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Tess Davidson, from our winning school in Northern Ireland, Methodist College Belfast, wrote the following essay on her experience in Strasbourg and taking part in Euroscola:
Cold. Dark. Late.
Despite all of the above, Miss Moore's resilient German class of Methodist College Belfast made their way to school for three o'clock in the morning, suitcases in tow. As all sixteen class members and two teachers congregated in the quad, the excitement began to mount. After weeks of waiting and preparation, the day of the trip to Strasbourg had finally dawned!
Finally the bus came and following excited hugs to tired parents we set off to Dublin airport, looking forward to the prospect of our European adventure.
After checking in and having a little browse in Duty Free, we boarded our flight to Frankfurt, now wide awake, and raring to go.
On arrival we quickly collected our luggage, eager to get to Strasbourg as quickly as possible! As soon as we left the airport, the heat hit us and despite being very warm we were just grateful to escape the constant rain of Northern Ireland!
Enroute to Strasbourg we stopped for a little break and ended up playing in a child's park which proved very popular with the whole class. Reluctantly, we left and reboarded the bus, feeling more refreshed.
The time flew by and eventually we got to Strasbourg where we went straight to our abode for the next few days, "The Comfort Hotel." We unloaded our luggage and went to find our rooms, which proved to be light, airy and cosy. After exploring the surroundings and other floors we got back onto the bus, looking forward to seeing the sights and attractions of Strasbourg.
Meeting our tour guide, we wasted no time in making our way through the city, stopping occasionally, for photo opportunities and to stretch our legs. We even got an opportunity to see the European Parliament a day early! Sadly, our short tour of Strasbourg ended but it proved to be very enjoyable and interesting. Afterwards, we walked along the quaint little streets of Strasbourg, where we were allowed to browse through the shops and to get an ice-cream, which I'm pretty sure everyone availed of!
Eventually we arrived back at the coach, with an insatiable appetite, and set off for dinner at the restaurant ‘Flunch’. Here, we had a delicious meal and thoroughly enjoyed our delicious dessert courtesy of Miss Moore. After singing 'Happy Birthday' in various languages and bringing the whole restaurant to an amused standstill, we swiftly departed for our hotel on a high.
The evening though was far from over and later on all of our German class could be seen outside either playing football or cheering on their classmates. The lovely evening weather and idyllic, peaceful surroundings of Strasbourg just added to the atmosphere. Sadly we had to go to bed but despite being exhausted, we were all extremely excited for the next day.
The following morning we woke up relatively early to a delicious and filling breakfast which consisted of pain au chocolat, croissants, fruit and hot chocolate; a typical French start to the day! Notebooks and pens in hand we set off for the European Parliament. As we got closer and the flags came into sight, we all started to get a bit nervous. Walking inside seemed a bit surreal and it didn't help that all the other students towered over us! I was in awe of the beautiful architecture, the cacophony of different languages, cultures and sights and the flags flying above gave us a sense of diversity that exists within the boundaries of Europe. On arrival I instantly felt at ease and not ostracised.
We were quickly briefed before going for our second breakfast that morning. Here, some of our class members were quick to socialise with the other student whilst others were more hesitant. We needn't have worried though, as everyone there was extremely friendly. Around an hour later we made our way into the hemicycle with our work groups. Inside I was momentarily stunned into silence as I tried to take in all of our surroundings; it was truly breath-taking. The architecture of this building was beautiful.
I sat down in my seat, looking in front to see headphones, a microphone and machine. It was all very professional! Then we got informed by three Parliament employees, about the EU and how they help us in our lives. I really think that I have learnt so much about the EU; it was a truly beneficial day! This was followed by the voting session which I thoroughly enjoyed and I answered each question with care and thought. We ended the morning off with questions posed for the panel of experts. I built up my confidence to ask a question, and I am extremely glad I participated!
Lunch came, much to the joy of many students and then the "Eurogame." For this we got into teams of four and answered extremely difficult questions about the EU. For the socialites of our group, it was as if Christmas had come early.
After lunch we joined our working groups and for two hours we animatedly debated our topics in spacious conference rooms. Again I feel that I have learned so much!
The day was coming to a close but not before our chairmen put our thoughts to the other groups and we all had one last chance to ask questions and to use the voting machines. The results of the 'Eurogame' came through and one member of our group came second place!
Unfortunately the day had to end and so with our final goodbyes we went back to our bus to change and go bowling. When bowling, some members discovered a hidden talent whilst others tended to want to forget this particular experience of our trip!
Next, and to end off a fantastic day, we made a second excursion to 'Flunch.' Pilling our plates high till they could literally support no more, we made our way to the tables to enjoy our last evening meal in Strasbourg. To burn off our sumptuous meal we made our way outside, where another football match started up, before we all got back on the bus. Driving back to the hotel, our spirits were high. At the hotel surprisingly another football match was decided on as entertainment and we spent our last evening outside; I sitting on the pavement with the others, perfectly content. As I wearily clambered into bed again that night, I cast my mind back over one of the best days of the trip.
Morning dawned, bright and early, and all you could here in the dining room was the excited buzz of our German class, eagerly anticipating our third and final day ahead. Draining the remaining dregs of our hot chocolate and wiping the crumbs of croissants off ourselves, we packed up, making sure to take all our final photographs.
Re embarking on our coach, there was a sadness in the atmosphere as we drove through Strasbourg for the final time. Soon we were speeding along past golden fields, nothing to be seen but trees and nature. Suddenly, in the distance, the scenery changed. The huge and intimidating arc that could only be a rollercoaster could clearly be seen from every angle and corner of the bus. Where were we? Only Germany's largest theme park, "Europa Park!!"
All of a sudden our sadness disappeared, and the air was now thick with excitement. A few nervous groans could be heard, but they were droned out by the loud cries of others, desperate to go inside.
Fifteen minutes later, tickets in hands, we were released into the park. The next few hours were a crazy blur, as my group tended to run to every single ride. Never have I screamed so much in my life as we tried out hair raising rides such as the 'Silver Star.' Lunch consisted of candyfloss; water and popcorn, so eager were we to return to the rides. Unfortunately, our fun came to a close as we left the park for the airport, now completely drained of any remaining energy we may have had.
It was hard to believe, flying up in the sky above Frankfurt that our trip was all over! For an hour or so whilst stuck in traffic on the motorway, we were convinced that we were going to miss the check in for our flight, but we made it, just, with three minutes to spare! Despite this slight fiasco, the trip was truly amazing! I really feel that I have benefited from Strasbourg; in every aspect. I made new friends, learnt new phrases, got to see the beautiful Strasbourg and most importantly, I got to visit the European Parliament and learn about the EU. This experience has opened my eyes to the EU and I realise how much broader a spectrum it is. I discovered things I never knew! I have also bonded with my German class so much! Never have I laughed so much in my life before and I feel a lot closer to everyone as a result of this trip. It never would have happened if we hadn't entered 'My Vision for Europe.'
To conclude I thank the organisers of this super competition, my German teacher, my classmates, all those who facilitated us in Strasbourg and finally, the European Parliament, for allowing me to be an MP for a day.
The trip was utterly incredible and I will always treasure my memories from it
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