HERSCHEL CULTURAL TOUR ~ JULY 2005
25 June 2005 Buon viaggio!
An excited group gathered at domestic departures, Cape Town, to embark on an enriching tour to Italy, France and England. After passing through passport control, everyone had a short time to look at the shops before boarding BA flight 054 to London, Heathrow. Buon viaggio to everyone and please could I remind parents to drop me an email with any interesting snippets of news from your daughters.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
26 June 2005 Arrival in Roma
After a long journey, the group was glad to arrive at their destination in the Eter nal City of Rome. They were warmly greeted by their Tour Escort, Mrs Irene Capano, who will accompany them throughout Italy, to ensure that all land arrangements run smoothly. Without much time to even catch their breath, they were whisked off to the Vatican City, where they joined a long queue of tourists to view the spectacular Sistine Chapel. Thereafter, they booked into their hotel, where they were able to relax and freshen up, before continuing on to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. What a full and memorable day for them – they are all sure to sleep well tonight!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
27 June 2005 Onward to the Jewel of the Renaissance
Having returned to the hotel close to midnight last night, I'm sure it was difficult to get out of bed this morning! However, the energy of youth prevailed and they were ready for the coach driver at 8.00am. After visiting the Colosseum and the Forum Romanum, they departed for Assisi and en route, the Tour Escort explained the history of the Roman Forum in great detail. The long coach journey was a wonderful way to appreciate the Italian countryside and relax at the same time! I have just received an sms from Mrs Clarke which reads: "Wonderful day despite temperatures of 39 degrees! Our happy band of tourists has reached Florence – love from all to all!" No doubt they are enjoying a relatively early night in preparation for their exciting day tomorrow.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
28 June 2005 Florence - always a firm favourite!
The girls were able to sleep in a bit this morning, which gave them the opportunity to recharge their batteries. At 10.00am they met with their local guide, Mrs Francesca Savonelli, who expertly coordinated a 3 hour walking tour of this remarkable city. To be surrounded by so much history, art and culture was an incredible experience for them and a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia was a real highlight. After lunch, they were given some free time for shopping and then everyone met on the Ponte Vechhio before returning to the hotel to freshen up for dinner.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
29 June 2005 Pisa en route to Venice
With a fond farewell to Florence, the group departed for Pisa, where they spent an enjoyable two hours and everyone had the classic picture taken of propping up the 'Leaning Tower"! A long coach journey to Venice, but a wonderful way to appreciate the beautiful Venetian plains, bond with friends, listen to music, catch up on some sleep and generally relax. They arrived in the magical city at 6.00pm and excitedly booked into their 3* hotel in the seaside resort of Lido di Jesolo. No doubt the girls will enjoy a swim in the warm Adriatic waters of the Golfo di Venezia before going out for dinner.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
30 June 2005 Amazing Venice
At 8.00am the coach escorted the group from Lido de Jesolo to Punta Sabbionni, where Vaporetto transport was a first for many. They met the English speaking local guide at Porta della Carta and enjoyed a 2 hour orientation walking tour around St Mark's Square, which included the Doge's Palace. Thereafter, they used their vaporetto day tickets to cruise along the Venetian canals and explored the 'Lagune Islands', where they visited a traditional glass blowing factory in Murano. At 6.00pm they transferred back to Lido di Jesolo where they thoroughly enjoyed the youthful vibe and buzz of activity.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
1 July 2005 On to Milan
They were all very sad to say goodbye to Venice, but more adventures lay ahead! En route to Milan they passed through Verona to view Juliet's balcony, the arena and the market. They then stopped to relax and admire the picturesque setting of Lake Garda, before continuing on to the fashion capital of Italy, Milan. They thoroughly enjoyed the day and were once again delighted to be treated to another 3* hotel! On a personal note, my dear son will be getting married tomorrow, so I will only be able to update this site on Monday. In the meantime, please be assured that all has been well organized and that your children are in safe hands.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
