1 July 2006 Bon voyage!
With great excitement, the group gathered at Johannesburg International to embark on a 2-week tour to France. They will spend the first week at the international French language school in Antibes and then they will join forces with the History group, as they continue to Paris and Normandy. After an unprecedented 'photo-shoot', the group was wished 'bon voyage, bon courage et bonne chance'!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
2 July 2006 Safe arrival in France
I have just received a lovely sms from Mme Heather Gioia, saying that the flight went well and that they have all arrived safely in Paris. Their connecting flight to Nice is only at 13h20, so they will have plenty of time to relax and look around the duty free shops at Charles de Gaulle. I hope to hear from her again later in the day but you can relax, your boys are safe and happy!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
3 July 2006 First day at school!
Mme Gioia is a wonderful chaperone and sends me constant sms's – merci beaucoup! The boys all seemed to be happy with their host families and there were no complaints – always a relief! This morning they had an orientation tour of the beautiful town of Antibes, which lays claim to so much history. This afternoon they were given a written and oral assessment, on the basis of which they will be placed in a class to suit their individual level of French. Tomorrow, they will enjoy lessons with students from all over the world and probably never before will they have realized that learn ing can be so much fun!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
4 July 2006 Outing to Cannes
The boys enjoyed lessons this morning - they found them stimulating and interacting with students from all over the world was 'cool'! After a more than adequate self-service lunch, they boarded the train for an outing to Cannes. Heather Gioia sent an sms during the course of the afternoon, to say that it was a glorious day and that everyone was having a wonderful time. After having visited the Musee de la Castre, a vantage point with a magnificent view of the Esterel Mountains, the boys were talking about having a swim in the Mediterranean. One can only imagine how their eyes will be opened with all the topless bathers who adorn the Riviera ---!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
5 July 2006 Semi finals on the big screen!
Today I received two sms's from Mme Gioia and apparently your boys are all enjoying the lessons and loving mixing with students from all over the world. After an amazing lunch of mussels, chips, salad and chocolate éclairs, everyone boarded the coach for their outing to Grasse and Gourdon. They found the tour of the Fragonard Perfumery fascinating and they were complimented by Management on their immaculate behaviour! Mums and girl friends, you probably can look forward to a treat or two! On the way home, the reality and excitement of the semi finals of France vs Portugal tonight 'kicked in' and they sang the national anthem 'La Marseillaise' in resounding unison! The central square in Antibes is called 'La Place de Gaulle' and here they have erected a big screen for tonight's needle match. All the locals will gather in their droves and this will be such an awesome experience for your children, as they witness at first hand the fierce solidarity of the French. I can only imagine the scene and feel immensely envious! Vive la France!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
6 July 2006 An incredible experience
Apologies for the delay in this update, but I wanted some information of the night in the Place de Gaulle, where everyone watched the soccer on the big screen. I have just received an sms from Mme Gioia to say that the evening was incredible, with the locals (and the PBHS boys!) singing loudly in support of the French team. There were fireworks and dancing and the memory of this vibrant evening in Antibes will remain with everyone forever.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
7 July 2006 Final day at school
Apparently the boys have done really well at the school and today they said a fond farewell to all the new friends they have made. Mme Gioia was genuinely impressed with the administration, saying that everyone was "professional, kind and super helpful". The group travelled by train to Monaco this afternoon and I know from personal experience how popular this outing is. They leave for Paris tomorrow and have to be at the station very early, so hopefully they will all have a relaxing and early evening.
