19th October 2023 marked one of the most exciting days of our academic year, in Holy Cross Academy. Oh yes! The most awaited project trip to Monteria Village in Karjat and our luxurious stay in Khandala was here.
Our trip began on 19th October 2023, at 7 am. We assembled on the school grounds and boarded the Volvo bus coach. We reached Monteria village in Karjat at 9.30 am and were surprised as we had a grand welcome by a clown and a dhol beat played by one of the resort personnel.
After breakfast, we embarked on a series of activities- a puppet show, a magic show, tight rope walking. We were given a tour of how the villagers prepare biogas and vermicompost. We also engaged in old-time favourites like marble playing, gilli-danda, bhaura (spinning a top) and enjoyed the experience thoroughly. We went to the Anand Mela where we played games at the fair. We also indulged in making clay pots, weaving, carpentry, cycle repairing, etc and it was a first-time experience for many of us.
We were soon on our way to the luxurious Zara’s resort in Khandala. We refreshed ourselves in our comfortable rooms, and then had the time of our lives, dancing at the DJ night, and playing group games.
The next morning, the team there gave us an amazing experience of fishing, we went for a forest walk, did an obstacle course, and treaded on a rope bridge. We also were given a chance to do archery and rope climbing.
After lunch, we played badminton, football, lock and key, saankli, tag, and other games together on the lawn. This experience of playing together with our school friends – we will truly cherish!
Our journey back home was so quick that we wished the trip had lasted longer. We are immensely grateful to Fr Ryan Alex who not only accompanied us on our trip but also conducted group games for us. Our teachers, Ms Pratiksha and Ms Vencilla, who accompanied us were a lot of fun to be with and took good care of us.
Thanks also to Team Adventure- our tour operators who ensured our entire trip went smoothly.
I am surely looking forward to more such school trips!
Aaron Dsouza,
Head Boy,
Holy Cross Academy.
