ST STITHIANS BOYS' PREP. CULTURAL TOUR ~ AUGUST 2007
3 August 2007 D Day!
After months of organization, I was delighted to be at the airport tonight to witness the departure of the group. All arrangements are firmly in place and I am sure that the boys will have the most wonderful experience. They are in very good hands with the three chaperones and tomorrow they will meet the fourth adult and full time escort, Peter Voice. Please could I encourage as many of you as possible to keep me informed if you hear from your chidren - it helps to make the diary entries more interesting!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
4 August 2007 London here we come!
Good morning - I hope that all you mums managed to get some sleep! I have not heard directly from anyone in the group, but I have no doubt that all went well with the flight and that they arrived safely in Paris this morning. They have just under two hours to connect to their London flight and I'm sure they will find their way to the correct boarding gate with ease - the French officials will find it difficult to ignore the queries of a noisy 35-strong group of Saints! They are due to arrive in London at 08h25, remembering that the UK is an hour behind us in time. Peter Voice will greet them and they will go directly to their hotel, where they will leave their luggage and freshen up. They will be staying at the Dolphin hotel for three nights and the contact nos are: Tel - 00 44 207 402 49 49/Fax - 00 44 207 723 81 84. Please mention that it is the CASTERBRIDGE group. Look forward to hearing from 'the horses' mouth soon--!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
5 August 2007 All well and having fun!
It would probably be expecting far too much for Russell, Dawid and Quinton to be wonderful chaperones AND good communicators---!! I really appreciate it when mums pass on any info and special thanks to Cristiana Stewart for letting me know that the boys had a superb day yesterday, which culminated in a 'milkshake' party in the hotel rooms at 10.00pm!Today they are looking forward to seeing some of London's famous sights --- will keep you posted as news come in!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
6 August 2007 Who can tire of London?
It's hard to comprehend that after all these months of anticipation, the first leg of the tour is almost over! The boys have really enjoyed London and have fully appreciated its unique flavour. They have become masters at negotiating the Underground, been exposed to so much culture & history and have sniffed out good bargains at many of the top stores! From all accounts it sounds like a very happy tour and each night seems to culminate in playing sport with the chaperones and Peter Voice in Hyde Park! Tomorrow they say farewell to this amazing city as they head towards Portsmouth, where another wonderful day awaits them.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
7 August 2007 Onward to Portsmouth
We phoned Peter Voice this morning to check up on the group and found them on the coach heading for Portsmouth. He reported that everyone was in high spirits and that all had thoroughly enjoyed their stay in London. Their hotel was so well located and allowed them to see all the main sights with ease. The weather has been superb, reaching 30 degrees all weekend! Peter shared the funny story of the passports – after leaving the hotel this morning and having driven a couple of 100m down the road, the teachers suddenly remembered that all the passports were still safely guarded in the hotel reception! After a 2.5 hour journey through beautiful English countryside, they arrived in Portsmouth, a city rich in maritime history. They thoroughly enjoyed a visit to the D-Day museum, the naval dockyard and Admiral Nelson's flagship the HMS Victory. In the late afternoon, they headed on to the seaside resort of Brighton, where they will spend the night at the Youth Hostel. Should you wish to contact your children, herewith the details: Tel: 00 44 870 7705724 or Fax: 00 44 162 9592701. Please remember to ask for the CASTERBRIDGE group.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
