BISHOP BAVIN TOUR TO FRANCE & SPAIN ~ AUGUST 2008
2 August 2008 D Day!
Enfin .... the day everyone has been looking forward to for so very long has arrived! The three chaperones expertly assisted the children with the check-in procedure, which was rather traumatic for 6 students who had to repack and discard excess luggage --- on the outward journey! For those groups flying out within the next few days, please be advised that Air France is extremely strict and that 20kgs is the maximum allowance. I chatted to Mrs Buxbaum as they were preparing to board the plane and she reported that all were in high spirits and so excited about the wonderfully enriching tour which awaits them. More tomorrow ......!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
3 August 2008 Nous voila en France!
09h30 - Bienvenue en France! Mrs Buxbaum has confirmed that the flight went well, even though not much sleep was had!The children were all far too excited and opted to watch movies, play TV games and chat + took advantage of the Haagen Daz which was on offer mid-flight! I am sure that I will receive more information once they have arrived in Antibes --- so watch this space!22h00 Mrs Buxbaum reports that everyone has had a wonderful day. Upon arrival at the aeroport in Nice, they were warmly greeted by the team from le Centre International d'Antibes and then transferred to Campus Horticole. After freshening up they made their way into Antibes, where all enjoyed an orientation walk and a swim in the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea. After dinner there was a formal meeting, where the regulations of the campus were highlighted and thereafter there was time to socialize with the other students from all over the world. After a long but enjoyable day, I know that bed will be very welcome tonight!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
4 August 2008 All having a wonderful time!
I have received a lovely email from Mrs Buxbaum and they sound to be having a wonderful time! "We are all well and had a really lovely day today. They started classes this morning and all thoroughly enjoyed the lessons and have been showing off the French they learned all day! The one French teacher told me that our children are really enthusiastic and she was so happy to have them in her class! After lunch the bus took us to the station and we caught the train to Cannes.... the experience of the train was wonderful. Despite the extreme heat we walked up the hill to the old town and the view from Le Suquet was magnificent. We then visited the Palais des Festivals and took the famous pictures on the red carpet, where all felt very special! Then much shopping took place.... maybe it was to escape the heat! In the late afternoon we took the train back and had some time to relax and catch our breath in a park in Antibes before we met the bus to take us back to the Campus. After a delicious supper, there was a 'pirates party'! Our children joined in the fun and sang and danced in true South African fashion! Some quotes from some of the children: 'This holiday really rocks!' (Siya) 'C'est magnifique! It was great to get a taste of royal treatment on the red carpet in Cannes!' (Tumi) Kaluba: 'It was a nice change to see different scenery and to see different aspects of how people live and how their lives are different to ours'. (Kaluba) 'The classes were really interesting and I lost track of time as I was concentrating' (Sabelo). So you can see that all are happy and making the most of everything..... all are in very high spirits"!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
5 August 2008 Fragonard & Florian
All worked extra hard in class this morning to warrant their special afternoon excursion! After lunch, everyone boarded the air conditioned coach and travelled to Grasse, where they sampled the finest fragrances at the Fragonard Perfumery. Mercy said: "Grasse is so old and I really enjoyed it and it is a nice place to go on holiday. I loved walking around." Thereafter they continued to the Florian Confisserie, where they sampled delicious sweets, chocolates and jams! In the evening there was a barbecue outside and the atmosphere was lovely as spontaneously everyone started to sing and dance! The days are full and all are very happy and one child was overheard saying : "We hope this holiday never ends"!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
6 August 2008 All having great fun!
I received a very quick note from Mrs Buxbaum: "Classes are going really well and all are enjoying them. We had a lovely afternoon exploring la vieille ville and shopping in Antibes ... we had to give some serious tips on budgeting! Comments from our birthday boy, Martin: ' The food is very good, the rooms are comfortable, we are warmly received and it is a lot of fun! I have really enjoyed my birthday!' Everyone is looking forward to ten pin bowling tonight!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
