CORNWALL HILL COLLEGE TOUR TO FRANCE ~ AUGUST 2005
20 August 2005 D Day!
At 4.30pm, the Cornwall Hill College group gathered at Johannesburg International and, with the assistance of the Duty Manager, everyone was issued with a boarding to Paris and Nice. After passing through passport control, all enjoyed the opportunity to browse through the tax-free boutiques, before excitedly boarding flight AF 995 to Paris, Charles de Gaulle. Travelling on Air France and being immersed in the French language and culture from the outset, is a wonderful advantage and the students have been given strict instructions to place all requests to the crew in French! The group is to spend one week at the language school in Antibes, followed by a 6 day touring addition to Paris. Arrangements are firmly in place and, all things being equal, they are in for a wonderful tour! I would really appreciate it if parents would email me any interesting snippets of news from their children, so that I can post it on the website. Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
21 August 2005 Bienvenue a la Cote d'Azur
I have heard from Mrs Armstrong and apparently they all arrived safe and sound in Nice at midday today. Claudio Porfilio, who is in charge of family placements, was at the airport to greet the group and he introduced the students to their new 'famille d'acceuil', who warmly welcomed your children into their homes for the next week. It is quite a daunting task to stay with strangers who don't speak your own language, but being thrown in at the deep end does, without doubt, reap rewards!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
22 August 2005 Bonjour a tous!
I received a lovely email from the two teachers, which I print in its entirety --- "We are all well after an extremely long trip and the kids all seem to be loving 'leurs familles d'accueil'. Antibes is gorgeous-- we have all been exploring the many little alleyways and the provencal market, where Gail and I purchased fresh raspberries, olives and pistachios. The children were very obviously caught up in the ambiance of the town and wanted to stop and take photos every few metres! They have also been exploring on their own and Mark mentioned buying food at a place where ladies were dancing on the bar (this boy has such a dry sense of humour and we all love it!) We were very enthralled by the fact that Picasso actually lived and painted right here! We also understand now why this coast is called la Cote d'Azur, as the sea is sapphire blue and very inviting! Altogether a lovely first day!" They certainly seem to be having a wonderful time!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
23 August 2005 "All is sunny and well"
More hot off the press news from Delia Armstrong and Megan-Ann Ross' mum – merci! "We all went to Cannes today, which is so very beautiful.We did a lot of walking and the kids shopped up a storm, although we keep reminding them not to spend all their money in the South! We actually don't know how people get by here, things are so incredibly expensive! The children are enjoying the little independence that they get here and are all coping well with directions etc. Megan-Ann and Christle got lost on the way to school on the first day and managed via their 'excellent' command of the French language to get the correct directions! Everyone see ms to be enjoying class and I am very impressed with Christle and Kristen, two Grade 10 girls, who were placed in a class with second language French speakers! There was lots of laughter about the barbeque at the school, with an umbrella placed in the middle of the cafeteria to create atmosphere and hotdogs representative of the typical SA 'braai'! Everyone is very relaxed, really happy and copying extremely well in this strange country!"On a financial note, please note that a decision was taken to accept the school's offer of a substantial 5 euro lunch each day – in this way we can be assured that your children have eaten sensibly prior to their afternoon excursions.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
24 August 2005 "Un groupe splendide!"
I believe that the chaperones wrote a long, detailed report on today's activities, but their computer decided to send it into cyberspace, unfortunately by-passing me! I do know, however, that everyone is well and having a wonderful time. I have been in constant contact with the MD of the school, who informs me that everyone is so impressed with this Cornwall Hill College group and there is consensus that it is "un groupe splendide!" I also know that after school today, they went by train to Monaco and that they really enjoyed the outing, marvelling at the cleanliness, beauty and obvious wealth of this small Principality.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
25 August 2005 The Fragonard Perfumery in Grasse
I received today's email from the chaperones! "Bonjour --- Grasse today! Wow what an amazing tour – I now understand why perfume costs what it does! It is such a mission to make it and produce it and soooo expensive! The children were really interested and we all bought perfume afterwards! Sophie, our 'animatrice' has really been awesome and the children warmed to her immediately, so it was sad that today was the last day to be with her. The children loved her and she said to us that they were one of the most stunning groups that she has worked with! Sabine especiall y had a great relationship with her and they joked with each other all the time! We hope to see her at the station before we leave on Saturday! Thanks Jenny, D et G"
Written by: Jenny Peddle
26 August 2005 Quelle journée!
Some more exciting news from the chaperones -- merci! "The sun was shining, the beach beautiful and the children had their last day of school while the chaperones relaxed! They enjoyed their day and spent it visiting and socializing with the many friends that they seem to have made. We went to the Picasso museum and it was incredible to think that we were walking through the rooms that Picasso used to paint in. Some of his original paintings and ceramics were displayed, as well as some sketches. Not everyone was interested, but we reminded them of the importance of the experience and to exposure to things like this. Tomorrow they will bid farewell to their host families, some of whom have fed them like kings, and board the TGV to Paris as another chapter unfolds!Au revoir G et D".
