On Thursday 26th September this year, a group of 40 strong students and parents departed from Christchurch International airport to begin a 3-week tour of Germany and Austria with a brief stay in Paris and Switzerland.

It proved to be a trip of a lifetime for those that had fundraised and worked hard to save their pennies for the experience.

The first few days included taking in the sights of Paris before flying to Munich and travelling on to Salzburg, Austria. The students relished the idea of being in 3 countries in one day!

Salzburg was simply stunning, with its cobbled streets, to the incredible history and landmarks, including Mozart’s home. We travelled as a group to one of the famous salt mines and were treated to a ride far into the mines and slides further into the depths of the mines. Whilst underground we travelled between Austria and Germany and back into Austria. The excursion was one of the highlights of the tour.

After a few days enjoying the language, culture and customs of Austria we travelled to Germany, Munich. We were shown around the wonderful sights of Munich including: Marienplatz, the altes und neues Rathaus, the Frauenkirche, National Theater, Odeonsplatz and much more. Munich included a visit to the Oktoberfest where the students enjoyed tasting traditional dishes, Lebkuchen hearts and rides that were fit for Disneyland. The group also visited Dachau concentration camp, a very solemn morning remembering those that had gone before and who had lived out their lives in such a terrible place.

The next day we travelled to the famous Neuschwanstein castle and Linderhof castles. The beauty of these two castles wowed the students, and they were often found speechless at the splendour and extravagance of what they saw.

We then travelled onto Lindau (situated on Lake Constance), Switzerland to the right and Austria to the left of the lake. This would be home for the next 6 days. The students meet with their homestays and settled in very quickly to German homelife. Each day students had to make their way to the International Language school in the morning and in the afternoon, we toured the region. Including boat rides on the lake, a gondola ride up to the Austrian Alps, a day visit to Konstanz and not forgetting a ‘small’ shopping moment. The students fell in love with this medieval town boasting some of the oldest buildings in Germany. Another highlight for the students was living and breathing the culture and language in a family setting.

We left Lindau and travelled to Zurich, Switzerland to catch a plane to Berlin. Berlin was such a contrast to the South of Germany, as there was so much history in the buildings and connections with World War II. We visited the Berlin Wall, Alexanderplatz, Red City Hall, Berlin Dom, Checkpoint Charlie, the Brandenburg Gate and so much more!

It truly was hard to say goodbye to a jam-packed 3 weeks of culture, food and language. It most certainly was a trip of a lifetime and the students continue to share their stories and remember the moments, the laughter and the times we shared together. Some are looking to when they can next make a trip back to experience more of what Europe has to offer.

Thanks must go to my support team of Mrs Passchier, Miss Ang and Mr Smith. Also to all the wonderful parents who supported their daughters in fundraising and supported me in making this trip so successful. Vielen Dank

Frau Schmidt 😊