BISHOP BAVIN/WOODLANDS TOUR TO EUROPE ~ AUGUST 2006
6 August 2006 Europe here we come!
A group of very excited, although somewhat apprehensive, youngsters gathered at Johannesburg International this evening. Many Mums needed a reassuring hug and if truth be told, some of the Dad's could have done with one too! Saying farewell is always hard, but as my beloved father used to wisely say, "If you don't say goodbye, you cannot say hello!" The group has the most awesome tour ahead of them and the chaperones will take very good care of your children – I promise! I am travelling on the same flight to Paris and then connecting to Nice with the group, so I will be able to post some 'hot off the press news' tomorrow night! I will also be spending Tuesday with them, watching the students in class and then joining them on their excursion. I will be checking my emails daily and my cell number in France is 09 33 6 18 55 78 25. If you have any emergencies within the next 24 hours, please contact my husband, Clive on 082 454 9746. A demain!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
7 August 2006 Everyone loves Antibes!
Bonjour! We all had such a lovely flight and the group were in such high spirits throughout the journey. Much seat swapping took place and one would have been forgiven for thinking that there were celebrities on board, based on the number of photos that were taken! The crew and other passengers were very impressed with the children's friendliness and their behaviour - hearing them clap upon arrival in Paris and Nice was so heartwarming! We arrived in Paris at just before 6.30 am and then had quite a long wait until our departure flight to Nice. We were so blessed to arrive on such a beautiful and sunny day and everyone has already fallen in love with this idyllic part of the world. We were warmly greeted by Sophien and Erique from the language school, who helped load the cases onto the luxury coach. We then went straight to Campus Horticole, where we thoroughly enjoyed the wonderful spread which they put on for lunch - the 'plat du jour' of chicken and potatoes, PLUS a variety of cold meats, salads, fruits, desserts, cheeses etc etc. They were then given their written and oral tests, after which they settled into their rooms and unpacked. After a short rest, they were taken on an orientation tour of Antibes and they all fell in love with this beautiful town. When they returned, they enjoyed a swim and then were treated to another sumptious meal! At dinner, everyone sang ' Bon anniversaire' to Nomai! After some soccer, games were organized for the evening and Nkulu won the prize for the Treasure Hunt! They are all exceedingly happy and delighted to be mixing with so many children from all over the world. Personally, I am reassured to see how professionally the school handles all these youngsters and I can guarantee that your precious children will have a marvelous week on the Cote d' Azur!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
8 August 2006 Sailing on the Mediterranean
Please note that I have updated yesterday' s page and inserted reports of their evening activies. This morning the children attended class and they really enjoyed the lessons - "We can't believe that learning can be so much fun!" After lunch, they went by coach to the sailing club, where they all spent the afternoon swimming and sailing on the Med! The day was absolutely perfect for this,with clear blue skies and just enough wind to make it exciting. I joined them for this outing and have new-found respect for all sailors! Only a few of us got to master those sails and I was certainly not one of them! We had such fun and laughed a lot. In the evening there was an 'International Football Match' and the South Africans were very proud to make the finals! After cooling off in the swimming pool and chatting to new-found friends, they made their weary way to bed! Quelle journee!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
9 August 2006 Outing to Cannes and Juan les Pins
After another stimulating morning in class, the group travelled by train to Cannes, which they thoroughly enjoyed - even the few drops of rain couldn' t dampen their spirits! After dinner in the residence, they boarded their coach and travelled to neighbouring Juan les Pins. This is a tourist mecca and is a definite ' must-see' in summer. The shops stay open til all hours, people dine on the beach, there is live music and dancing -- generally very festive! But to top it all, once a year they have a fireworks' display and it happened to be last night! I can honestly say that I have NEVER seen such a fine spectacle and we were all very privileged to witness it. The evening will certainly be listed as a highlight of the tour and they returned to Horticole just before midnight, having had the most superb day!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