7 August 2008 Fun in the sun at AquaSplash!
Another lovely update from the chaperones: "Today, all the 'beginners' had classes outside, where they played colour games and treasure hunts. After lunch we all made our way, along with hundreds of other French holidaymakers to the wonderful waterpark, AQUASPLASH. Everyone loved swimming and going on the exciting rides - it was great fun! After an afternoon in the sun, the bus was unusually quiet on the way home.....! Tonight there will be a cabaret evening, but I'm not sure yet who will be participating - we're certain to have some representation from South Africa though! Everyone is very happy and they all love interacting with the many new friends they have made. A quote from Adolphine: 'The school is interesting and the places are beautiful. The animateurs are very friendly and I've met some wonderful people from Ireland and Mexico - I have never met people from those countries before!".
Written by: Jenny Peddle
8 August 2008 Final day in class + Nice
This morning all were sad to say farewell to their class mates and teachers. Everyone has thoroughly enjoyed the week and they all feel more confident to express themselves in French. After lunch, the group boarded their coach to Nice, where they spent the afternoon and evening. During this time they strolled along the Promenade des Anglais, explored the winding streets of the fascinating vieille ville and invaded the designer boutiques on the Avenue Jean Medecin! It was a wonderful excursion and they only returned to the Campus at 10.30pm. With an early departure scheduled for tomorrow, there was packing to be done and final farewells to new-found friends.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
9 August 2008 En route to Perpignan
An early and sad departure from Campus Horticole this morning! The children have really loved this experience and feel enormously enriched from the exposure to inter-cultural relationships. They are looking forward to the next phase of the tour and will spend much of today on the coach, recharging their batteries for Spain. They will be staying at the Hotel Tropic in Perpignan tonight and the telephone number is +33 4 68 64 04 37.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
10 August 2008 Onward to Barcelona
This morning the group journeyed into Spain, crossing the Camargue and Catalonia en route to Barcelona. After having booked into their hotel, they made their way to the Bari Gothic Cathedral, where they watched the performance of the traditional Catalan dance, the 'Sardana'. After lunch, they visited the 'Gothic Quarter', the medieval centre of the city, which is renowned for its winding narrow cobbled streets, hidden squares, fountains and palaces.They were amazed by the beauty of La Plaça Reial & La Plaça d'Espana and in the evening they enjoyed a stroll along the seafront at Le Port de Barceloneta. Should you wish to contact your children, herewith the details of the Catalonia Castellnou hotel: Télephone : + 34 93 445 15 30 and Fax : + 34 93 317 11 5561
Written by: Jenny Peddle
11 August 2008 Day dedicated to Antoni Gaudi
Today focused on Barcelona's famous architect, Antoni Gaudi. The group met with their coach driver & guide in front of their hotel and they made their way to Park Güell, which is situated on a hill overlooking Barcelona, offering the most beautiful panoramic view of the city. They then visited La Pedrera, which is one of Gaudi's finest and most ambitious creations, before enjoying lunch in the Parc de la Ciutadella. After a visit to the Gaudi Casa-Museum, they visited Gaudi's stunning unfinished Cathedral, La Sagrada Familia, where they took an elevator up the magnificent spires. They then walked to the port, where they came upon some musicians from South America. They really enjoyed their music and many tourists took pictures of the children dancing with them - especially of Mrs Mabaso as she moved to the rhythm! This was a very special moment for everyone. They then found a very nice Moroccan restaurant which gave a special price for a three course meal. Likeleli spoke for all as he deemed the meal 'delicious' and the manager claimed that he knew how to treat people from Africa! Some comments from the birthday girl, Khensane Sono: "What a supa dupa day! I have learned new things about Gaudi and really enjoyed Sagrada. Parc Guell was so interesting and I loved the intricate ceramic designs. We all enjoyed shopping around Place Catalanya, where we saw different styles of clothing... but nothing we could afford! What a lovely birthday!"
