Recently, a group of 120 staff and students from Greenhill School, Tenby, embarked on the school orchestra's trip to Barcelona. The group left school bright and early on Thursday, July 19, and embarked on a 32-hour bus journey to our hotel (writes S.S.). During the journey, the students were given the opportunity to watch educational films such as Happy Feet and The Goonies! Upon arrival at our hotel, Miss Spratt was pleased to hear that some students had noticed that Spain is indeed warmer than Wales (all those lessons certainly came in useful!), the cosy travelling clothes came off and the shorts and t-shirts came out of mothballs for their annual outing. The rest of Friday and Saturday was spent on the beautifully clean beach that was a stone's throw away from the hotel. Saturday evening was spent travelling to the first concert event which was held in the nearby harbour. Many families that were holidaying nearby came to the concert which was held in the evening sunlight. Most commented on the very enjoyable Pirates number which had many parents humming along. On Sunday, we all headed off into Barcelona city where the teachers gave an interesting commentary with such famous comments as 'that is a church' and 'that is a pretty building', before we all headed to La Ramblas for some serious shopping. Then we all headed to our second concert destination, again a huge crowd was pulled in by the orchestra, and Tequila was that night's favourite for the crowd. Mr. Rapi was again conducting and did a fantastic job. Monday was our trip to Aquapolis, where many students discovered that sun cream does indeed wash off, and as a result ended up resembling a lobster, but all agreed it was worth it as the slides were amazing, and the dolphin show was an experience. The third concert of the programme was held at the beach front of Salut, and proved to be very emotional as it was to be the final time some senior students would play with the orchestra. The audience, accompanying staff, and students were all very emotional as the music was fantastic, conducting was amazing and the evening was a triumph to the hard-work over the whole year by the students and the music department. Tuesday was an early departure to Port Adventura, where thrills of all shapes and sizes were enjoyed by all, famously Miss Spratt and Miss Davies were taken on Dragon Khan (14 360 degree turns) by some very encouraging students, and all students took as many twists and turns that te delicious ice cream on offer would allow. Miss Rees was even encouraged to brave the rapids! Most students got to meet Woody Woodpecker, and stretched their endurance to the limits! Then it was back to the beach for some much needed relaxation. On Wednesday, some members of the group travelled with Mr. Williams, Miss Spratt, and Miss Davies into Barcelona again to visit the football stadium, zoo, and to do more shopping. They even saw Torres vin yard on the scenic route back to the hotel. The rest of the group topped up their sun tan on the beach and enjoyed a relaxing day in the resort area. Then on Thursday morning, it was time to set off back home, all the group were sad to be leaving as it was a fantastic holiday. However, some students were very pleased to get an extra adventure as we broke down on the way home and the older students, with Miss Spratt, Mrs. Rapi, Jules, and Mr. Thomas, got an extended break in Spain. We were invited to stay in a lovely local village by the Mayor until our replacement bus arrived, during which French breads and cuisine was enjoyed by all. Then, once the replacement bus arrived we were given the exciting news that we were to travel back by Eurotunnel instead of ferry! For all but three, this was a unique experience. The journey back also gave us the chance to see the Eiffel Tower, so we were all really excited to be on our adventure! Upon arrival back in Tenby, all were very glad to see our home town, but sad that the holiday was over. Upon arrival, a sixth form student has opened a facebook discussion group to share our pictures, all survivors welcome to join. The staff would like to thank the students for their excellent behaviour throughout and making the tour such an enjoyable experience for all. All the staff and students would like to thank Mr. Rapi for organising the fantastic trip for us all - cheers Mr. Rapi! • A report with two photographs of the tour appeared in last week's issue.
