Page 32 - Cadet Review Spring 2020

CEY Wing ATC
YORK CADET ENJOYS
PRESTIGIOUS OVERSEAS VISIT
By Flight Sergeant Eryn Davies
Every year, the International Air Cadet Exchange Association provides lucky cadets with the opportunity to visit their peers in Air Cadet organisations around the world. This year, Cadet Flight Sergeant Eryn Davies, from 110 (City of York) Squadron was selected alongside nine other cadets from across the UK to visit Hong Kong and China.
During the exchange the cadets were offered a wide range of activities allowing them to gain an understanding of Hong Kong’s culture and history, in addition to meeting and participating with their Air Cadet Corps. On the first day they visited the British Consulate-General which gave them an insight into the UK’s relationship with Hong Kong in the past and present and views on current political issues such as the ongoing protests.
Over the exchange Eryn and her friends managed many sightseeing activities, such as going to the Tian Tan Buddha, visiting the Peak (the highest point in Hong Kong, giving magnificent views of the island) and a ferry trip over Victoria Harbour. To experience the culture of Hong Kong they visited many traditional markets, including the famous Stanley market, ate at a wide variety of local restaurants,
One of the highlights of the exchange for Eryn was a flight over Lantau Island in a Super Puma
attended a Tai chi class and experienced local crafts such as bamboo weaving.
Part of the visit included a 3-day China tour, which allowed the cadets to see the cultural differences
not only between China and the UK but also the differences from just across the border in Hong Kong. During the tour, aviation related activities included spending time at the Zhuhai flight training centre.
One of the highlights of the exchange for Eryn was a flight over Lantau Island in a Super Puma, where she was able to see the Po Lin Monastery, the Pearl river and take in the amazing scenery.
Eryn is very grateful that she was selected for this once in a lifetime opportunity, and won’t forget the experiences and friendships she made on the visit.
32 CADET REVIEW SPRING 2020