out, Mariokart and Fifa on the whiteboards and chess all set up, everyone quickly found something to do, and plenty of people to do it with, and set off to party in style. But, following the trend I seem to be creating on today’s blog, it was the food we were all waiting for. And together we had pulled it off. Made from all the hosts and teachers combined, we had a buffet-style feast on our hands. I focussed more on the cake aspect, and managed to work my way through a bit of every cake offered, but (this may come as a shock to those who know me), I did pull off some salad too! It all was amazing, and I don’t think we could have had a better farewell party to thank our hosts, our leaders, the school, and the other countries for joining us on this journey.

And so that was it. The time to say our farewells quickly came around, and a few from the Turkey and England groups stood up to close and say thank you. And then we said some teary goodbyes, as we said goodbye to particularly some of our Norwegian friends for perhaps the last time, who we had gotten close to on the English trip when we met them first.

Goodbyes are often sad. And when we know the chances of seeing them again are slim, they can be especially hard. But knowing what we achieved, and the memories that we’ll forever hold, made it that little bit easier. This beautiful place and these beautiful people will forever hold a place in our hearts, and I can’t wait to see how we’ll let it change more lives too.

But for now, we sleep. And with the first lie-in in a while, we sleep some more. And hopefully, tomorrow we swim (in the rain?!) and eat pizza with our hosts for one last time. And maybe shop. Who knows.

By Gemma