Mangalore Diocese News

Media Release

Mangaluru, Nov 16, 2023 : Lourdes Central School has cut across borders and reached out to learn through International Education Trips. This year 28 students of class 8 to 12 along with the Principal Rev. Fr Robert Dsouza and Vice Principal Mrs. Belita Mascarenhas embarked on a ten days' educational trip to the United Kingdom. The trip was organized under the guidance of the Manager Rev Dr John Baptist Saldanha and the Principal. LCS stood out as the first school in Mangaluru to venture on an international tour after the pandemic.

Team LCS began the Journey on 15th October from Bangalore to UK via Muscat and reached UK Heathrow Airport on 16th October. Everyone donned their winter wear as the temperature was 10 degrees.

The weather, even though cold, was welcoming and quite a contrast to the sultry weather of Mangalore.

The first visit was to Madame Tussauds wax museum that had replicas of famous personalities, historic figures and themed galleries. The students rushed in through the long queue and were excited to click selfies with their heroes. The next journey was to the famous Lords Cricket stadium where the group was greeted by a famous Englishman the stadium in charge who gave detailed historical aspects. He showed the dressing room where the famous cricketers sat and waited for their turn. The famous Ashes urn, cricketer’s attire, the famous world cup, the beautiful green grounds and well-maintained stadium was awe inspiring. The students later went to visit the sports stall to buy mementoes.

The next visit was a visit to ‘bath’ , a place of Roman Heritage. The hot springs of bath was a major attraction. The city itself was very traditional and the cobbled streets looked wonderful. The group had the opportunity to lunch in the famous restaurant visited by Mr.Bean.

At Salisbury the visit to the Stonehenge place among green pastures of scenic beauty and Neolithic homes was serene. Stratford-upon Avon the village was paradise for the Shakespeare lovers. The entire village speaks of Shakespeare. The experience was breathtaking and joyful. The stalls and shops revolved around the Shakespeare theme and we were taken back to the time of the great English writer.

The next day’s visit to Oxford was really inspiring. The numerous colleges at Oxford University and the underground libraries were amazing. The guide took the group through several colleges and showed us the 15th to 16th century architecture. The visit inspired the students to study to go to Oxford for further studies.

The next journey to Liverpool Manchester was loved by the boys as they walked on the grounds where legends like Renaldo and Messyjoined together to play football. Buying souvenirs from the stadium was the greatest joy.

Visiting the London Eye was truly remarkable. The world’s largest 360-degree capsule which views the city across the river Thames was breathtaking. Big Ben at Westminster Abbey and a cruise ride on the river Thames was relaxing and it gave us joy to go under the London bridge.

The Cavern Club and the Wall of Fame were exciting places for Beatle lovers of music.

Overall, the trip was a life enhancing experience. The students learnt travel rules, saw and experienced different places, got to know and interact with different cultures.