Nostalgic Memories Of The Visit To NASA

With the tremendous success of the visit to NASA last year and the Stephenians falling head over heels to see the unfathomable technology of the most reputed world -wide organization, it was decided that another visit to NASA should be planned to give one more opportunity to the young Stephenians. The required formalities were completed and a team of ten students accompanied by one teacher was ready to fly to Florida, Orlando on May 14, 2011. The team reached the international airport, Delhi and after the required security check, we were ready to board the 'Swiss-Airlines to halt at the most beautiful Zurich airport for 6 hours. The view was amazing. Another Swiss-Airline took us to Chicago from where we reached Florida. A bus took us to the beautiful campus of international hotel Clarion-Inn. The jet-lag was not felt by us. Within no time, we all freshened up and after a quick meal we proceeded to 'Down Town Disney'. None of us realized that it was late evening as it was a mesmerizing visual treat for all of us. We had our dinner at an Indian restaurant and came back to our suites. It was then that we realized how tired we were. We slept only to be woken up at 5 o'clock in the morning and got ready to go to Kennedy Space Centre.

We reached there and were warmly received by Mr. Sam and his team who chaperoned us into various activities like rocket-making, a feel of zero gravity well, 360 degrees turning, constructing a bridge which could carry a weight of 16 lbs and making a parachute with an egg which could be dropped from a height of 100 m without breaking the egg. Fortunately it was the day where the last rocket-launch from NASA had to take place. We had an opportunity to visualize the entire launch along with the astronaut. After a brief refreshment, we proceeded to visit the NASA museum where pictures of various astronauts along with their achievement and the space vehicles used by them were displayed. It was amazing to see the live work station and the actual costumes worn by them.

The next day we went to The US Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville. where Mr. Sam was already waiting for us. We were divided into smaller groups and the journey through space shuttle simulators harnessed the natural fascination and curiosity of students about space. Our visit to space center Houston left us awe-stuck with its unparalled exhibits, attractions and special-presentations. The 3-D theatres, mission simulators and the tour around the campus were breathtaking. The advancement in technology is beyond description. The three days of interactive learning at NASA were extremely informative and added tremendously to our knowledge. We also had a chance to interact and have lunch with an astronaut Mr. Jack. A lot of pictures were taken and then we were taken to the Rocket-Garden where all rockets used so far were placed and we had a feel of an astronaut sitting in them. Finally all of us were awarded certificates and an autograph of the astronaut. With a heavy heart the farewell was bid after taking phone numbers and e-mail id's.

Our spirits began soaring once again when we went to Coco Beach. The next day, we went to Disney World and had a helicopter ride over Orlando. The visit to the Islands of Adventure and the Theme-Park was most amazing. Then we went to Walmart and Prime outlets, shopping hubs where all good brands were under one roof. We spent the entire day shopping and eating. The next day we proceeded to New York City .Wow! It was a dream come true. New York is anything you want it to be. The Apple as it is commonly called is the most famous in the U.S. The leading global city exerts a powerful influence in worldwide commerce, finance, culture, fashion and entertainment. The visit to The Empire State Building Central Park, Times Square will always remain fresh in our memory. We ferried to the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island and the experience was exhilarating. The ground zero state of the new tower and strolling in the streets of New York is better experienced than explained.

We had almost started loving USA when it was time to pack up to India. All thanks to Mr. Parish and Mr. Dhruv, the President and the Secretary of Inizio Edutech Pvt. Ltd., who organized and accompanied us in this wonderful trip. In a short span of time we got wiser, and carrying these unforgettable memories, we boarded the airline and landed in Delhi around 1 a.m. where a private van was waiting for us to bring us to the gates of St. Stephen's. Home -Sweet -Home! We all thanked God for bringing us back safe and sound.

Reena Bhambri