Media release

Hebri, Apr 17: In the heart of Hebri, a group of fellow adventurers comprsing CFAL students, all eager for a night under the stars, gathered for an unforgettable stargazing experience. With excitement in tow, they set out on their little adventure.

The merry band of stargazers was greeted with open arms by their hosts, who welcomed them into their homes with warmth and enough food to feed a small galaxy. From swapping stories and the little knowledge they had of the cosmos to sharing a room with friends, the homestay experience was nothing but amazing.

Not to mention, a riverside romp that would make Huck Finn jealous. Armed with nothing but their sense of adventure and a few questionable puns, they navigated the winding waters like seasoned explorers – or at least, that's what they told themselves as they narrowly avoided capsizing more times than they'd care to admit.

But the star of the show, quite literally, as night fell, electrified the gazers. Under the twinkling canopy of stars, they transformed into amateur astronomers, armed with telescopes and enough starstruck enthusiasm to rival Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Sure, they may have misidentified a few constellations (who knew Cannis Major and Minor are Orion’s dogs?), but the laughter and camaraderie were as bright as the Milky Way itself. And what's a stargazing adventure without a little mischief? From impromptu games at 3 in the morning while they got to know each other better.

It’s safe to say who needs a TV when you've got a sky full of stars and a group of newfound friends to share them with?

To name a few stars of the show; M(Messier) 44 (Beehive Cluster): A bustling community of stars, resembling a celestial beehive, nestled within the cosmos. M (Messier) 67 (Oldest Known Cluster): A time capsule of stellar evolution, housing some of the universe's oldest inhabitants. M38 (Starfish Cluster): A radiant congregation of stars, shaped like a celestial starfish, twinkling in the vastness of space. Mizar: A binary star system, captivating astronomers with its stellar dance and mythological significance. M81: A grand spiral galaxy, adorned with arms of starlight, inviting exploration and admiration from observers across the universe.

From admiring the clouds for their scenic beauty to cursing its existence while star gazing, they came a long way as fellow amateur astronomers. As the sun began to peek over the horizon, signalling the end of their cosmic escapade, they bid farewell to Hebri with a mix of sadness and gratitude. While they may not have discovered any new galaxies or unlocked the secrets of the universe, they certainly found something even better: a universe of memories.

So here's to, the new found friends, the wonderful faculty bearing with their shenanigans and Hebri, the town that showed them that sometimes, the best adventures are the ones that are written in the stars – and sprinkled with a healthy dose of stardust and puns.

And as their adventure comes to an end, let’s not forget, as Stephen Hawking once said: “Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist.”