Krishna
I've learnt the need to be able to make quick decisions, and the importance of being organised.
The trek was the best part of the trip for me, with the the highest pass being the highlight.
I was expecting more of the project, possibly involving some building etc rather than just painting.
The first guide should have been chosen better, but the second was a large improvement.
Keli Francis Dusu
To sum up my trip i would say its been a journey of life changing proportions in a month, where i've learned almost too many things and probably more that i havent realised yet. It has definitely been the best opportunity of my life to learn about myself.
Daniel Singarajah
The expedition has been as least as good as i thought it would be. i'd heard mixed reviews about world challenge, some of which said th4e the only the only good part of the expe4ditions were the memories at the end of it and i know i should have done lots more preperation in fitness and research so i was a bit aprehensive. First arriving in Delhi was a bit of a shock with the massive changes in culture and in climate but once we had arrived in Manali things were much more pleasant. The project was enjoyable and though we havent built anything life-changing for the villagers i think that they apreciated our help and the school will be livened up by the children. Working on the project itself and the local festival gave me a view of the indian culture though we could have probably gotten more involved. My first time as leader was during the project and this wqas a new experience for me. Not being used to giving orders or even talking to more than a few people at once, i made a pretty poor job as my first day as leader. Hopefully i have improved since then.
the trek itself was better than i had thought. for some reason or another my body was not too badly affected by the altitude despite me not having done nearly enough training and moral was high in the group. the walking was often tedious but we could always relax at the end of the days and the high passes made it all worth it. my second time as leader fared better (we managed to successfully pass the highest pass on the trek) and everyone had a great feelingh of success. after this i tghink we were all getting tied of the food in the mountains which, while good was very repetatvive.
once we finally did get back to civilisation we were all proud but hings started getting hectic as we realised we had not done enough planning. i think that these last few days have taught me the most about life skills, such as talking to people and organising hotels and taxis and other group activities.
the whole expedition has been full of new expiriences for me and i have learned lots of skills which i hope i will remember. im looking forward to returning to england but hope to do something similar in the future.
The trip's certainly been true to its name, a “challenge”, but that's what makes this whole trip so special. We've all found it hard at points, for various reasons but together, as a team we've suceeded (and invariably failed occasionaly). Personally I've found working as a team in different roles a useful experience and have really enjoyed the trek. It provided me with some unforgettable sights, in face the whole trip has undeniably left a mark on me and inspired, and given me the confidence to travel more.
Tylan
To sum up the trip I think as a whole it has been a great eperience and would definitely encourage me in the future to go travelling. I have learnt a great deal about my peers and about the cultural differences between the UK and India and enjoyed meeting and interacting with the locals and just seeing differences in behaviour and customs. The trek was an amazing experience and would definitely go again, I found it moderately challenging but enjoyed the views and being so remote the most. It makes you appreciate where you are and also what you have at home.
I think the expedition has led me to learn that not everything we take for granted is certain, there are always unforseen circumstances that will affect things, even at home.
Phil
Its been an amazing experience which i think has taught me a lot about the real world and whats outside England. I hadn't done much travelling before this and it has opened my eyes to further travelling in the future, I think i've become a more confident person who is now more willing to voice my opinion. The trip taught me a lot about myself and my team mates and has been great fun getting to know everyone really well.
Sam
This trip has been a real mix for me. There was the huge excitement beforehand, the massive enjoyment of the project phase and then the crushing disappointment of not being able to do the trek. Despite that I have really enjoyed the expedition as a whole and at some point it would be brilliant to actually come back and do the trek whether on my own or with another group.
I think this trip has taught me 2 things. Firstly it has shown me a new culture and has shown me the immense poverty some people have to live in every day and how they have to scrape by. While I am not naiive enough to believe everywhere is like England, this really did shock me alot. The other thing is more about what I've learnt about me. I have learnt that, when leading people, I have to be more sympathetic to their needs and not expect them to work endlessly. These lessons I think will almost certainly serve me well in later life.