Trip to Lake View Park

I think I was more excited about going on the trip than the students! The only problem we faced was 'where to go?' So we made a voting system and voila! Lake View Park!

I expect the students to behave themselves while we are on our trip because last time it was literally hide-and-seek!

I bring a mat with me and a few pillows for the trip. Right now, we are sitting in the bus, speeding to the park. Luckily, there is no traffic since it's a Monday. The students look very excited and full of energy and so does my friend Nurşen and so do I! It will be a one heaven of a day! The bus comes to a stop in front of a big black gate. I instruct the students to carefully step down the bus and quietly stand in a line. We decide to split in two groups as it is easier to control. We settle to meet at the big fountain-the final point.

I take my group the opposite side of where Nurşen's group is going. The girls in my group tend to be more into their phones so I take them away.
"We're here to see nature not human technologies!" I say as gently as possible.
The girls make a four year old frown but smile again when they see sparrows sitting on branches. The park is a home to these birds. There are parrots and pigeons too. We stand there for a while, listening to the birds telling us stories about their travels in bird language(I don't speak bird language).

We have been walking for quite a while now so I suggest we all stop under a shady tree. The girls lay down on the mat. I put pillows on it within a minute we all are sitting and having snacks. I have brought apples, oranges, sandwiches and juices. Some girls have brought disposable plates, spoons, forks and glasses. Others have brought chips and soft drink. A few have brought cupcakes and donuts. We all sit in a circle and happily have a light lunch.

I take a look at my watch. We've still got time. So I tell my students they can walk or play but not so far because I don't have binoculars. 

I rest by the tree trunk while the girls play ice-water. I remember the time from when I was a student. Our teacher took us to the beach where I collected so many shells. But the teacher thought I was wasting my time being lazy so she made me play volley-ball on the beach. I didn't know how to play volley-ball and made my team lose every time. But my teacher joined us and made things better. I laugh at the memory and join my students. Running in a skirt can be hard, okay?! But I can manage it.

We play and the girls ice me any chance they get.
"It's okay, the sun will help me," I say and they laugh.
In the end, we all just lie on the grass, spreading our arms wide. It feel comfortable!

We go back to our  little home-the mat under the tree and have donuts and cupcakes. The sweetness cures the tiredness. I allow the girls to take selfies and group photos.
"Alright students! Pack up!" I say, clapping hands thrice,"You can take the rest of them at the big fountain."
So we all start our walk again but before we do, I take a group picture at our temporary little home under the tree!

Nurşen's group has already arrived at the lake. Looks like she had fun too. Says she played badminton! I tell her she could have played goodminton if she had worn proper sports clothes.

The sun has gone down by now. The birds are returning to their nests. The lake is as calm as ever. A student takes a Polaroid with all of us. Just standing together with everyone I feel so loved and satisfied with what I have achieved. I hope my students grow up to be butterflies too. The camera snaps and captures our smiles. Yes, It was a wonderful day and I hope there are many more to come!