Class 7’s School Trip: Learning Under Palm Trees and New Mysteries at Ko-Sa Beach

Our second day at Ko-Sa Beach began differently from what we had planned. Despite making ambitious plans for an early start the evening before, we all ended up sleeping a little longer than expected. The many adventures of our first day had clearly taken their toll.

Once we were up, however, we did not head straight to breakfast. Instead, we went down to the sea. We had only intended to take a quick look, enjoy the fresh sea air and watch the first waves of the day. But when the sea is right on your doorstep, resisting it is easier said than done. Before we knew it, we were standing in the water—in our pyjamas! Our gentle morning stroll had suddenly become a rather soggy adventure.

Afterwards, we had to hurry. Not only did we need to swap our wet pyjamas for dry clothes, but we also had to get our rooms ready for the morning inspection. Making beds, putting things away and tidying up—even in a seaside paradise, some responsibilities remain. After reviewing the results together, we had certainly earned our breakfast.

Pancakes, cornflakes and oatmeal gave us plenty of energy for the morning ahead. And there was a lot to look forward to. Instead of working in our usual classroom, we settled into our new outdoor classroom beneath the palm trees. Sea views included—a setting we could definitely get used to.

There were four tasks on our work plan. We created our own class newspaper, recording the best, funniest and most exciting moments from the previous day. We also drew and painted miniature pictures of Ko-Sa Beach, wrote personal diary entries and searched for seashells that had to meet a minimum size requirement. We soon discovered that not every shell that looked big enough at first glance actually passed the test.

Between writing, drawing, painting and collecting, there was naturally time for the occasional suspicious observation. After all, the mystery of Ko-Sa Beach was still very much on our minds. The two saboteurs had yet to be uncovered, so we continued to watch everyone’s behaviour closely. Who could we trust? Who was just playing a part? And who might already be trying to interfere with our investigation again?

After so much focused work, a quick dip in the sea was just what we needed. But there was little time to relax, as the next challenges were already waiting. We had two more missions to complete. By thinking things through together, working as a team and enjoying a little luck, we managed to earn another clue about the mysterious saboteurs. Whether it would actually lead us in the right direction remained to be seen.

Our shared language rule also gave us something to talk about today. We had agreed to speak German during meals, but even on our second day, not everyone managed to stick to it throughout. Anyone who forgot the rule had to do the agreed “penalty push-ups”. At least this provided an extra opportunity to practise our sporting skills alongside our language skills.

A particularly tasty surprise awaited us afterwards: fresh coconuts. We enjoyed the refreshing coconut water before heading to lunch. And lunch was certainly worth looking forward to: fried rice with grilled chicken and salad. After our varied morning, it tasted especially good.

Feeling full and content, we then enjoyed a well-earned break. We had a whole hour of free time. While some of us relaxed or chatted, others used the opportunity to play more games. After all, there is always someone on a school trip who seems to have an endless supply of energy.

The afternoon was supposed to bring more sporting action with our Ball Olympics. The teams had been chosen, the rules explained, and we were ready for the first events. But just at that moment, the weather disrupted our plans: it began to rain.

Our first thought was simple: if we were going to get wet anyway, we might as well make the most of it. So we decided to head back into the sea. But that plan was short-lived. An approaching thunderstorm meant we had to leave the water immediately.

Out of the sea and back to our rooms we went. Although “our rooms” is not quite accurate: we all ended up gathering in a single room. It was rather crowded, but that only made it more sociable. We chatted, laughed and made ourselves as comfortable as possible in the limited space while the rain fell outside.

And so our planned Ball Olympics turned into an impromptu group rain break. We certainly did not get bored.

Eventually, the rain eased, and we could leave our temporary shared quarters. By then, it was almost time for dinner. Before sitting down to eat, however, we enjoyed a particularly funny round of “Who Am I?”. Like true detectives, we asked questions, pieced together clues and tried to work out which mystery person from GISA each of us represented. There was plenty of guessing, lots of laughter and a few guesses that were well off the mark.

Dinner was already waiting for us: spaghetti with delicious meatballs. After another eventful day, we enjoyed our meal and replenished our energy. We would need it, too, because our evening programme was far from over.

The mystery of Ko-Sa Beach was entering its next round.

Two more missions awaited us, and this time we successfully completed both. Our efforts were rewarded with new clues that finally began to shed more light on the mystery. By carefully piecing together the evidence, we were able to cross two innocent investigators off our list of possible saboteurs.

Daniel must have been particularly relieved. That morning, he had held the unenviable position of number one on our suspect list. Now his innocence had finally been proven. Whether our other suspicions will turn out to be equally mistaken, or whether we are getting closer to the real saboteurs, remains to be seen.

There was one more lovely surprise to round off the evening: ice cream for everyone! The Ko-Sa Beach team treated us to this delicious refreshment, giving our second day an especially sweet ending. It seems that our good spirits, many activities and lively school-trip programme have already made a lasting impression. We were certainly delighted by this kind gesture.

After so many experiences, exciting missions, creative tasks and unexpected twists, it was once again time for bed.

Tomorrow, another adventure awaits us. This time, we really do have to get up early: our coastal hike to Elmina is on the programme. We will need well-rested legs, plenty of energy and, hopefully, a little sunshine.

Will we rise to the challenge of the hike? What new experiences await us along the way? And will we finally uncover one of the two saboteurs?