GET INTO… VICTORIAN TUNNELS!

 

On this sunny, blue day that I have missed for a long time, I will tell you about one of those experiences you can’t miss when you come to Newcastle.

After some free time in the morning and a long, lovely walk alongside the river on the Quayside to our lunch venue, our youths were divided into two groups and entered the dark and mysterious Victoria Tunnels. These tunnels were used in many occasions during history, but the most known one goes back to the second world war, when Newcastle people tried to escape from enemies,  sitting there for entire hours, in (almost) complete darkness, one next to another, scared and praying that the walls would survive the bombs. Some kind and funny guides explained us the history and facts of Victoria Tunnels, and the way they interacted with us and involved the young people was extraordinary. Amara from Norway became in charge of maintaining the order among the refuge seekers, Georga the nurse who had to check people’s injuries, Harmony the  brickworker who had to build the tunnel.

Few minutes before the end of the adventure, after our torches were switched off, the strong and creepy sound of the wind and a running wagon let us understand a bit of the fear those people felt down there,a long time ago.

Many of our youths had never seen a place like that before, but, even if they did, the Victoria Tunnels were a great experience that left them with something unique. Julie from Norway was one of the most interested, and I can’t tell if she was more excited there or back flipping at the trampoline park!

Yes, today was without any doubt the most sporty and adventurous of all the youth exchange experiences. I watched some great jumps and dives, guys!

And now, some of the Norwegian and Croatians joined Northbourne Tuesday football session: seriously guys, are you ever tired?

Enjoy your dinner everybody, and see you tomorrow with another GET INTO!