3 July 2005 Weekend news!
On Saturday, they thoroughly enjoyed a 3 hour guided tour of Milan before receiving the exciting news – some free time to admire the fashions and shop! Rumour has it that the girls have combined the cultural and formal aspects of their time in Italy with copious amounts of shopping! Early Sunday morning, they said goodbye to their Italian Escort at the 'Milano Centrale' railway station. Apparently she has been wonderful and has paved the way for the group to make changes in order to see everything. They passed through some spectacular scenery en route Paris and upon arrival, were met by Mme Catherine Brouchoud. After booking into their hotel, she accompanied them to Sacre Coeur and the Place du Tertre, where they spent an enjoyable evening wandering through the winding streets of Montmartre.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
4 July 2005 Gay Paris!
After an early breakfast and accompanied by their official Tour Escort, Mme Françoise Billault, they set off for a fun-filled day in Paris. The view from the Eiffel Tower was stunning and offered a wonderful perspective of this incredible city. They marvelled at the shops on the Champs Elysees and then made their way to the Louvre and Notre Dame, before enjoying some free time to explore on their own. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed Paris and all really appreciated the services of a knowledgeable and experienced guide.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
5 July 2005 Disneyland Paris
At last, the outing so many have been looking forward to --- a day at Disneyland Paris! Accompanied by the French Tour Escort, they made an early start and were prepared to tolerate queues in order to enjoy a day filled with fun and free rides in the varied theme parks. This was certainly one of the tour highlights and a memorable life experience!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
6 July 2005 Paris to London
'Au revoir' to Paris, as the happy band of travellers boarded the Eurostar to London. They arrived at Waterloo station at 11.54 am, where their coach was waiting to take them to the 3* Bayswater Inn Hotel. At 2.00pm they met with the local guide, Mrs Danielle Pagnacco and they enjoyed a 2 ½ hour guided tour of London by coach. Thereafter, they had some free time to explore the sights on their own.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
7 July 2005 Terrifying news from London
What atrocious news was released this morning and how panic-stricken everyone must have been. Everyone's worst nightmare - terrorist attacks on public transport in London. The communication network was clogged and I am so grateful to Lynn Brown who managed to contact her daughter and was given the assurance that the group was all together and that everyone was fine. I have also been in constant contact with our Land Operator, Karine Hamard from Envol Espace and she has done all she can to assist. Unfortunately the group was not able to go on the London Eye or visit Madame Tussaud's, but I am sure you will all agree that the importance of this pales into insignificance when compared to the safety of your children. I am not sure how arrangements will work out over the next two days, but for those returning to South Africa on Saturday 9 July, I can confirm that the times and flights remain unchanged. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
8 July 2005 Life goes on
I phoned Lindi Clarke again this morning and she had sensibly decided to let everyone have a long 'lie in' today. She said that everything seemed so much calmer in London and she was hopeful that they might be able to make a few of the scheduled visits. I have just received an sms from her and am pleased to report that they thoroughly enjoyed a visit to Madame Tussaud's and Covent Garden today. The London Eye is closed until tomorrow and the girls felt a little nervous to travel in the city, so they might go to the Tower of London tomorrow. Apparently life goes on in London and although less crowded, people are still shopping in Oxford street! Please note that all those extending their visit should have made firm arrangements to be collected from the hotel by 5.00pm tomorrow.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
9 July 2005 Homeward bound!
Undaunted. the girls thoroughly enjoyed their last day in London and even managed to go on the London Eye. Apparently they also had a "massive shop", claiming that it was therapeutic! It has been arranged for the coach to arrive a little earlier than scheduled in the itinerary, just in case there were any unforeseen traffic problems en route to Heathrow. By all accounts, everyone has had a wonderful time in Europe and they are very excited to return and tell all! Flight BA 057 departs at 21h00 tonight and is due to arrive in Johannesburg at 08h50 tomorrow morning. They will then cross to dom estic departures to board flight BA 6409 at 10h45, which is scheduled to arrive in Cape Town at 12h55. I have no doubt that you are all very excited to meet your children and for those who are extending their stay, enjoy! I will confirm your return flights, so no need to worry about that. Sadly 'our' tour has come to an end and I wish you all well until next time!
Written by: Jenny Peddle