Writt en by: Jenny Peddle
8 July 2006 History and French groups unite
Today the History and French groups united in Paris. I received this sms from a History Dad: "The boys on the bus are really excited. They saw the top of the Eiffel Tower on the day they arrived and now are going back for the Full Monty for 3 days! The bus was so noisy we could hardly hear ourselves talk!" An sms from the French group reads: "Having a relaxing TGV journey to Paris, through beautiful countryside – the sunflowers are magnificent. Most of the boys are sleeping after an exhausting week in Antibes!" The two groups met at the hotel at about 2.30pm and were delighted with the clean, comfy en suite rooms. They went off almost immediately to explore the Champs Elysees and the evening will be spent in the Montmartre area. Bonne soiree!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
9 July 2006 Allez les Bleus!
It is unbelievable that your boys are in Paris on the night that the French play the Italians in the World Cup final. We can only imagine the hype as they gather with the locals around big screens and I am sure that there are a lot of envious parents out there! I think that I am being particularly brave/incredibly foolish in accepting an invitation to watch the match at an Italian restaurant! I will have the French flag nonchalantly draped around my shoulders, so if there is no diary update henceforth, you'll know why! Throughout the tour, the boys have been complimented on their behaviour and I trust that they will all act sensibly tonight and thoroughly enjoy this historic moment. Allez les Bleus!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
10 July 2006 Last day in Paris
Whilst the French were subdued and sombre today, following their defeat to the Italians last night, the boys were in fine spirit as they set off on their final day in Paris. I received a lovely sms from Mme Heather Gioia, written whilst they were all enjoying a cruise on the river Seine. Apparently the weather today has been superb and the view from the top of the Eiffel Tower was stunning. She commented on the guide, Peter Voice, saying how incredibly organized he is and what and a huge help he has been. She reports that the metro is as chaotic as usual, but that it has been an invaluable experience for the boys. They are all well and looking forward to their tour to Normandy tomorrow. Should you wish to contact your sons tonight or early tomorrow morning, may I remind you that the telephone number of the hotel is 09 33 153 90 40 00 and that they are registered under the name CASTERBRIDGE TOURS.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
11 July 2006 Paris to Rouen
The combined groups greeted their new driver and boarded their 50-seater coach early this morning. They started the day with a guided tour of Versailles, before continuing on to Rouen. Our Casterbridge Operator has just spoken to Peter Voice, who reports that the group has arrived safe and sound, albeit a little tired from the very full itinerary. Everyone is apparently really happy and thoroughly enjoying the tour. If you would like to chat to your son later tonight or early tomorrow morning, the number to call is 09 33 2 35 15 25 25
Written by: Jenny Peddle
12 July 2006 Normandy Beaches
The sun goes down so late and after dinner last night, everyone walked back to 'la vieille ville' to watch a sound and light show, which was projected onto the facade of the 13th century Cathedral. This was amazing and gave it a whole new range of different appearances, from the impressionist artist Monet to modern pop art. This 'son et lumiere' spectacle was such an unusual experience for our South African students! They made an early start this morning and today was devoted entirely to the Normandy beaches, which included Sword, Omaha and Utah beaches. They will be spending the evening in Caen and should you wish to contact your children, the telephone number for the hotel is 09 33 2 31 95 87 00.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
13 July 2006 Last night on French soil
With so many months in the planning, it is difficult to believe that this is the last night on tour. Today the group visited Le Mont St Michel, the second most visited tourist attraction in France and they are spending the night in the beautiful seaside resort of St Malo. I have not received any 'hot off the press news', so presume that all is fine. Should you wish to contact your children, the telephone number is 09 33 2 99 40 89 52. Bonne soiree et bonne nuit a tous!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
14 July 2006 Bastille Day!
What a day to end a tour to France, amid all the celebrations and festivities of Bastille Day! I am always left with such a warm sense of fulfilment and joy when a tour draws to a close and when I am satisfied that it has been successful. Your boys have been afforded the most wonderful opportunity and all praise to the accompanying chaperones and Peter Voice, who have taken such good care of your sons over the past few weeks. The group is due to depart Paris, Charles de Gaulle at 23h15 on AF 990 and scheduled to arrive in Johannesburg at 09h40 tomorrow morning. No need to remind you to be there, I'm sure! It's always good to get home and I am sure that they are all looking forward to taking it easy for a while. They will no doubt be tired after their very full itinerary, so don't expect all the tales to unfold at once. I know from experience how new stories continue to surface for weeks and months later! I wish to thank Pretoria Boys' High School for the privilege of orchestrating its very first cultural tour and I hope that this is the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship. So, 'au revoir et a la prochaine!'
Written by: Jenny Peddle