8 August 2007 Bienvenue en France!
Today the group made an early start and headed for Dover, where they thoroughly enjoyed a visit to one of the largest castles in the country. At lunchtime they boarded the ferry and crossed the English Channel, really excited at the thought of exploring a new country. Upon arrival in Calais, they continued by coach through beautiful French countryside to Rouen, where they remarked on the quaint streets, lined with the medieval wooden beamed houses. If you should wish to contact your son, why not try some basic French when speaking to the receptionist: Bonsoir Monsieur! Puis-je parler avec (his name). Il est avec le groupe CASTERBRIDGE! Tel: 00 33 2 35 07 96 96 or Fax: 00 33 2 35 07 96 90. Bonne chance!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
9 August 2007 Rouen to Caen
This morning they explored Rouen and mention was made in particular of the beautiful cathedral, Richard the Lionheart's grave and the site of Joan of Arc's pyre, planted with heather. Thereafter, they made their way to Caen, where they visited the famous Pegasus Bridge Museum. Apparently the accommodation and the food are 'great' and the Tour Escort, Peter Voice, is a 'legend', contributing enormously to the fun! They will be at the Hotel Crocus tonight and the contact details are - Tel: 00 33 2 31 47 31 23 or Fax: 00 33 2 31 47 36 86
Written by: Jenny Peddle
10 August 2007 Normandy landing beaches
I received an sms to say that "life on tour is hectic, but great"! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the excursion to the Normandy landing beaches today and all were visibly moved by the film shown at Arromanches. As light relief, they played volleyball on Omaha beach! In the late afternoon they made their way to their hotel which is situated near St Malo. They will be staying at Hotel l'Eskemm in Tregueux for two nights and the contact details are: Tel: 00 33 2 96 78 44 55 or Fax: 00 33 2 96 78 27 74
Written by: Jenny Peddle
11 August 2007 Le Mont St Michel
This morning they set off by coach to Le Mont Saint-Michel, a fortified island which dates back to 708. With its incredible history, architecture and dramatic views, not to mention being celebrated for having the biggest tides in the world, it is France's most visited tourist attraction outside of Paris. On their return journey, they will visit the seaside resort of St Malo and perhaps walk along the ramparts or even have a swim in the Atlantic waters! Please note that I will be travelling to France tonight with a group of students, so will be unable to update the website until tomorrow afternoon or perhaps even Monday morning. 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 Bienvenue a Paris!
Bonjour de France! I have just arrived in Antibes with my group of students, after a journey of some 30 hours! Your boys will now be in Paris and I plan to phone their hotel tonight for a long chat to the chaperones. I will update you all in detail tomorrow---
Written by: Jenny Peddle
13 August 2007 On the move!
I tried on 4 separate occasions last night to contact the chaperones in their hotel, with absolutely no success.... The gentleman at reception told me that the group was constantly on the move and assured me that everyone always looked VERY happy! I will try again tonight, but have my doubts, since I expect them to return quite late from their wonderful day at Disneyland Paris...
Written by: Jenny Peddle
14 August 2007 All love Paris!
As expected, I was unable to reach the group at the hotel last night, but I did receive a lovely sms from Russell this morning. He said that everyone has had the most wonderful tour and that everything has run so smoothly. The boys loved Disneyland Paris and they explored the entire park and went on all the rides! They had still not managed to go up the Eiffel Tower, since on the first day it was raining and on the second occasion they were too late to go to the third level. So, this was first on the agenda this morning, after which they were off to the Arc de Triomphe and the Champs Elysees. Time has just flown and sadly tonight will be their last night on tour. Knowing the chaperones as I do, I feel sure that a fun evening will have been planned - I just hope that they don't forget to leave some time for packing ---!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
15 August 2007 Fond farewells
I managed to speak to Quinton Pascoe this morning and he reiterated what an awesome tour this has been. On this their final day, they will visit the Louvre and then enjoy some last minute sight-seeing before returning to the hotel. In the early evening they will be transferred to Roissy Charles de Gaulle, where they will say a very fond farewell to Peter Voice, who has once again been an amazing Tour Escort. They will board flight AF 990 at 23h15 and are scheduled to arrive at O R Tambo at 09h40 tomorrow, Thursday 16 August - I feel sure there is no need to remind you all to be there! This has been the third cultural tour I have organized for St Stithians Boys' Prep. and I would like to thank Russell most sincerely for this opportunity and privilege. The three chaperones have been outstanding and your boys have been very fortunate to travel with such fun-loving, responsible and caring teachers. They have seen your children develop before their eyes and they know with certainty that all have had a life-changing experience. Although clearly exhausted, your boys will return enormously enriched from this tour and as parents you can rest satisfied in the knowledge that this was time and money well invested. Your children, I know, will be eternally grateful to you for this gift and it remains for me to wish you all a happy home-coming!
Written by: Jenny Peddle