Bolton School Girls’ Division Trips and Visits

We had a fantastic @weareworldchall expedition to Sri Lanka. Some of the highlights are in the film below…… youtu.be/pds_BUyvHcc?si…

The charity which organised the primary school project have sent us the video below, showing just how much we achieved while we were there - gardening, painting, cementing, constructing steps, renovating….. you name it! The girls did an incredible job… youtu.be/BHmrmZQGLCM?si…

Arrived in Galle on the south coast……

A hard day’s work at the Kandy primary school!

We are so incredibly proud of these young individuals. The Headmistress gave a thank you speech, saying that you can't put a price on what they have done for the school. We each got a special bracelet from her and a personal thank you. #BoltonExcellence

Some more photos from tonight’s dance show…….

Traditional Kandyan dance show tonight - a private viewing just for us! We were absolutely enthralled. More photos and videos to come!

Out and about in Kandy this afternoon. A look round the various markets and then lunch in a cafe.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth of Buddha this morning - very, very crowded at offering time and definitely challenged the students, but it was a fantastic cultural experience 👏

Even the staff are enjoying haggling prices at the markets 😂🤦‍♀️ Mr Hitchin was very happy with his cricket shirt 🙌

There is a footprint in the Temple at the Summit of Adam's Peak. Depending on religions, it's believed to be Buddha's, Hindu God Shiva's, Adam the first man's, or St Thomas's. It's an important pilgrimage for many. We lit incense at the top and took a moment to reflect.

Despite what it looks like in the photos, we did the majority of this trek in monsoon conditions. It was very hard and required buckets of persistence and resilience. So proud of everyone. The summit is 2230mt, and we had an elevation gain of 1000mt. Now we rest! ⛰️

We have arrived safely at our next destination, the River View Wathsala Inn! This is the view from the accommodation - Adam's Peak - which is the trek we are doing first thing tomorrow. There isn't much WiFi or service here - so posting may be sporadic!

We have hours on the bus today, so our guide Darshana passed some time teaching us about the geography of Sri Lanka, the etymology of the languages, the history of the country and the different religions here and where they are based @BSGDHistory @BSGDGeography @BSGDMFL @BSGDRS

Up at 530am this morning to go to the fish market. Fascinating start to the day, if a little smelly!

So far, so good! We've made it safely to the first accommodation and eaten our first meal. Also had our first team meeting where today and tomorrow's student leaders made their plans for food and activities. The girls are being really proactive and are making us very proud! 👏🇱🇰

Landed safely in Colombo and through immigration 👏✈️

Safely in Doha - student team leaders are now making a decision about where to head for our next flight ✈️ 👏 great independence from the girls!

Ready for take off…… Sri Lanka here we come!

First post for World Challenge 2025! Build up day - getting ready for Sri Lanka next week……..