10 August 2006 Excursion to Grasse + cabaret!
The educators at the school have complimented our South African students on numerous occasions, saying that they are a pleasure to teach and that they add a 'special flavour' to the classes - bravo! In the afternoon, the group visited the perfumery in Grasse and then they enjoyed some free time wandering through the quaint little streets in the 'vieille ville'. After dinner they took part in the fun 'cabaret' evening and once again the SA group was complimented on their initiative and talet! The evening concluded with an open-air disco-- yet another full and very enjoyable day!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
11 August 2006 Final day on the Cote d'Azur
Today was their final morning in class and they were the proud recipients of their achievement certificates. All were sad to say farewell to their classmates and their teachers, but a healthy lunch and the thought of an exciting outing seemed to help! They traveled by train to Monaco and they really enjoyed seeing the Grimaldi palace and the cathedral, where Princess Grace and Prince Rainier have been laid to rest. They were given the opportunity to visit the Oceanarium, but many chose to spend this time shopping in the quaint streets of Monte Carlo. Their final evening was spent with other international students in Juan-les-Pins and what a wonderful final memory this was of the Cote d'Azur!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
12 August 2006 Provence to Tuscanny
It's always sad to say goodbye to new friends, but at 8.00am the luxury coach arrived and it was farewell to Campus Horticole. The journey to Florence was long, but it was an excellent time for everyone to 'chill' and recharge their batteries. They were fortunate to have a wonderful chauffeur, who kept them well informed along the way and they stopped for lunch in Pisa, where everyone took the famous picture of 'holding up' the Leaning Tower! They arrived at their hotel in Florence in the early evening and the chauffeur praised and thanked the children for their excellent behaviour on the coach. After checking into their rooms, they made their way to a nearby restaurant, where dinner had been arranged for tonight. All are very happy and looking forward to the next leg of the tour.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
13 August 2006 Rave reviews from Florence
Everyone has fallen in love with Florence! They all thoroughly enjoyed the 3 hour guided orientation walking tour in the morning and were in awe of Michelangelo's 'David' in the Galleria dell Academia. After dinner they made their way to the Ponte Vecchio, where they soaked up the ambience of Florence by night. The hotel is apparently very much to their liking and there have been rave review s about the rooms and the dinners!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
14 August 2006 Onward to magical Venice
I received an sms from Denise Buxbaum this morning whilst on the coach to magical Venice. She reported that all the children were well and that everything was running like clockwork. She did, however, ask me to inform you that the phone cards, which were purchased in France, do not appear to be working in Italy. You may contact your children at the hotel tonight and tomorrow on 09 39 0422 853 205. The best time would be in the morning before 8.30am or around dinner-time, which is 6.00pm. If you would like to send a fax, the number is 09 39 0422 853 540. In an emergency, Mrs Denise Buxbaum may be contacted on + 27 82 573 3302 and I am now back in SA again!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
15 August 2006 Heart-warming news!
I received such heartwarming news from Mrs Buxbaum today and print it in its entirety: "We have just had a wonderful dinner at this homely, beautiful, 'countryside-ish' hotel, where the children played soccer before dinner! It is so green and picturesque and there is a very relaxed atmosphere—just what we needed after all the crowds in Venice, where it is jam packed with tourists and there are also 'pedestrian' traffic jams! We had a very helpful and informative guide for our 3 hour orientation walk, but I caused some consternation as I left the group to seek comfort for my poor aching feet! Everyone loved the vaporettos! Here are some snippets from the children: 'Awesome – we are more than lucky to have this incredible experience' (Byron); 'It's so nice to see the real world!' (Tumi); 'Perfection does not even explain how good this tour is!' (Sabelo); 'Everything is so great and I can't wait to see what is still in store for us!' (Staci-Lee); 'The hotels are beautiful!' (Lisa); 'We're having the time of our lives - it's really lovely to see the kids so happy!' (SueAnn Radebe)." Needless to say, I am overjoyed with this report!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
16 August 2006 Onward to Milan
I received another fax from Denise Buxbaum this morning and she reports: "We had such a lovely day yesterday! Our hotel has been splendid and our charming hosts have really spoilt us! We were all amazed by the opulence of the Doge's Palace and everyone thought the Bridge of Sighs was 'awesome'! Whilst some went shopping, SueAnn, Cathy, Mmuso, Lungi, Tintswalo and I went on a gondola! It was such a lovely experience and it was so restful – a wonderful way to escape the crowds! Burano was as pretty as a picture, so unique and colourful, boasting incredible lace-work and everyone enjoyed the glass blowing at Murano. They especially enjoyed the two young Italian guys who took us all over on the vaporetto! Everything has run like clockwork and hats off to all the meticulous organization of the tour so far". This is indeed heart-warming news for me to receive and I hope that you are enjoying following the tour with your children via this website. The group left the hotel bright and early this morning and were excited at the prospect of seeing Milan. Unfortunately it was raining in Verona, but they managed to see Juliet's balcony, which was lovely. At lake Garda, they enjoyed a quick pizza and pasta lunch, before continuing on to the capital of Lombardy. They found this a very impressive city and the guide was extremely knowledgeable and informative. Just one complaint – they could have done with more time to shop! Their hotel was very much to their liking and after a delicious dinner in a nearby restaurant, they all took full advantage of the comfortable beds! Should you wish to contact your children tonight, the telephone number at the hotel is 09 39 02 669 0541 and the fax is 09 39 02 669 80352.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
17 August 2006 Switzerland is so beautiful!
(Please note that I have added to yesterday's entry!) Apparently everyone is unanimous in thinking that Switzerland is 'really beautiful'! They had three wonderful visits today, the first being to the 12th century Chateau Chillon, which is situated on the edge of the Lake and the second to the cheese factory at Pringy, where they were given a wide variety of cheeses to sample. The third visit and undoubtedly the highlight of the day, was to the chocolate factory in Broc, where they tasted and bought an unbelievable amount! They are staying in a quaint Swiss village, Corsier-Sur-Vevey and should you wish to contact your children over the next few days, please phone 09 41 21 921 12 87 (for the girls) and 09 41 21 921 47 81 (for the boys).
