These memories last a lifetime. While school trips break the routine of a classroom bound academic environment, they provide plenty of room to learn, discover, and grow with one’s peers. A case in point is when Qassim travelled with Adel in school trip to Al-Ula, which in reality, was an adventure full of discoveries, laughter, and countless life lessons.

Before the trip, in the weeks leading to the planned day, a buzz of excitement filled the atmosphere. Snack filled with essential items for a day of school was commonplace, and parents eagerly packed water bottles. While all other schoolmates and teachers were looking forward to a break, Qassim and Adel were able to combine this trip with a dream vacation. After reading about Al-Ula in history class, both were eager to witness the tombs of Madain Saleh and stroll through the old town of Al-Deera.

Thus, the students’ excitement was palpable the moment the school announced the venue for the educational trip. Traveling to Al-Ula, I recall how close friends Qassim and Adel considered that not only were they venturing as classmates, they were genuinely moving as friends who were eager to explore the deepest historic secrets of the Nation.

The Journey to Al-Ula

The school provided the students with a bus that offered features such as cooling, as well as entertaining guides. During the approximately 8-hour trip, Adel and Qassim conversed, listened to music, and shared stories. Al-Ula’s breathtaking mix of deserts, rocky hills, and expansive skies offered the boys splendid views as they shared comments and excited stories. To the boys, this was the farthest away they had been from their family, Both boys were liberated from the feeling of being tethered to their families, and this trip was the perfect opportunity to embrace that newfound freedom. Students were provided with brief sessions taught by the teachers that narrated the captivating and extensive history of Al-Ula.

Initial Thoughts Upon Arriving Al-Ula

The scenery immediately transformed with the arrival of the bus in Al-Ula, which now included breathing ancient rocks, colossal sandalstone cliffs, lush palm groves, and al-alamayn historical sites. Qassim was gazing out the window and was instantly inspired by the sand and wind sculpted rocks centuries old and elbowed his friend, Adel, exclaiming in joy.

Al-Hijr, the UNESCO protected World Heritage Side, was the southern sister to Petra and therefore the students were eager to visit. It was captivating to watch massive rock cut nabataean tombs that were almost 2000 years old. Qassims and Adels amazment was relatable, as the rock-cutgers truly made history as they brought the students back in time.

As their guide was describing the wealth and cultural exchanges in Al-Hijr, Adel was deeply contemplating the intricate carvings and inscriptions that were done on the centuries old tombs—feeling the echoes of the ancient civilization he was sure once lived there.

Captivating History and Learning Opportunities

qassim travelled with adel in a school trip to al-ula

The Al-Ula regional museum and the old town of Al-Ula were among many key sites, which as a whole aided a step in their educational journey, allowing students to participate in multiple educational trips and visit steam valleys.

Deera Al-Ula: Qassim and Adel had a blast getting lost in the 400-year-old labyrinth of mud-brick houses and narrows. The combo of thinking off- face and local design provided centuries old felt palpable.

Elephant Rock: Jabal Al-Fil is an exciting venue for students as it features a unique rock formation depicting an elephant where children can eat enjoy a picnic while taking pictures with friends.

The Al-Ula Museum is a notable example as it provides multimedia exhibits alongside its archaeological artifacts. Adel and Qassim were deeply engaged in the fascinating history of their region.

Throughout the excursions, the teachers emphasized a structured approach comprising notes, questions, as well as careful observation during every visit. Qassim’s curiosity and thoughtfulness shaped the visit as wonderful whereas Adel’s lively nature and boundless energy brought enthusiasm to the group.

Friendship and Cooperation

The school trip was designed to be an opportunity for the students to not only build their historical knowledge but also their social skills and teamwork abilities. New friendships were formed and others solidified as students participated in activities including, but not limited to, a scavenger hunt in the old town, trivia quizzes based on Al-Ula’s history, and campfire storytelling during the night.

One instance of students truly showcasing the traits as friends was when Qassim sustained a mild ankle injury during a short hike in the Al-Ula desert. Immediately after, in a display of unprompted kindness, Adel offered to help by providing support and calling a teacher over, strengthening their friendship.

The school organized a camping trip by the desert dunes, where students spent the night in tents under the night sky. That evening, as Qassim and Adel did not sleep, they conversed about the different places they had visited and how they expected to revisit Al-Ula when they were older.

Key Takeaways

Every student returned not only with knowledge from the trip, but also new friends, unforgettable experiences, and enhanced appreciation for the country’s heritage. In the case of Qassim and Adel, the trip became a significant milestone in their friendship and contributed to their personal development.

In retrospect, both students came out of the experience inspired to diligently pursue their studies in subjects such as history, geography, and even archaeology. Learning about different cultures while traveling away from home, also helped them foster a new sense of self-assurance.

Final Remarks

Qassim’s story of traveling with Adel during a school trip to Al-Ula is not merely about wandering—it is a story about friendship, education, and exploration. Through the stunning ancient landscapes of Al-Ula, the two boys were not only able to reconnect with their past, but also forge stronger bonds with each other while building memories that would last a lifetime.

Such excursions demonstrate that the best educational environments are not necessarily located within the confines of a building; rather, they are located in the world, awaiting discovery.