Written by: Jenny Peddle
12 August 2008 A wonderful day in Barcelona!
The words of Sabelo Hlongwane sum up today: "This was the highlight of the tour and the best day of my life!" Mrs Buxbaum continues: "Accompanied by our guide, we took the funicular to Montjuic and the Olympic buildings were really impressive. After a snack lunch at the Barcelona World Trade Centre on the harbour, we then visited the Camp Nou Stadium, the home ground for Barcelona's biggest and most popular team, F.C. Barcelona. It is one of Europe's greatest 'footballing cathedrals and boasts the biggest stadium in Europe, with a capacity of 98,600 people! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the tour, which included the change rooms, the presidential seating area, the press room (where the players are interviewed after the matches), the museum and of course the souvenir shops, which were absolutely packed! We managed to find some under 19 Brazilian soccer players, so we were able to take some pictures with some real live soccer players! We spent just over two hours there and then we made our way by metro to Las Ramblas, Barcelona's famous tile covered, tree-lined Pedestrian Boulevard and the busiest, most lively street of the city, where we ate dinner."
Written by: Jenny Peddle
13 August 2008 Onward to Madrid!
The group made an early start this morning as they boarded their luxury train to Madrid. It was a very comfortable journey and gave everyone an opportunity to catch up on some much needed sleep. Upon arrival, they were transferred to their hotel, where they had some time to freshen up, before their informal walking tour. They passed the Plaza de Cibeles, with its beautiful fountain and then walked to the plaza Puerta del Sol, which is Madrid's central point and a busy shopping area. The Gran Via, which translates as "Broadway" is the busiest avenue in Madrid and people were out walking, riding, skateboarding...a constant buzz! They ate in the impressive Plaza Mayor and at sunset, they walked past the Palacio Real, Madrid's Royal Palace, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful buildings in Madrid. Sandile Tati's comment sums up the day: "Every second was memorable...if you closed your eyes for just one second, you would lose out on one of life's treasures!" I remind you that you may contact Mrs Buxbaum by sms on 00 27 82 573 3302 or you may call her on 00 33 6 26 85 49 23. They will be staying at Hotel San Antonio de la Florida and their contact details are Tel: 00 34 91 547 1400 and Fax: 00 34 91 559 0951
Written by: Jenny Peddle
14 August 2008 Excursion to Toledo
Accompanied by a local guide, the group set off on a private coach to Toledo, a quaint medieval city which is built on top of a hill and surrounded on three sides by the Tagus River. It was the ancient capital of Spain and remains today as the religious capital. They visited famous sights like the Cathedral, Santo Tomé and Sinagoga Santa Maria la Blanca, the only synagogue still standing in Spain. Everyone dressed up to the 9's in the evening and all the children looked like film stars for the outing to the Corral de la Pacheca, one of the most famous flamenco tablaos in the world. They thoroughly enjoyed an authentic Spanish meal, while watching performances by renowned international flamenco music and dance artists. They are all getting along so well and the consensus is that "the tour is amazing/unbelievable!" Kwezi Hoga said:" I am really loving the French tour and so enjoy learning about other cultures!"