Written by: Jenny Peddle
27 August 2005 Safe arrival in Paris
I received an sms from the chaperones to say that they all enjoyed relaxing on the TGV and that the scenery was superb. Their coach was waiting for them upon arrival at Gare de Lyon and they were driven to the Hôtel Kyriad Paris Alesia. After settling down in their rooms and freshening up, they went off to explore the night life in Paris! Should you wish to telephone your children, the best time would probably be before 9.00am or late in the evening. The telephone number is 09 33 1 45 41 41 45. Should you wish to drop a line to your children, the fax number is 09 331 45 41 02 52
Written by: Jenny Peddle
28 August 2005 On the go!
I received an sms at 10.30 last night, saying that they had just arrived back at the hotel, after spending a wonderful day in Paris. Their morning started with a tour of the Louvre and then they crossed over to l'Ile de la Cite, where they visited Notre Dame and walked past la Sainte Chapelle and La Conciergerie. Then back to the right bank and a stroll up the Champs Elysees to the Arc de Triomphe. "Very hectic, but all good – everyone is well!" Bed sounded like it was going to be a very welcome place and I am sure a lazy morning is on the cards for tomorrow!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
30 August 2005 Heart warming news!
I have tried to phone the hotel 3 times to chat to the chaperones, but the group is always on the move! Mrs Armstong did, however, manage to drop me a line yesterday, for which I am very grateful and, by all accounts, they are having a wonderful time ---! "Bonjour! Sorry that it has been a while, but we have been so busy! We have walked Paris flat and have the blisters to prove it! We have seen so many sights, it's hard to take it all in. The Eiffel Tower and the Louvre were overwhelming, while the art exhibition in the Georges Pompidou Centre left much to be desired! It did, however, have the children talking and forming opinions on art! There have been many interesting and character building experiences on this trip, like fathoming the Metro with big eyes and gaping mouths in rush hour! They have grown so much in confidence and passed all tests with flying colours! The absolute best at Notre Dame was Kristen, who burst into tears as she entered, because of its overwhelming beauty! We actually climbed the tower of Notre Dame and had a gorgeous view of the Eiffel Tower from a Gargoyle's perspective. There were some moans about climbing, but they all loved being up there, seeing the bell that Quasimodo would have rung --- we didn't get to see him though! The shopping on the Champs-Elysees has proved quite fruitful for many, especially Venessa and Dela, who also insist on wearing high heel shoes wherever we go! I cannot lie, however, shopping has been quite fruitful for me too! Everyone is so excited about Disneyland tomorrow, and hopefully the Musee D'Orsay and Galeries Lafayette on Thursday, with some final shopping on Friday! So if we don't manage to write again, please forgive us and know that we are all very happy. Au revoir, D and G!" To receive such an animated report must be so reassuring for you, the parents and it is sincerely heart warming for me!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
2 September 2005 Bon retour!
I managed to speak to Delia Armstrong this morning and she filled me in on the last two days. She said that everybody, including the chaperones, loved Disneyland Paris and all braved the terrifying rides! Yesterday was spent sightseeing and many students chose to visit the Musee d'Orsay, whilst others chose to 'window shop' at Galeries Lafayette! They will pack this morning and then leave their cases at the hotel whilst they do some last minute sightseeing and souvenir shopping. This has been a very happy and successful tour and there is no doubt that you, the parents, have afforded your children the most wonderful opportunity. Their excitement to return and tell all is marred only by the thought of having to say goodbye to the many friends with whom bonds and friendships have been formed for life. Flights have been confirmed and they are scheduled to depart from Paris, Charles de Gaulle on AF990 at 23h15 tonight, arriving at Johannesburg International at 9.40am tomorrow, Saturday 3 September. I'm sure I don't have to remind or persuade you to be there and I wish you all a happy 'homecoming'! I thank you for the privilege of working with Cornwall Hill College on this enriching tour to France and a special word of gratitude must go to the two chaperones, Delia Armstrong and Gail Lumby. They have been have been a pleasure to work with and their youth, energy and enthusiasm have been inspirational. Merci, bon retour et a la prochaine ---!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
CORNWALL HILL COLLEGE TOUR TO FRANCE ~ AUGUST 2005