MARIS STELLA CULTURAL TOUR ~ JUNE 2010
7 June 2010 D Day!
With great excitement and much chatter, everyone gathered at the new King Shaka International airport to check in for their domestic leg to Johannesburg. When I spoke to Mrs Matheson she reported that all had gone smoothly and that the girls were in high spirits! Apparently ORT is a-buzz with World Cup fever and the vuvuzelas were resounding in ear-splitting fashion! The girls were so excited to have witnessed the arrival of the Brazilian team and the word is that there are some 'gorgeous specimens'! I know that they will all be treated to good service on board Air France and can't wait to hear of their safe arrival in Zurich! What a wonderful experience for the group and I hope all the mums are feeling fine....?!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
8 June 2010 Safe arrival!
I received an sms just after lunch to say that all had arrived safely and whilst quite weary, everyone was in good spirits! They were all delighted with their hotel and after such a long journey, I am sure this was a welcome treat! I have subsequently spoken directly to the chaperones who said that they had all had such a wonderful day, with a really interesting guided walk followed by a delicious dinner. The girls are now safely in bed and I should imagine fast asleep! A reminder that the hotel telephone number is 00 41 412 480 480 and should you wish to drop a line to your daughters, the fax number is 00 41 412 480 490.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
9 June 2010 Excursion to Engelberg
I am sure that everyone really enjoyed a good night's sleep and felt refreshed this morning. I have not heard from the chaperones today but know that they will be enjoying their excursion to Engelberg and their cable car ride up Mount Titlis. Tonight they have their authentic Swiss fondue + show, which is always guaraneed to be great fun! I leave for France tonight with a group and remind you that my mobile number in France is 00 33 6 18 43 14 00. I will update the site tomorrow night once we have settled into our hotel ~ your group will then be in Lido di Jeselo ~ lucky girls!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
10 June 2010 Switzerland to Italy
I received a text message at 5.00pm today to say that they were nearly in Venice but I have not heard anything further. I have no reason to doubt that all are fine and suspect that they are enjoying the pleasures of a luxury hotel on Lido di Jeselo after a long coach tour. Hopefully I will have something more meaningful tomorrow ~ any news from parents would be welcome too! A reminder of the contact details of the hotel: Telephone 00 39 0421 380 988 and Fax 00 39 0421 93056.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
11 June 2010 Exploring Venice
I had really hoped to have some interesting snippets to share with you, but all I have received is a short text to say that the girls are happy, in good health and throroughly enjoying themselves... which is after all the most important thing for a parent to hear! They leave for Florence tomorrow so maybe some more news en route....
Written by: Jenny Peddle
12 June 2010 Safe arrival in Florence
Not much hot off the press news I'm afraid, except to say that I received confirmation that all have arrived safely and happily in Florence. A reminder that the hotel contact details for the next 2 nights are: Tel: 00 39 055 496 645 Fax: 00 39 055 496 447.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
13 June 2010 A wonderful day in Firenze!
This morning the girls enjoyed a visit to the Galleria dell'Accademia, where they saw Michelangelo's magnificent sculpture of David and several other masterful works of art. Their guide joined them as they exited and they then embarked on a 2 hour walking tour of Florence, passing the Duomo, the Baptistry, the Uffizi Museum, Ponte Vecchio, to mention but a few. The afternoon was devoted to shopping ~ such a popular pastime for girls and I have no doubt that all made excellent use of these precious hours!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
14 June 2010 Onward along the Italian Riviera to Ameglia
How I wish I had some news for you and I have sent a desperate request to the chaperones ~ I can only imagine that they are all are so busy having fun that there is no time to write! A free morning in Florence was scheduled today before departing to Pisa and thereafter a journey along the Italian Riviera to Ameglia. Should you wish to contact your girls, a reminder that the telephone number is 00 39 018 760 0501 and the fax number is 00 39 018 760 0500.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
15 June 2010 Summary of news!
I am delighted to have just received a fax from Mrs Matheson and herewith a summary of events to date... Everyone loved the hotel in Switzerland ~ the breakfasts were huge and the beds so snug! Unfortunately the wind was too strong to ascend to the summit of Mount Titlis, but they were really happy to play in the snow and make snowmen, with the SA flag flying proudly on top! The authentic Swiss folk evening was a great success and had the girls booming forth with Shoshaloza (sp?!) Onward then to Lido, where the food was wonderful and the waiters so attentive, spoiling the girls thoroughly! Luckily the group was booked on private vaporettos for their excursion in Venice, since there was a public transport strike on at the time. The hotel in Florence was perfectly situated and the girls apparently 'shopped til they dropped'! The guide was really informative and they all learnt a great deal on the walking tour ~ some even climbed to the top of the Duomo! A few girls attended Mass with Mrs Rawlinson and they were enthralled by this experience. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed their day in Cinque Terra today, with the highlights being the boat trip and the swim in the calm, warm waters at Manarola. Tomorrow they say arrivederci to Italy and bonjour to France!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
