Culture, adventure and discovery were all high on the itinerary of the 23-strong party who squeezed every second out of their visit.

Fresh from learning Mandarin at school, thanks to native speaker Quingli Luo, the teens impressed with their best holiday phrases as they swapped the classroom for the bright lights of the Far East.

Bo'ness Academy has a partner school in Xiamen, China, and the group spent eight days in the city after three days in Hong Kong, which had included an encounter with a giant Buddha.

While swine flu precautionary measures meant the Scots had to steer clear of the boarding school, they were able to meet their hosts and exchange gifts in a local hotel.

Very little time was otherwise spent there, with the Bo'ness contingent out and about from morning til night.

Acclimatising to the hot, humid conditions – the mercury hit a peak of 44 degrees – the group hopped from sight to sight, soaking up everything in between.

Peacocks

In Xiamen they mingled with peacocks at the botanic gardens, a rare oasis of tranquillity in the city.

Island life was enjoyed during a visit to Goulaneu, five minutes on the ferry from the mainland, with pearl jewellery the perfect souvenir to take back after all the beach and pedalo fun.

An educational village, home to 60,000 pupils and 15,000 teachers, was visited, and the Scots took in cultural music and a museum.
From the hustle and bustle of markets to culinary delights, everyone was keen to sample the real China.

A tea-tasting session offered up delicate and aromatic flavours like jasmine and lychee, while in restaurants burger and fries were off the menu.

Octopus

Pupil Natasha Meikle (17) said: "We were trying the most original things we could find, like pigeon, octopus, squid and snails. I liked the pigeon.

"Apart from that it was about saying you'd been able to try it, rather than liking the taste!"

At the markets bartering skills came to the fore with eager traders.
Mairi Hilton (16), said: "Sometimes people were literally grabbing you towards their stalls."

Exams
With exam season still running back home, two lads broke off from the sightseeing tours to sit papers that had been closely guarded by deputy head teacher Steve Dougan all the way to China!

Final stopping point on the epic visit was three nights in Beijing where photo opportunities included the Forbidden City, Great Wall of China, a jade factory and the Olympic Bird Nest Stadium.

Both pupils and staff -– Maureen Bryce, Steve Dougan and Jacqui McIntyre – returned home with enthusiasm outweighing any jet lag.

Said Ms McIntyre: "It was like going on a trip with 20 adult friends.
"They were so mature and did us proud."

Hannah Myles (17) said: "We're all really appreciative to the teachers for making possible an experience that we will never forget."

There will be a presentation evening at the Academy on August 25 for parents to get a further flavour of the epic trip.

www.bonessacademy.com

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