MARIS STELLA CULTURAL TOUR ~ JULY 2006
22 June 2006 Bon voyage!
After fine-tuning the tour for so long, it's hard to believe that Maris Stella is actually off on this exciting adventure! Arrangements are firmly in place and all things being equal, your daughters are in for the time of their lives! I have just spoken to Rose Matheson and found her in high spirits - she is such an experienced chaperone and you can rest assured that your children are in safe hands. She confirmed that all went according to plan on the domestic flight and that Air France officials were most helpful in facilitating a smooth check-in process in Johannesburg. She said that everyone was happily wandering around the duty free shops (some even had a shower in the 'Business Lounge'!) and all were very excited at the prospect of what lay ahead. They will undoubtedly be a little weary when they arrive in Zurich, but the sparkle and resilience of youth will prevail, I have no doubt! So 'bon voyage' to the group and to all of us back home as we follow 'in spirit'! This diary page is only as interesting as the information I receive and whilst I rely largely on the chaperones to communicate with me, the reality is that they are often so preoccupied that it is difficult to write a fax or an sms. When you chat to your girls, please could I ask you to drop me a line with any interesting snippets. Until tomorrow --!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
23 June 2006 Safe arrival in Switzerland
I have not actually heard from Rose Matheson or any parents, but our Land Operator in France has assured me that everyone arrived safely in Zurich and enjoyed the afternoon in Lucerne. I am sure that they will have a relaxing evening and recharge their batteries for the exciting day which awaits them tomorrow.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
24 June 2006 Two mountain views!
I have travelled to Cape Town to spend the weekend with my son and am writing this entry on the top of Table Mountain! As I gaze in awe at the beautiful scenery, I feel genuine empathy for your children, who are at this very moment also experiencing awesome views from the summit of Mount Titlis! Earlier today, I was delighted to receive news from Lee Calitz, who dropped me an email after having chatted to her daughter Tamryn. As a Mum myself, I know that nothing beats hearing from a happy child and I would like to share her email: "Tamryn was on such a high and spoke so fast and with such excitement that I'm not quiet sure how I am going to put pen to paper and explain everything in the right order, but I will give it a go..!! She said that the chocolates and ice cream she bought in Zurich were out of this world. The church that they visited in Lucerne was absolutely beautiful and so were the Lions. Hotel Garni Sunnmatt in Switzerland is beautiful and the beds are very comfy! She could not stop talking about the shopping in Switzerland and how fantastic it is and reckons that their shops are SO MUCH better than ours! Tamryn was also so amazed that sun only sets at 10.45pm. She was very excited to be going up Mount Titlis --' Thank you for this Lee and I look forward to more updates from other parents!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
25 June 2006 Onward to Milan
Sadly the group had to say farewell to Switzerland today. They boarded their luxury coach at 8.30am and embarked on a 4 hour journey to Milan, passing through some beautiful scenery in the Italian lake district en route. After having booked in to their hotel, they had some free time to relax, before meeting with their guide for an afternoon walking tour through Italy's financial and fashion capital. Tonight they will eat dinner in the hotel and then, with the promise of a very full and exciting week ahead of them, they will enjoy a relaxing evening.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
26 June 2006 Desperate for news!
Since the email from Lee Calitz, I have not had any correspondence whatsoever and therefore do not have any 'hot off the press' news. I do know from chaperoning myself how quickly time flies and I would like to reassure you that even if you haven't heard from your children, they will be having an unbelievable time! The old adage of 'no news is good news' I am sure holds true! When I phoned the hotel in Lido di Jeselo tonight, I was told that the happy band of travellers had gone out for the evening and that they all seemed in high spirits! I have written a fax to Rose Matheson and asked her to update me, so when I hear, I will certainly post the news!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
27 June 2006 Lido di Jeselo
Today I received happy news from Debbie Bachelor and Louise Molyneux, who had recently spoken to their daughters. They confirmed that the girls are having a terrific time and that all are thoroughly enjoying every moment of the tour. Shopping in Milan was a big hit and already suitcases are bulging – an appropriate time I think to mention that excess baggage on Air France is 30 euros per kg! The journey to Venice via Lake Garda and Verona was really scenic and the hotel in Lido di Jeselo is apparently very fancy and beautifully situated on the beach. Vaporetto transport was a first for many and a wonderful experience.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
28 June 2006 Onward to Florence, via Pisa
Lido di Jeselo was a great favourite and all were sad to say goodbye to this idyllic setting. At 8.30am they boarded their coach bound for Florence and they found the drive relaxing, giving them time to catch up on some sleep! En route to Florence, they visited Pisa, where numerous pictures were taken propping up the Leaning Tower! Their hotel in Florence is well situated and I feel sure that they will take advantage of the extended daylight to enjoy an evening stroll around this 'Jewel of the Renaissance'.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
29 June 2006 Florence on foot
Another day passes with no 'hot off the press' news – sorry! Rose Matheson knows Florence intimately and I have no doubt that she would have introduced your children to all the important 'must sees'! A guided tour the Galleria dell'Accademia was scheduled for 2.15pm and thereafter they would have wondered around Florence at leisure. It is hard to believe that today signifies the half-way mark of the tour – how time flies!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