16 June 2010 Bienvenue en France!
All mums can relax! The flash floods which swept through south eastern France and devastated the picturesque region in the hills behind the Riviera have not affected the group in any way ~ in fact, when I phoned to check on them, they were all blissfully unaware of this phenomenon! I am just praying that the sun continues to shine and that the wind abates so that their afternoon of sailing is not interrupted tomorrow. They really enjoyed their visit to Monaco today and as they approached Nice with the magnificent views and sparkling azure blue waters, all understood why this region is called the Côte d'Azur. They then drove along the beautiful Promenade des Anglais, lined with its legendary palm trees and pebble beaches, before arriving at the vibey summer seaside resort of Juan les Pins. Should you wish to contact your girls, a reminder that the telephone number is 00 33 4 92 93 32 60 and the fax number is 00 33 4 92 93 32 61.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
17 June 2010 Lovely Antibes, but sadly no sailing...
This morning the group travelled by train to neighbouring Antibes, which is a veritable gem on the French Riviera. The girls thoroughly enjoyed exploring the quaint 'vieille ville', buying authentic souvenirs at the marché provenc?al and strolling amongst the impressive array of yachts. Sadly, with the inclement weather, the sailing experience had to be cancelled, but this was replaced with a fun afternoon of 10-pin bowling, which apparently was a great success!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
18 June 2010 Relaxing last day on the Côte d'Azur
The morning commenced with an excursion to St Paul de Vence ~ a perched mediaeval village with magnificent view s. It is renowned as an artists' haven and boasts numerous galleries, which display a wide range of sculptures, paintings and ceramic works of art. Thereafter the group travelled to Grasse, known as the 'balcony of Provence' and home to French perfume. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the guided visit of the Fragonard Perfumery as well as the shopping spree in their on-site boutique! Their final stop was in Cannes, where the girls posed for photographs on the famous red carpet in front of the Palais des Congrès. The designer shops on La Croisette were breathtaking, but completely out of budget, so they returned to the idyllic setting of Juan les Pins to relax and enjoy their last afternoon on the Côte d'Azur.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
19 June 2010 Bienvenue a Paris!
It was with great joy that I met the Maris Stella group on the platform at Gare de Lyon this morning. All had enjoyed the journey from the south and everyone was looking forward to the last leg in Paris. We made our way directly by coach to the hotel, where the girls had some time to freshen up and change clothes, before heading off for their afternoon excursion by metro, which was a first for many and very exciting! We alighted at Trocedero, where there is a stunning perspective of the Eiffel Tower and after several photo shoots on the elevated balcony, we strolled down to the River Seine for more photos! With no queuing, the girls made their way up to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower for a spectacular view over Paris and then they regrouped at 5.00pm for a relaxing and informative cruise on the river. On the return journey, they took the opportunity of visiting Galéries Lafayette, since it lies on a direct routing back to the hotel. All are looking forward to an early night in order to recharge batteries for another full day tomorrow. Should you wish to contact your girls, a reminder of the hotel contact details: Telephone - 00 33 1 40 34 38 38 Fax – 00 33 1 40 34 38 50.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
20 June 2010 A wonderful day in Paris!
After a refreshing night's sleep and an excellent breakfast, all made their way to the Champs Elysées, where the girls had 3 glorious hours to explore the amazing boutiques along this world famous avenue. At 2.00pm they enjoyed a visit to Musée du Louvre, where the 'conférencier' guided them expertly through the famous works of art, using the intimate and very effective 'whisper' system. After off-loading the day's purchases at the hotel, the group continued on to the oldest district in Paris ~ Montmartre, where they visited the beautiful basilica of Sacré Coeur, before wandering through the Place du Tertre and here many were tempted to have their portrait painted! After dinner tonight, the group will board a coach and enjoy an exciting guided tour of Paris by night ~ something they have all really been looking forward to! Please note that I will be leaving Paris tonight and will be back on SA soil on Monday 21 June.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
21 June 2010 Disneyland Paris!
I flew back to South Africa last night with the Sutherland group and I am now happily back home in the Cape! My thoughts have been with the Maris Stella girls and I sincerely hope that their last full day in France was sunny and that they had an amazing experience at Disneyland Paris. I will write tomorrow morning with the details pertaining to the final arrangements....
Written by: Jenny Peddle
22 June 2010 Homeward bound!
Today marks their final day on tour and after breakfast everyone travelled by metro to the magnificent cathedral of Notre Dame. There was time for a quick stroll through the famous Latin Quarter, before returning to the hotel for their coach transfer to Roissy Charles de Gaulle. All flight arrangements have been confirmed and the group is due to depart Paris on AF 994 @ 19h10 tonight ~ IF Bafana Bafana beat France, I hope they still allow them to board!! They are scheduled to arrive at OR Tambo @ 5.40am tomorrow and their domestic leg on JE 245 will depart ORT @ 9.55am. I am sure there is no need to remind parents to be at King Shaka International Airport by 11.00am on Wednesday 23 June and I can only imagine how excited you must all be to see your precious daughters again! It has been my privilege and very real pleasure to orchestrate this 4th cultural tour for Maris Stella and by all accounts it has been a tremendous success. Mrs Matheson and Mrs Rawlinson have been outstanding and the girls have been very fortunate to have travelled with such experienced chaperones. The tour has been filled with such happy and valuable memories and the firm bonds of friendships which have been made will last a lifetime. The girls will all most certainly be exhausted and somewhat 'jet lagged' and although the stories may not be immediately forthcoming, they will continue to reveal themselves in the days, months and years to come! It remains for me to wish you all a very happy home-coming ~ au revoir & arrivederci!
Written by: Jenny Peddle