The trip included three days of volunteering in a small community, a three day trek through the foothills of the Himalayas, and a two day leisurely visit to the tourist area of Agra.
Before we went on the two week trip we spent eight months of fundraising, which was an experience in itself. I took part in a 15km fun run and co-organised a 80s disco party. It was worth the hard work we put into the fundraising stages of the trip.
A shock to the system
While I was in India, I really didn't appreciate how much of a big deal it actually was and I really didn't think about the lasting impact the trip would have on me. It was amazing what I accomplished mentally and physically, and it’s refreshing to know I can survive not tweeting every time I fall over, or Instagramming a photo of my food at every meal.
(I'm the last one on the right in the above photo)
Reflections
But the bigger picture only comes together months after the trip has happened.
I look back on the trip with such fond memories and looking at it now I can’t get over it all. I can’t believe what I did, how I managed it I’ll never know. The hunger was a huge deal over there and I have one memory of myself, Alyx and Matt Cross sat in the log cabin one night listing all the food that we were missing and craving. But I survived (only just), we all survived in the end and we’ve changed so much because of it. I think we’ve all become better people.
There are so many amazing stories I could share, like our little sing along sessions on the trek, the overnight train to Delhi, or even the night in Nainital when we went to Domino’s!
Next time, on Matthew's blog:
He shares some of his diary entries from the trip.
Find out more about enrichment opportunities at Newcastle Sixth Form College
Read Matthew's past blog post: School v Newcastle Sixth Form College
