KINGSMEAD TOUR TO FRANCE ~ APRIL 2007
19 April 2007 The final countdown!
I can only imagine the excitement of packing the last few items --- please don't forget your passport and ticket!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
20 April 2007 Safe arrival in Antibes
The group was due to arrive at 1.50pm, but unfortunately they were delayed by an hour. They were warmly welcomed by members of the school management team, who accompanied them to the Centre International d'Antibes. After a few refreshments the girls had their written + oral test and on the basis of their results, they will be placed in a class to suit their individual level on Monday. They met with their host families at 5.30pm and I hope that they will be as happy as the group I have been chaperoning!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
21 April 2007 Weekend activities
I have rearranged the itinerary to ensure a balance between train & coach transfers and free afternoons. On Saturday morning, they will enjoy a walking orientation tour of Antibes, followed by a coach tour to St Paul de Vence in the afternoon. On Sunday they will travel by train to Cannes, by boat to Les Iles de Lerin and then they will spend the afternoon relaxing in Juan Les Pins. I will be flying back to SA with my group tomorrow, so will only be able to update this diary page on Monday. In the meantime, please rest assured that your children are in very good hands at the Centre International d'Antibes
Written by: Jenny Peddle
23 April 2007 Train stikes!
I have just arrived home in Plett after having chaperoned the Independent Tour to France, which was a resounding success. I have received an sms to say that the Kingsmead girls thoroughly enjoyed the weekend outings and that all were happily in class this morning.They were due to travel to Monaco today, but unfortunately because of the railway strike, this outing had had to be postponed. The girls therefore had a free afternoon to explore Antibes and they will visit Monaco on either Tuesday or Friday, which were scheduled as 'free afternoons'.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
24 April 2007 A 'free' outing to Cannes!
The girls are reall y enjoying their classes and they are finding the teaching so stimultating. Unfortunately the train strike is still on and so the visit to Monaco had to postponed yet again! The trains were, however, running to Cannes and so I decided to sponsor this outing for them -- un petit cadeau de Madame! They all enjoyed a wonderful afternoon walking on the beachfront, 'photo-shooting' on the red carpet, exploring the old district of Le Suquet and shopping along la Croisette!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
25 April 2007 Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild
It's a welcome relief to leave the SA vs Australia semi-finals in order to update the diary----! After class today, the group travelled by coach to Villefranche and Eze, which are two of the most beautiful 'villes' in France. The Villa Ephrussi de Rothschild is a real gem on the Cote d'Azur and the park-like surroundings, with its 9 thematic gardens, is a sight to behold.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
26 April 2007 Wonderful excursion to Monaco
The group was due to travel to Monaco by train, but since the rail strike continues, contingency plans were made for them to travel there by coach. Everyone was very excited about this excursion and with the weather being so perfect, the views were magnificent. Upon arrival in Monaco, they made their way up to the Grimaldi stronghold, marveling at the Palace and the Cathedral, where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace have been laid to rest. The views of the blue sea, white yachts, winding streets and picturesque villas never fail to impress and ever yone was in awe of this tiny, spotlessly clean principality.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
27 April 2007 Last day at school
From experience, I know that the final day at the school is always an emotional one, as the students exchange email addresses and say fond farewells to their new-found friends and teachers. All will be proud of their internationally recognized certificates, which will state the level achieved and also reflect a comment from the teacher. This afternoon they will be at liberty to do some last minute shopping, to explore Antibes and to generally soak up the ambiance of this 'bijou' on the French Riviera.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
28 April 2007 Outing to Nice - Queen of the Riviera
Their final full day on the Cote d'Azur will be spent in Nice, the Queen of the Riviera. They were due to travel by train, but with the chaos surrounding the installation of a tramway system, I chose to sponsor a coach transfer for the group. On their approach, they will drive down the busy palm lined Promenade des Anglais, oohing and aahing at the obvious wealth and the imposing Negresco hotel. They will be introduced to 'la vieille ville', where they will note the strong Italian influence and then they will enjoy the ambiance of the lively marche provencal, where they will delight in the colours, fragrances and textures so typical of Provence. The large shops remain open on a Saturday, so it will be the perfect place to spend the few remaining euros. Some may choose to spend their last afternoon relaxing on the sun-drenched beach --- a wonderful last day on the French Riviera!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
29 April 2007 Bon retour!
This has been a very happy and successful tour and there is no doubt that as parents, you have afforded your children the most wonderful opportunity. Their excitement to return and tell all will only be marred by the thought of having to say goodbye to the many friends with whom special bonds have been formed. The group departed Nice at 15h20 this afternoon and they are due to arrive in Dubai during the early hours of the morning. They will board flight EK 761 at 04h10 on Monday 30 April and I'm sure that there's no need to remind you that they are scheduled to arrive in Johannesburg at 10h30. I wish everyone a happy home-coming and thank Mme Townsend for affording me the privilege of working once again with Kingsmead College. Au revoir et a la prochaine!
Written by: Jenny Peddle