Tired after a busy half-term, but still excited about the prospect of spending five days away from the usual routine to experience a slice of German culture, 40 boys and four members of staff departed for the biennial Rhineland tour on Monday last week at 3.30am. The trip was a great success with students having a chance to visit Cologne with its dominant gothic cathedral, the beautiful village of Rüdesheim and the even more breathtaking theme park Phantasialand! The Chocolate factory was a popular attraction as was the mechanical music museum. The highlight of the trip, however, was the cruise on the river Rhine itself where boys could soak up the stunning scenery with its vine-terraced hills and magnificent castles. Whilst the river is steeped in legend and myth, its continued importance as main mode of freight transportation was also fascinating. The trip returned on Friday with a goodly number of students (all with improved language skills) indicating they would like to return to this picturesque part of Germany. Thanks to Mrs Testoni-Ranken for organising the trip.