DSG & SAC (GRAHAMSTOWN) ~ AUGUST 2007
11 August 2007 On y va!
After all the end of term stress and the pressure of exams, everyone is so excited to be heading off to one of the most beautiful parts of the world, La Cote d'Azur! I was fortunate enough to meet many of the group at Port Elizabeth airport and was able to spend some time discussing final arrangements with the designated chaperones for the tour, Mrs Julie Beer, Mrs Elaine Fitzgerald and Mrs Elysoun Ross. I encouraged everyone to embrace all aspects of this tour, acknowledging the cultural diversity. I also made it quite clear that if anyone had concerns regarding their host family or their classes, they must not hesitate to bring it to my attention. I would ask parents not to over-react, especially during the first few days, in the knowledge that the experience will be new to your children and they may well feel a little uneasy - from my experience, it can take up to 24 hours for the 'famille d'acceuil' to feel like home! I will be travelling to France tonight with another group of students on Air France, so I will be on site should the chaperones or your children need me. I will only be able to update the website tomorrow afternoon, but please rest assured that your children are in safe hands and that all arrangements are firmly in place. Once in France, I may be contacted on my regular email or on my French cell number which is 00 33 6 34 57 80 35. In an emergency, please phone my husband Clive on 082 454 9746.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
12 August 2007 Bonjour d'Antibes!
I have confirmation from the horse's mouth that everyone has arrived safe and sound in Antibes!I was walking back from the beach with my group of independent students when I suddenly heard my name --- it was Karen Darnborough and Larissa Hanegraaf, who were so delighted and astounded to see a familiar face in such strange territory! How lovely it was to chat with them and they reported that ,in spite of a very long journey, everyone was in high spirits and all were so happy to have arrived in this idyllic part of the world! I then walked to the hotel where the chaperones are staying and Julie Beer confirmed that the journey had passed without incident and that all had been very happy to depart with their host families. I will be at the school at 8.30am tomorrow to check on everyone myself, but in the meantime, please rest assured that all are well!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
13 August 2007 The charm of Antibes
I met the group at the school early this morning and spoke to each student individually. I am delighted to report that all are perfectly happy with their host families and no requests to move were made. The initial part of the morning was dedicated to a talk by their 'animateur', Antone, on correct protocol, based on the principle of mutual respect. I continue to be amazed and impressed by the level of professionalism of the Centre International d'Antibes and I take great pride in my association with them. This talk was followed by an orientation of the school campus and then Antone led them into Antibes, where he gave them a very structured and informative tour. The beauty and peace of this idyllic part of the world defy description and everyone has fallen for the charm of Antibes. After lunch, they all faced the written and oral test, which some found more difficult than others! Based on the results of this test, they will be placed in classes to suit their particular level of ability and lessons will commence tomorrow. I explained once again that should they find themselves in a class which is too hard or too easy, they were to communicate this and the educators would professionally assess the situation. Tonight there is a 'soiree barbeque' where they will be able to socialize with all the other international students.... until 10h30pm! Your children are having a wonderful time and all is well.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
14 August 2007 Excursion to Cannes
Everyone gathered at the school this morning and all were excited to start their lessons. At teatime there was a real buzz as they compared notes on what their teachers were like, who was in their class, what work had been covered etc! After lunch, they made their way to the station to board the train to Cannes. I was also at the station with my group and it was wonderful to personally witness how happy everybody looked. Catching a train in France is such a different experience and certainly forms part of the holistic educational value of the tour. Upon arrival in Cannes, the animateurs led them through the narrow, winding, shop-lined streets of the 'vieille ville' to the ancient neighbourhood of Le Suquet, from where they had a magnificent view of the Esterel Mountains. After a serious photo-shoot on the famous stairs of Le Palais des Festivals, they were given some 'temps libre' and all made a mad dash for the shops! It was such an enjoyable excursion and everyone returned happy and fulfilled, albeit a lot poorer, judging from the number of parcels! In the evening, I met Julie Beer for dinner at a restaurant on the central Place de Gaulle and it was lovely to see the happy faces of so many of her students, as they strolled past, soaking up the ambience of this beautiful town.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
15 August 2007 Excursion to Villefranche
With today being 'un jour ferié' (a public holiday) in France, everyone was able to sleep in and relax a little longer. They had all been looking forward to the excursion to Villefranche, Beaulieu-sur-Mer and the Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild and judging by the traffic on the roads, everybody else had very much the same plan! It was, however, certainly worth the wait and they all had an absolutely amazing and memorable day. The weather is so beautiful at the moment and with the sun still high in the sky, arrangements were made as to where to meet after dinner --- until 10.30pm!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