Written by: Jenny Peddle
18 August 2006 An 'awesome' alpine wonderland
Everyone woke up very excited at the thought of taking the world's longest cable car journey up to the summit of the Schilthorn. They boarded their coach at 8.00am and drove past beautiful lakes and quaint Swiss villages in the Lauterbrunnen Valley to Stechelberg, where they 'bravely' entered the car! The views from the summit were breathtaking and will remain indelibly printed in everyone's memory for life. They ate lunch in the world's first revolving restaurant, which was a wonderful experience. In the late afternoon they did some shopping in Corsier-sur-Vevey, before enjoying a delicious dinner and a fairly early night. 'What an 'awesome' day in this alpine wonderland!'
Written by: Jenny Peddle
19 August 2006 Such interest in Geneva
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the orientation tour of Geneva and they absolutely loved the conducted tour of the United Nations. Their guide was wonderful and responded so intelligently to the many questions that the group posed. They were so engrossed in the tour that they nearly missed their cruise on Lake Geneva, but fortunately they didn't, because this too was a highlight. After this they returned by coach to the hotel where they ate dinner and then spent a relaxing evening packing for their departure to Paris.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
20 August 2006 Nous voila a Paris!
I received a fax from Denise Buxbaum this morning, who reports that all are safely in Paris and are more than happy with their hotel and the sumptuous breakfasts! Owing to some confusion with the train from Montreux, they arrived in Paris later than scheduled, but they were still able to make their way up to the Montmartre district. They really loved the beauty of the white basilica of Sacre Coeur and the vibrant atmosphere of the Place du Tertre. With a full day ahead of them in Paris tomorrow, all looked forward to a good night's rest to recharge their batteries!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
21 August 2006 Quelle journee!
The day started with a stroll along the world's most famous boulevard, l'Avenue des Champs Elysees and all absolutely loved the shops! They then made their way through the Tuileries Gardens to the Louvre, where they enjoyed a two-hour visit --- "the Mona Lisa's so small!" After this they crossed over to l'Ile de la Cite, where they marvelled at the beautiful rose windows of Notre Dame. They all then enjoyed some free time and met later for dinner in the vibrant Latin Quarter. Quelle journee!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
22 August 2006 So much to see in Paris!
With another full day ahead, the children fortified themselves with a hearty breakfast and then travelled by RER to Versailles, which they all found "absolutely incredible!" After lunch the group returned to Paris and enjoyed a relaxing cruise on the River Seine. The weather was beautiful and they were treated to the most beautiful view over Paris from the top of the Eiffel Tower. They decided to return to the Latin Quarter to share a 'last supper' together, before making their way back to their hotel to relax, chat with friends and pack.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
23 August 2006 All good things come to an end!
The final day on tour and what varying emotions everyone will be feeling. They have all bonded so well as a group and become such good friends, that it will be very sad to say goodbye. The memories they have made and shared over the past few weeks will enrich their lives forever and as parents, you have afforded your children a precious gift indeed. All flights are confirmed and the group is to depart on AF 990 at 23h15 arriving in Johannesburg at 09h40 on Thursday 24 August. I have advised the chaperones that, at this stage, Air France has not imposed any restrictions on hand luggage for those passengers flying to South Africa, but if anyone is concerned, they should rather pack liquids, gels and creams into their checked baggage. I have also reminded the chaperones that Air France is VERY strict re overweight cases and I know that after shopping sprees in France, Italy and Switzerland, it's going to be hard to comply with the 20kg restriction. My advice is to wear as much as possible! Whilst my role as tour co-ordinator and administrator cannot be underestimated, it is the role of the chaperones, which ultimately determines the success of a tour. I have worked with Denise Buxbaum on two previous occasions and I am, once again in awe of her skills. Her warmth and generosity of spirit are tangible and she possesses the rare quality of being able to relate to and have fun with the children, whilst still maintaining a strict code of conduct. The group has been very privileged to have her at the helm. She has been ably assisted by her two very good friends and colleagues, SueAnn Radebe and Cathy Davids, who have added their own special brand of warmth, sincerity and humour to the tour. They were a remarkable team and I hope the group appreciated all the back-room work! It has been a privilege to be associated once again with Bishop Bavin and with Woodlands International College -- merci, bon voyage, bon retour et a la prochaine--!
Written by: Jenny Peddle