Pearl of the Islands Foundation organised its annual ANZAC study tour that saw 8 students from Manurewa and Papatoetoe as well as 5 teaching staff attend the 2 week tour.
The group began their journey in Istanbul by visiting the, once Ottoman Empire's stronghold, most touristic and significant landmarks including the Sultanahmet (Blue) Mosque, Basilica Cistern, Hagia Sophia and Topkapi Palace. Other experiences in Istanbul involved heading up to the beautiful Istanbul viewpoint Camlica, going to the highest tower Sapphire, a Bosphorus tour and trying out Ebru Art (Water Marbling).
A short ferry ride later to where the Ottoman Empire was founded in the 13th century the group arrived in Bursa. The burial chamber of fallen Sultan's were visited, The Bursa Ulu Mosque was also very fascinating with the magnificent artworks inside. A short trip to the Uludag Mountain allowed the participants to play with snow in the freezing cold.
The next destination was Izmir. The highlights of this city were a walk down the shore, Virgin Mary's house, Ephesus and Troy.
The next day, the Kiwis in Turkey headed to Gallipoli to pay their respects and represent their country. The dawn service meant that the group had to wake up at 2am to get on the VIP bus convoy. Following the dawn service and breakfast students and teachers had the oppurtunity to meet and speak with a number of important people including the mayor, ambassador and Governor General. This was followed by attending the Australian and New Zealand services.
Following returning back to Istanbul, those who wanted to shop for their friends and family were able to at the historic Grand Bazaar. The tour ended with a Bosphorus tour between Asia and Europe.
We would like to thank all the volunteers involved in allowing the tour to run smoothly and believe it was a truly wonderful experience for everyone that joined.
We would also like to appreciate the Turkish families who happily accepted hosting the group for dinner on some nights.
Find out more news, photos of Anzac Study Tour in 2014
PIF - Facebook
Manurewa-Facebook
www.maoritelevision.com/tv/shows/anzac-2014/papatoetoe-intermediate
www.maoritelevision.com/tv/shows/anzac-2014/manurewa-intermediate
Reflections
Mel
Praise
Moreen
Michael
Daetona
Alysha
Participant Schools
Papatoetoe Intermediate School
Manurewa Intermediate School
Meeting the teachers and student candidates at Papatoetoe Intermediate School
It was lovely to get together with teachers, students and their families at Papatoetoe Int School. Everyone was looked so excited about going Turkey to commemorate the 99th anniversary of Anzac in Gallipoli next year. Thank to the Principal Ms Cornwell for her generosity by hosting us at Papatoetoe Intermediate School. Also thank to A. Principal Mrs Bland for bringing all the candidate students from Manurewa Intermediate School to be with us on the day.
Can't wait to go to turkey.
ReplyDeleteAfter reading the stories, i just feel like leaving tomorrow.
THANK YOU for this SPECTACULAR opportunity.
Today marks exactly a fortnight away from when the trip takes off again this year! God speed to all of you who will be making a trip of a lifetime. May being part of such a sacred and solemn ceremony and experiencing such a rich and diverse culture and country, bring you memories that even your own Grandchildren will enjoy recollecting when they learn of your participation. Many thanks to the Pearl of the Islands Foundation, the teachers involved and especially to the parents and children who are involved for daring to imagine the possibility of a dream that in a matter of time will come true!...Peace!
ReplyDeleteThank you Emanuel for your kind thoughts and good wishes.
ReplyDeleteThank you to the pearl of the islands foundation for giving my son this opportunity. We have been blessed to learn alongside daetona as we have researched with his upcoming tour. I cant thank Taner and his wife enough for opening our eyes to a whole different language and culture. I can wait for him to come home and share his experience with us. I know one day he wants to go back to meet the people that he meet on this journey. Without everyone at the foundation and families abroad this tour wouldnt be possible and couldnt thank you enough. From this opportunity he now wants to learn more of the language and travel. Also thank you to mel and maureen for putting in the extra effort and sharing the excitement with our kids. Couldnt have picked better teachers that made sure our kids got everything out of this trip. To future kids that may go on this tour..dont hesitate you will have a wonderful time and spent with beautiful people in the land of Turkey..thank you all xx
ReplyDeleteI would just like to thank the Pearl Of the Islands foundation for organising this wonderful trip for us. We all really enjoyed and we wish we could have stayed longer.I really loved Turkey and enjoyed the wonderful sites and especially the bond that we made with those extraordinary people whom we met in Turkey. Thank you also for the gifts that we have received and for taking care of us. Forgive us if we did any disobedient things to you or to the others. We hope you all the best and may we see you in the future. Thanks again and May God bless you Taner, Ayse, Hafsa, Yasir, Taha, Papa, Faruk and all those wonderful people we met along the way and especially the Pearl Of The Islands Foundation. Bye. :) Tessekurler
ReplyDeleteAll the best for the students and staff of Papatoetoe Intermediate going to Turkey in the New Year! God be with all your preparations, fundraising and ultimately the trip overseas! One thing for sure. It will be a trip to remember for a lifetime, and one filled of stories for generations to come! Thank you again to the Pearl of the Islands Foundation for the wonderful opportunity you are giving to these future leaders of our country Aotearoa New Zealand.
ReplyDeleteThank you Emanuel for your wishes and kind thoughts. We wish they all can have another successful trip in next year too.
ReplyDelete