16 August 2007 A relaxing afternoon!
Everyone seemed to enjoy their lessons this morning and the thought of an afternoon at leisure was very welcome. The weather continues to be beautiful, in spite of the deluges elsewhere in France, and I am sure that most would have chosen to relax on the beach. There is a fireworks display in Juan les Pins tonight and I am planning to meet the three teachers there for dinner – chances are we'll see some of your children too!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
17 August 2007 Excursion to Nice
I received a wonderful email from a Dad who reports that his son is now "thinking in French", so the lessons must be working! They are all really enjoying their classes and mixing with other students from all over the world. After lunch, they made their way to the station, where they caught the train to 'the Queen of the Riviera'. The consensus of opinion was that "Nice was really nice"! They walked down Boulevard Jean Medecin towards the Place Massena, before meandering through the narrow streets of 'la vieille ville', with its strong Italian influence. After this they walked along the palm tree-lined 'Promenade des Anglais' and many wagered that they would spend their next holiday on the Riviera in the 5* Negresco Hotel! During their free time, most opted to swim in the azur blue waters or to sunbathe on the rather uncomfortable pebble beach! Everyone had a wonderful day and many I know would like to return there before they leave.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
18 August 2007 Iles de Lerins
Armed with packed lunches, everyone gathered at the station to catch the train to Cannes. There they boarded a large ferry to Les Iles de Lerins, where they spent an enjoyable few hours. They were fascinated by the museum and to actually be standing in the cell of the Man in the Iron Mask was really chilling. Thereafter, they relaxed on the island and swam in the warm waters until their return ferry at 3.00pm. Some then chose to continue their afternoon in Juan les Pins, whilst others returned directly to Antibes. Everyone is having such a wonderful time and all are very happy!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
19 August 2007 Optional excursion to AquaSplash
Sunday was scheduled as a free day, but an optional outing to AquaSplash was offered to the group. Twenty students and two teachers opted for this excursion and there were certainly no regrets! What a wonderful relaxing day they spent in this spotlessly clean and orderly water theme park. There were numerous officials wearing red shirts bearing the word 'surveillant' and not one ride or water feature was unsupervised. Everyone quickly laid claim to a lounger and found a large shady spot. Many braved the water rides, which ranged from mild to hectic and all really enjoyed the day!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
20 August 2007 Parfumerie et confiserie
My group from Campus Horticole joined the DSG/SAC group on their excursion to Fragonard et Florian today. There was great excitement about this outing and all had drawn extra funds for the day!We arrived in Grasse just after 2.00pm and the large group was divided into two so that all could hear the guide. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the tour of the 'parfumerie' and judging by the packets and the scent in the bus thereafter, many purchases had been made! At 3.30pm the coach departed for the Gorges du Loup and the scenery en route was magnificent. The Florian confisserie is world renowned and they make sweets, choclates & jams on site - the free tastings were such a hit! A happy band of travelleres returned to the school around 6.30pm and in the evening they enjoyed another barbeque, which provided a further opportunity to socialize and relax with other international students - a lovely ending to a perfect day!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
21 August 2007 Relaxing day!
Today was designated as a free day and everyone took the opportunity to relax and explore Antibes with their friends.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
22 August 2007 Sailing on the Med
Sailing on the Med was on the agenda for today, but not everyone opted for this excursion. A pity, because I know what a 'once in a lifetime' experience this is and for those who participated, it will be a wonderful memory. The excursion is run by a professional nautical school and upon arrival all were asked to don red life jackets, before boarding the catamarans with a 'monitor' - all under the watchful eye of the supervisor. Another lovely day on the Cote d'Azur!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
23 August 2007 Excursion to St Paul de Vence
After lunch today there was a coach excursion to St Paul de Vence and everyone appreciated the beauty of this medieval town, which is an artist's haven. The weather is wonderful and all feel really blessed, considering how cold it is in the rest of France.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
24 August 2007 Excursion to Monaco
Everyone was proud to receive their certificate from the school today, which indicated their level of achievement and a detailed comment from the teacher. After lunch, we travelled by coach to the Principality of Monaco and this excursion was possibly the highlight of the tour. With not a cloud in the sky and the sun shining brightly on the azur waters, the weather was perfect and everyone was astounded by the breathtaking/picture postcard views of beaches, coves and mountains descending dramatically into the sea. We visited the famous palace situated on 'le rocher' where we all took photos and then we 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, everyone explored the tiny cobbled streets and did some souvenir shopping. It was a wonderful excursion!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
25 August 2007 Flight details
Today is their last full day on the Cote d'Azur and I trust that all have had an academically enriching experience. Over the past 5 years I have been enormously proud of our South African students and it saddens me that several disciplinary issues with this group have sullied my reputation with the Centre International d'Antibes. To those who did show respect towards their school, their host family, their chaperones and me, I thank you. Arrangements are firmly in place for tomorrow and the group will depart Nice at 15h20 arriving at O R Tambo at 10h35 on Monday 27 August, whereupon the responsibilites of the chaperones will terminate.
Written by: Jenny Peddle