GAUTENG TOUR TO FRANCE ~ APRIL 2006
18 April 2006 Nous voila a Paris!
Bonjour from Paris! The flight was pleasant, the food tasty and the service very good. Upon arrival at Charles de Gaulle, we were met by our coach and taken to the hotel, which is really lovely. We have left our luggage in the storage room and now find ourselves on the Avenue des Champs Elysees! Despite very little sleep, everyone is in fine spirits and so excited to be in Paris. At midday we will make our way to the Place de la Concorde, the Place Vendome, the Ritz Hotel, the Opera Garnier, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps, before continuing on to the Musee d' Orsay for our 3.00pm reservation. I think that an early evening will be on the cards tonight, probably enjoying some take aways in the rooms!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
19 April 2006 So much to see!
We all slept really well after a very full day yesterday. The breakfast this morning was amazing -- a variety of yogurts, boiled eggs, fruit, cold meats, all sorts of pastries, hot chocolate etc etc! We left the hotel just after 9.00am and everyone is now in the Louvre, searching for the Mona Lisa! At midday we will make our way to L' Ile de la Cite, where we will see Notre Dame, La Sainte-Chapelle and the Conciergerie. Then a quick visit to the Georges Pompidou Centre and the Hotel de Ville before our cruise on the Seine, which is scheduled for 4.00pm. We are all really blessed to have such lovely weather and the view from the Eiffel Tower should be superb. I anticipate a relaxing evening again, as we restore our energy for these full and fun-packed days in Paris! Your children and safe and happy and all send love!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
20 April 2006 Our last day in Paris
At 8.00pm we all returned to the hotel in high spirits, after having thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon cruise on the Seine and the Eiffel Tower. There is an authentic French restaurant right next to the hotel and many of the group opted to eat there for the second time. The 'proprietaire' was very impressed with the behaviour of the South Africans and this always makes me feel very proud!After another vast breakfast this morning, we set off on the RER to Versailles. Whilst everyone is marvelling at the opulence and beauty of this incredible chateau, I have seized the opportunity to find and internet cafe (and a coffee!) to update the website. At 1.30pm we will meet and then make our way to Montmartre, where we will visit Sacre Coeur and the Place du Tertre. I am hoping to have time thereafter to revisit the Champs Elysees or the Rue de Rivoli, to indulge them in some last minute shopping -- (it's really easy to be popular!!) Then, back to the hotel to pack for our 8.00am departure to the Gare de Lyon tomorrow. Everyone has loved Paris and if you haven't heard from your child, it's because we've been so busy! As a Mum, I know how important it is to hear your child's voice, so I have actually issued an ultimatum to call home soon -- hope they listen!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
21 April 2006 All fine except Madame!
We left the hotel at 8.00am and boarded the TGV at the Gare de Lyon. Everyone was very excited to commence the next leg of the adventure but, as I was helping the last few to find their seats and arrange their hand luggage, my bag was stolen!! I had left it on my seat, covered with my coat and only a few feet from me. I ran to the controller to report the theft, but the train had already started to move and apparently I was the second victim on the train that morning! Needless to say, I was really shocked and upset, since my role is always to resolve situations, not create them! My bag contained the train tickets, my visa card, a considerable amount of money, my cell phone, my driver's licence, my glasses, my makeup(!) etc etc! Anyhow, on the bright side, thanks to Janine Hess and her amazing generosity of spirit, I managed to contact my husband, who cancelled my card and reported the incident. This has been an extremely good lesson for everyone and all bags/wallets are now firmly glued to their bodies! I intend buying a new cell phone and will have a new number, which I will post on the website asap. Please do not communicate with the 'thief', who now is the proud owner of my old phone number! So, to continue ---- after this traumatic incident, the journey was relaxing for the group and the scenery was superb. Upon our arrival in Antibes, we were warmly greeted by Gerald, our 'animateur', who will accompany the group throughout the week. Once at the school, the children were given both an oral and written test, on the basis of which they will be placed in classes on Monday. The families arrived to collect them between 5.00pm and 6.00pm and I chatted to each and every parent, many of whom I know from previous visits. I am sure your children will be very happy with their new 'famille d'acceuil'.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
