Seven students from the Caribbean International Academy traveled to India for 12 days to participate at the 3rd International Young Mathematicians Convention (IYMC) in Lucknow organized by the City of Montessori School. Our journey started in Delhi where we visited famous mosques, forts, tombs, as well as local market places. We landed in Delhi, less than 24 hours after the terrorist attacks on Mumbai, which left 200 dead and 400 injured. The security was high and some parents left behind were worried, but the trip was very safe and without any incident.
After two days in polluted & congested Delhi, we started recovering from a 10 hour jetlag and we jumped on a train to Agra and visited the famous Taj Mahal as well as the historical Agra fort and abandoned city Fathepur Sikri built by Akhbar in the 1500s. From there, we took a seven hour sleeper train to Lucknow where we were warmly welcomed and received by representatives of the IYMC.
The four day competition gave CIA students the opportunity to compete amongst the best math students in the world.
Fourteen countries and 65 teams participated in the event.
The competition left a huge print on all their lives, as one quoted, "We have met some of the most amazing people, from all over the world, and I could never forget all the things I've learnt here [IYMC]."
The math was very challenging, but the students caught on quickly, answering some extremely difficult questions and winning almost a bronze medal in the junior team quiz event. (CIA came 4th in this event).
From Lucknow, we flew back to Delhi with Kingfisher airline and I was really impressed by the quality of their service. On our last day in Delhi, we shopped and visited Gandhi memorial. A tribute to a man who’s vision was world peace and unity.
The trip went by too quickly, but a number of students where ready to sleep in a comfortable bed and shower with hot water in the morning. It is amazing how you feel fortunate after traveling two weeks in India!
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