Written by: Jenny Peddle
15 August 2008 Prado and on to Paris!
This morning the group had a guided visit to the Prado Art Gallery, which houses one of the finest collections in the world. Adolphine said that everything was so impressive and Kaluba confirmed that the tour was really educational. They have all become such confident & well seasoned travelers and they spent the afternoon negotiating their way around Madrid on the underground! They are scheduled to arrive in Paris, Charles de Gaulle at 21h35 tonight, where a coach will be waiting to transfer them to their hotel. They will spend the next 4 nights in the Hotel Campanile Bastille and the contact details are: Tel - 00 33 1 43 38 58 08 Fax - 00 33 1 43 38 52 28
Written by: Jenny Peddle
16 August 2008 Musee du Louvre + Champs Elysees
The hotel is lovely and so well situated. After a very good breakfast, all made their way by metro to the Musée du Louvre, where a guided tour was scheduled for 10.00am. They all thoroughly enjoyed the visit and realized that this wonderful museum houses much more than just the Mona Lisa! They then strolled through the Tuileries Gardens, where many opted to take a ride on the gigantic Ferris Wheel! Then, passing the Place de la Concorde, they entered the famous Champs Elysees, where all were given free time to do some serious shopping! Thereafter, they all gathered at the Arc de Triomphe and the decision was taken to visit La Defense, which is dominated by la Grande Arche. It was here sadly that the fun & laughter was interrupted, as Tumi Ntsoko suddenly slipped and dislocated her knee cap. The ambulance had to be called and she was taken off to the nearest hospital. Although not broken, she will have to wear a brace and walk on crutches, but the students have been so sympathetic and wonderfully supportive, giving her lots of TLC. I am in awe of the chaperones' response to this situation and Tumi could not be in more responsible and compassionate hands. The Travel Insurance Company has also been marvellous and worthy of the highest praise.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
17 August 2008 Musee Grevin + Eiffel Tower!
This morning the group set off for their visit to the Musée Grévin, which is a fascinating waxwork museum. Thereafter, they were quick to spot a McDonald's, where everyone enjoyed lunch... not very French, but very good value for money! They then made their way to the Eiffel Tower and there were shrieks of delight as they ascended to the 3rd floor for a magnificent view over this enchanting city. The evening was spent exploring the Latin Quarter on the left bank and all thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
18 August 2008 Galeries Lafayette + Montmartre
This morning the group visited Galéries Lafayette, the largest department store in Europe. Although renowned for its exorbitant prices, this national monument certainly warrants a visit. Built in 1912, it comprises 10 stories and boasts a beautiful glass & steel dome and Art Nouveau staircase. They then made their way to the Opera Garnier, which is another magnificent building and also a national monument. After lunch, all returned to the Champs Elysees, where they watched a movie in French - quite an experience! In the late afternoon they made their way to Montmartre, where they climbed the seemingly endless steps to the basilica Sacré Coeur! Thereafter they had free time to spend in the Place du Tertre, where some managed to negotiate a good price and have their portrait painted! Yet another wonderful day in Gay Paris!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
19 August 2008 Merci beaucoup et au revoir!
After so much planning and all the excitement & build-up, it is hard to believe that today marks the end of the tour. This morning all made their way to the Rue de Rivoli and the Bastille area, where they had time to browse and explore. In the late afternoon, they returned to their hotel to collect their luggage and a coach then transferred them to Roissy Charles de Gaulle. Everyone had been so very worried about having to pay for overweight luggage, but all amazingly escaped this penalty! The children will return with mixed emotions and whilst they are all obviously looking forward to seeing family and friends back home , everyone will be left with a sense of sadness at having to say farewell to people they have grown so accustomed to seeing on a daily basis. As parents, you have certainly afforded your children the most wonderful opportunity and I have no doubt that each and every child will return not only academically enriched, but enriched as a person, having matured and grown in confidence. To act 'in loco parentis' for 3 weeks is no mean task and I sincerely hope that the love and care of the 3 chaperones will not have gone unnoticed. Denise Buxbaum, SueAnne Radebe and Cathy Davids are a formidable team and they went far beyond the call of duty to ensure that your children were well cared for and happy. They have been a pleasure to work with and their dedication, energy and enthusiasm have been inspirational. The return flight has been confirmed and the group is to depart Paris tonight at 23h15 on AF 990, arriving at OR Tambo tomorrow morning (Wednesday 20 August) at 09h40. I can only imagine how excited the Bishop Bavin families are to see their beloved daughters, sons, sisters & brothers once again and to hear their many wonderful anecdotes They will all most certainly be exhausted and although the stories may not be immediately forthcoming, they will reveal themselves in the days, months and years to come! It has been a joy to work once again with Bishop Bavin and it remains for me to say 'merci beaucoup' for the privilege of orchestrating this tour. I wish you all a very happy home-coming and I look forward to our next tour ... a la prochaine!
Written by: Jenny Peddle