30 June 2006 Happy news from Assisi
I received a heart-warming email from one of the mums today and I would like to share snippets: 'I have just had a wonderful chat with my daughter and for 10 minutes I said very little as she babbled on excitedly. Her only gripe was the long flight from SA to Paris, which she said was very cramped and uncomfortable (I'll have to book them on Business Class next time – JP!) It is very hot and sunny, so they are grateful for their air-conditioned rooms at night. The sun only sets at 10pm and consequently they have had very late nights ---! The Alps were a highlight for many and they loved playing in the snow, which was plentiful. Whilst Venice was very expensive and over-run with tourists, they all loved Florence and the shopping facilities. Milan, supposedly the fashion mecca of the world, boasted very 'strange fashions'! The Italian men are very complimentary to all the girls, shouting " Bellissimo" to the lovely, suntanned and very happy group! The pizza slices are apparently 'to die for' and photos have been taken as proof! Yet McDonalds still remains a firm favourite and they all seem to be living on water, chocolate and ice-cream (as long as they are taking vitamins, they'll be fine –JP!) They have learnt the art of buying provisions in local supermarkets, thereby saving money for those extra gifts. All the girls are very happy and having such fun. They are shopping up a storm and both chaperones are well and enjoying themselves too.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
1 July 2006 Final day in Italy
After breakfast, the group boarded the coach and made their way to their final stop in Italy, Rome. They arrived at the Vatican City, where they were welcomed by the land operator, who escorted them to the Sistene Chapel. In spite of the crowds and the incredible heat, the girls found this 'amazing'. After lunch, they were joined by their guide, Mrs Crivellari Valentina, who accompanied them by coach to Ancient Rome. Here she gave them a fascinating tour of the Colosseum the Forum Romanum. They checked in to their hotel around 5.30pm and they all enjoyed the English vs Portugal soccer match before going into dinner! They all took full advantage of the long summer evening to enjoy strolling around the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps. What a perfect way to end their tour of Italy!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
2 July 2006 Bienvenue a Paris!
With a fond farewell to Italy, the group boarded flight AF 1405 and they winged their way to Paris. Here a coach transferred them to their hotel, which I know from personal experience is exceptional value for money. After checking in and quickly freshening up, they made their way to Montmartre, where they enjoyed the long summer evening.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
3 July 2006 More happy news!
We can only imagine the fun they would have had today at EuroDisney! I have just received a lovely email from a Mum and once again I would like to share snippets with you: 'I have not had one homesick call and the only teary sms I have had was on Saturday night, when England lost their game to Portugal! She is a staunch English supporter! Every phone call has contained an amazing amount of news and excitement and she is having the most wonderful time and just loving every minute of it. I honestly battle to take it all in when she phones, because she has so much news all at once! Everyone loved Switzerland, and all were amazed that there were no fences and gates around the houses and that it was so clean. My daughter loved the historical buildings and couldn't believe the age of them and how beautiful they are. The one thing she did say was that Venice was a bit smelly, and she chose not to go for a gondola ride! She was thrilled to have been to Rome and seen the Vatican City and Sistine Chapel. Of course, she has had great fun shopping as well -- every teenager's dream I think! This is one very happy young lady and I am sure that when she gets home, the news will be endless!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
4 July 2006 Final night in Paris
It is hard to believe that the tour has come to an end and tomorrow, all but three members of the group will be saying farewell to Europe. Please note that the connecting flight from Jhb to Durban has been changed to allow more time and to alleviate pressure. On Thursday 6 July, the group will depart Jhb at 14h15 on BA 6209 and they are scheduled to arrive in Durban at 15h25. The girls have all been informed and I have sent an sms to this effect to all the parents. If you have any concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Apparently yesterday at EuroDisney was great fun, (with many of the girls conquering their fear of heights!) and today they went to Versailles. Upon their return, they ascended the Eiffel Tower, before enjoying a leisurely cruise on the Seine and they plan to spend their last night in the vibrant Latin Quarter. Bonne soiree!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
5 July 2006 Another success story!
The tour has been such an overwhelming success and almost too good to be true. So when I received an early morning call today to phone Mrs Matheson urgently, I naturally expected the worst! She related how three girls had not had their luggage since the Rome-Paris flight on Sunday and obviously they were really upset about this. I obtained the necessary reference information and was able to network with Bundu Bashers and Air France and I am delighted to report that all three cases have been restored to their rightful owners! What a relief and with departure scheduled for tonight, the cases arrived at the hotel just in the nick of time! Your children will be on their way to Charles de Gaulle and they will depart for South Africa at 23h15 on flight AF 990. They will eat dinner at around 01h30 (!) and are scheduled to arrive in Johannesburg at 09h40. Please may I remind you that they will then board flight BA 6209 at 14h15 and arrive in Durban at 15h25. I know from personal experience how excited you must all be to see your children again and to hear their happy tales of the tour. As I write this final entry, I am filled with an enormous sense of fulfilment and gratitude that all went so well. It has once again been an enormous joy to work with Mrs Rosemary Matheson and everyone from Maris Stella.
Written by: Jenny Peddle