22 April 2006 Such lovely weather - such a happy group!
What a wonderful day we have all had! This morning we met at the station where, armed with our home-made 'pique-niques', we boarded the train to Cannes. The weather was superb and our boat trip to the Iles de Lerins was beautiful. We spent two hours on this fascinating island, before returning to the station and making our way to the 'vibey' and popular town of Juan les Pins. Here everyone was able to have free time and some chose to swim in the pristine waters of the Mediterranean, whilst others chose to sunbathe or do some shopping. A happy band of travellers returned home to Antibes on the 6.00pm train and we will meet again at the school tomorrow morning. Please note that I am now the proud owner of a new cell phone and should you wish to contact me, my number is +33 61 85 78 25.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
23 April 2006 Antibes orientation & St Paul de Vence
This morning everyone was able to sleep in a little, as the meeting time was set at only 11.00am. I am pleased to report that there were no sad faces and all seemed more than happy with their host families! After a guided tour of Le Fort Carre, they made their way through the bustling 'vieille ville' and then up to the school. At 2.30pm we left for our visit to St Paul de Vence and everyone appreciated the beauty of this medieval town, which is an artist's haven. We have just arrived back in Antibes, having really enjoyed the day. A demain!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
24 April 2006 Grasse and Gourdon
Everyone arrived at the school by 8.30am and all were a little anxious for their first morning 'en classe'. However, when we chatted to them at the mid morning break, everyone seemed happy and all commented how challenging and exciting the lessons were and how, amazingly enough, learning could be fun! At midday, everyone had the life changing experience of being introduced to the chef, Jean Marie! He is a great personality and cooks like a dream. After a 4 course meal, everyone boarded the coach and we made our way to Grasse, where we visited the Fragonard perfumery and 'la vieille ville'. Then a scenic trip along winding roads took us to the perched hilltop village of Gourdon, from where the view is indescribably beautiful. Another full and really enjoyable day in Provence!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
25 April 2006 Cannes
Another full morning at school and everyone is very happy. After lunch, we went by train to Cannes, where a few 'shopped up a storm' along La Croisette, whilst others found small items in the lively street markets in 'la vieille ville'. More than half the group opted to climb up to Le Suquet, which boasts a superb view of the French Riviera. We have just arrived home in Antibes and some have gone for a coffee, whilst others are deciding whether to go to the early evening show at the cinema. The weather again is glorious and the mood is very positive!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
26 April 2006 Promenade des Anglais - Nice
Another good morning at school and everyone is making friends with students from all over the world. At lunch, we sang 'Bon Anniversaire' to Mbaita and then we took the train to Nice. The weather was superb and we all enjoyed strolling along the Promenade des Anglais, marvelling at the pebble beach. Mme Davies surprised us all by donning her costume and actually swimming in the azure waters - bravo! After a walk through the 'vieille ville', there was some 'temps libre' and obviously shopping was a priority! A little delay in the meeting time made us all a bit late, but everyone is now back safe and sound in Antibes. The group has arranged a 'bring and share' party for Mbaita and I have firmly reiterated the various clauses in the code of conduct!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
27 April 2006 Explicit details
In order to 'financially' accommodate a third chaperone, I was to leave the tour last Saturday, once the group had settled in Antibes. I was, however, able to negotiate an extension and leave today instead. I have so enjoyed travelling with your children and once again, am so very proud of our South African students. I had my final briefing with the group this morning and gave them explicit details re the procedure for the next three days. After school today, they will go to Monaco and tomorrow they will have a free afternoon to explore Antibes at leisure. I hope to receive information on these days from the teachers, which I will post on the website, once I am back in SA. On Saturday they will all travel to the airport in Nice by coach, where they will board flight AF 7705 at 14h55. They will then remain in transit until they board their international flight AF 990, arriving in Johannesburg at 09h40 on Sunday 30 April. I am sure there is no need to remind you of this! Should you wish to URGENTLY contact your children in France, please use either of these mobile numbers: + 33 6 20 87 34 43 or + 33 6 20 87 34 34. From midday on Friday, I will once again be on my cell which is 083 423 7013. Please be assured that all is under control and that your children are safe and sound!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
28 April 2006 Monaco et au revoir!
I have eventually arrived back in Plettenberg Bay, after a really long journey! The two remaining teachers have relayed details of yesterday's excursion to Monaco, which sounds wonderful. After lunch, the group took the train from Antibes and en route, they were astounded by the breathtaking/picture postcard views of beaches, coves and mountains descending dramaticall y into the sea. They passed Villefranche and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, which are two of the most beautiful 'villes' in France. On approaching Monaco, the train enters a long, dark tunnel and when everyone alighted, they all remarked on the cleanliness of the marble floors and walls leading to the exit! Another 'ooh aah' moment was apparently when everyone gazed up at the famous Grimaldi principality, situated on a massive rock and silhouetted against a clear blue sky. They took photos of the pink palace, which is in the process of being painted cream, and then they visited the Cathedral, where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace are buried. They found the views from the top incredible, with picturesque villas, white yachts, blue seas, purple mountains – 'just awesome'! Finally, they explored the tiny cobbled streets and did some last minute shopping for fathers, brothers and loved ones. The town in gearing up for the Grand Prix in May, so no prizes for guessing the nature of the purchases! The count down to their return begins and, whilst they have all had a marvellous, life-changing experience in France, it is always nice to return home. Arrangements are firmly in place for tomorrow's departure, so it remains for the two teachers and me to thank you for the privilege of caring for your children and to say 'au revoir' --- a la prochaine!'
Written by: Jenny Peddle