MARIS STELLA CULTURAL TOUR TO EUROPE ~ June 2004
20 June 2004 D Day!
This page will be updated tonight once I have had a chance to speak with the chaperone, Mrs Rose Matheson. So, watch this space and please don't hesitate to contact me if you have any interesting "snippets'" of information! 10.00pm! Just to let you know that all is well and that the group is in fine spirits! A short delay in Durban, but on schedule in Johannesburg - more news tomorrow!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
21 June 2004 Roma!
After an exciting flight via Dubai, the group arrived safe and sound in Rome. Without much time to even catch their breath, they were whisked away to the Vatican City, where they marvelled at the Sistene Chapel. Tonight they will be at the Spanish Steps and at the Trevi Fountain - throwing in coins to ensure their return to the Eternal City!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
22 June 2004 Onward to Florence
The girls are obviously too busy or too tired to communicate with home! However, word has it that they have had a marvellous day, visiting the Colosseum and Forum Romanum and they have arrived safely in the "Jewel of the Renaissance".
Written by: Jenny Peddle
23 June 2004 Shopping in Florence
The hotel in Florence is centrally situated and although small by South African standards, it is perfectly clean and within minutes walk from the Duomo. After a good night's rest, the day started with a guided tour of this city and in the afternoon there was free time to wander amongst the fascinating streets and do some window shopping. The ice cream is apparently "to die for!"
Written by: Jenny Peddle
24 June 2004 Magical Venice!
What a lovely day! Pisa was the first stop en route to Venice, where they all adopted the classic pose of holding up the "leaning tower" for the camera! Then, onward to magical Venice and to their hotel in Lido di Jeselo. "Mum, what a brilliant hotel -- we can see the sea and we're off for a swim in waters which are as flat as a dam". Wonderful words of enthusiasm to hear!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
25 June 2004 Cruising by Vaporetto through the Venetian canals
The group met their local English speaking guide at 11.00am near the exit of the Doges Palace in St Mark's Square and were given an orientation tour of this magical city. Thereafter, they used their day-vaporetto tickets to cruise along the Venetian canals and explore on their own. The day ended with dinner at Ristorante Chinellato in Venice, before returning to their hotel in Lido di Jeselo.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
26 June 2004 Onward to Milan via Lake Garda
At 9.30am the group said a fond farewell to Venice and commenced their coach journey to Milan, passing through Verona and stopping for a relaxing lunch at picturesque Lake Garda. A self service dinner was served at a local restaurant in Milan before they were transferred to the station where they waitied with great anticipation/trepidation for their ovenight train trip to Paris!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
27 June 2004 Bienvenue a Paris
Overnight train travel in Europe is apparently not the most comfortable, and it was with some relief that they arrived in Paris and boarded their coach to the hotel! Their first impressions --- Paris is "dirty!" --- but I'm sure this will change before they leave on Wednesday. They had some time to relax and recharge their batteries, before setting off to explore the sights.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
28 June 2004 Disneyland Paris!
An early start and a day filled with fun and free rides in the varied theme parks --- certainly one of the tour highlights and a memorable life experience!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
29 June 2004 Gay Paris!
Numerous SMS's from the top of the Eiffel Tower -- "what an awesome and breathtaking view!" Thereafter a day filled with sightseeing and shopping --- the appeal of Paris is now apparent!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
30 June 2004 Au revoir a Paris
The coach transferred the group to the Gare du Nord where, at 9.45am they boarded the Eurostar bound for London. There was great excitement crossing the English Channel and experiencing this incredible feat of engineering. Upon arrival at Waterloo Station, they were greeted by their local tour guide who enthralled them with a 2 ½ hour conducted tour by coach of this exhilarating city. First impressions of London --- "it's so busy!" The hotel was very much to their liking and, after settling in, they decided where to eat their evening meal before having a relatively early night.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
1 July 2004 "London is amazing!"
Their first taste of the London Underground --- I'm pleased to report that no one was lost! They enjoyed a visit to Madame Tussaud's, Picaddily Circus and then an introduction to "those magnificent shops!" Luckily everyone has been budgeting wisely and they have enough money to enjoy them without having to phone home for "top-ups". There was great excitement in the evening as they prepared to dress up for their choice of West End productions - "Blood Brothers".
Written by: Jenny Peddle
2 July 2004 London Sightseeing
Even the rain couldn't dampen their spirits as they absorbed all London had to offer. They became so adept at catching the Underground and they even managed to fathom out the intricate bus routes! The London Eye was a favourite and provided a wonderful perspective of this magnificent city.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
3 July 2004 Fond farewell
There was a sense of sadness as the final day of their cultural tour dawned. They all felt so privileged and grateful to have been given this wonderful opportunity to share two weeks in Europe with their school friends. The multitude of memories made will last for a lifetime.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
4 July 2004 So many stories!
Having boarded their plane at Gatwick, they spent a few hours in transit in Dubai, before continuing their journey to Johannesburg. With very little time to connect, they booked onto their domestic flight (by the skin of their teeth + a few grey hairs from my side!) and arrived at Durban International to the joy and warmth of their families. The tour was a resounding success and the incessant chatter and laughter bore witness to this. A la prochaiine---!
Written by: Jenny Peddle