ST MARY'S WAVERLEY TOUR TO FRANCE ~ APRIL 2007
10 April 2007 Allons-y!
Bonjour! I received an email from one of the Mums who told me that chaos reigned as usual in the International Departure Hall, but that nothing could dampen their enthusiasm and all were so looking forward to their Tour de France! I had made every effort to seat the girls next to their friends on the plane, so hope this all worked out well! If my flight was anythinig to go by, they would have had an enjoyable journey and the girls would have loved hearing ' Bienvenue en France!'
Written by: Jenny Peddle
11 April 2007 Paris - Rouen - Caen
The group was due to arrive at Roissy Charles de Gaulle at 8.30 this morning. I have tried to phone the teachers for an update, but no luck. Please let me know if you have had word from your daughter -- it all helps to make this diary page more interesting! Please note that my cell no in France has changed and is now 00 33 6 34 57 80 35. Will write a bit later with an update --- voici le update -- I received word that the group had landed safely and all were in surprisingly high spirits, despite a long flight. They were warmly greeted by their coach driver who directed them to their coach and assisted with the loading of bags. Apparently there was an enormous amount of traffic on the roads, so the time spent in Rouen was rather limited, but all enjoyed the beauty of this quaint town. On then to Caen and a visit to Le Musee de la Paix. They were happy with the hotel which is clean and comfortable. Many recognized familiar faces, as they overlapped with the Roedean group for the night!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
12 April 2007 The landing beaches in Normandy
I have still had no direct contact with the group, but have heard via the Roedean teachers, who spent he night in the same hotel, that all is well. They all ate breakfast together and everyone was very excited at the thought of mirroring the day which Roedean spent yesterday in Normandy. I have no doubt that they will also be moved by the experience and thoroughly appreciate the day.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
13 April 2007 On to St Malo via le Mont St Michel
Good news ~ I have had contact with Mrs Rowse and she reports that your daughters are all fine and thoroughly enjoying the experience. Everyone was amazed by the beauty of le Mont St Michel and the charm of St Malo. Their hotel was perfectly placed in the 'vieille ville' and all enjoyed a relaxing evening in this idyllic setting.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
14 April 2007 The Loire Valley - Blois
I managed to have a brief conversation with Mme Ann Rowse and she confirmed that all is well! Clearly all were tired from a long day's travel, but everyone loved the fairytale castle of Azay le Rideau. Upon arrival in Blois, they enjoyed some sight-seeing and shopping, before booking into their hotel. A relaxing evening for all was very welcome!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
15 April 2007 Chenonceau & Chambord
They all woke up refreshed and ready for their coach journey to Chenonceau and Chambord, two of the most beautiful chateaux in the Loire Valley. Apparently their chauffeur has been outstanding and the information he has imparted has been invaluable - they will be sad to say farewell to him tomorrow.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
16 April 2007 Arrival in Paris
With no snippets of news from the teachers, I must presume that all has gone according to plan. The group was scheduled to visit the beautiful cathedral of Chartres in the morning and Vaux-le-Vicomte in the afternoon. In Paris, they are staying at the Hotel Ibis Alesia in the 14th arrondissement and the contact details are: Tel - 00 33 1 53 90 40 00 & Fax - 00 33 1 53 90 40 15. Hopefully I will have some 'hot off the press new s' for you tomorrow!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
18 April 2007 All loving Paris in the Springtime!
I received an sms from the teachers to say that all is well and that everyone is thoroughly enjoying Paris -- in spite of the incredible heat! The Eiffel Tower and the visit to Giverney seem to have been firm favourites!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
20 April 2007 TGV to Antibes
The group enjoyed the relaxing journey from Paris on the TGV and they arrived in Antibes at 3.00pm. They were warmly welcomed by the management team, who accompanied them back to the school. After a written and oral test, they went on an orientation walking tour of this beautiful town, before returning to the school to meet their 'familles d'acceuil'. Whilst it is bound to be a little daunting, I have no doubt that they will settle in well and enjoy the experience as much as the group I have been accompanying.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
21 April 2007 Weekend activities
On Saturday morning, the group will travel by coach to Villefranche and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, visiting Nice on their return journey. 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 The tastes and perfumes of Provence
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 St Mary's Waverley girls thoroughly enjoyed the weekend outings and that all were happily in class this morning. I have no doubt whatsoever that they will also love the excursion planned for this afternoon, which commences with a visit to the world renowned Fragonard Perfumery in Grasse and then continues to 'la Confiserie Florian', where they will be able to taste delicious sweeties, chocolates, jams etc. The latter outing replaced the visit to Gourdon, based on its success with my independent group!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
24 April 2007 Outing to Cannes
The second full morning at the International French Language School and everyone is very happy. After another substantial lunch their animatrice, Carine,escorted the girls to the station, where they caught a train to Cannes. Upon arrival they climbed up to Le Suquet, the oldest distict on the Cote d' Azur, from where they had a superb view of the Mediterranean coast and the Esterel Mountains. Thereafter, some girls 'shopped up a storm' along La Croisette, whilst others found small, less expensive items in the lively street markets in 'la vieille ville'. The verdict was unanimous --- a memorable and wonderful day!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
25 April 2007 Excursion to Monaco
It's a welcome relief to leave the SA vs Australia semi-finals in order to update the diary----! The group was due to travel to Monaco by train today, but owing to the on-going rail strike, arrangements were made for them to travel there by coach. This principality extends over 195 hectares and everybody was astounded by the breathtaking views of beaches, coves and mountains descending dramatically into the sea. They visited the Palace and the Cathedral, where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace are buried and then, with 'du temps libre' they explored the tiny cobbled streets and did some 'Grand Prix' shopping for brothers and fathers!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
27 April 2007 Many sad that it's the last day of school!
I have just received a very enthusiastic report from Mme Rowse, who says that the visit to St Paul de Vence yesterday was superb and everyone appreciated the beauty of this medieval town, which is an artist's haven. They had their last morning of class today and I quote, "many are sad that this is the last day of school!". It's amazing how the Educators at the Centre International d'Antibes always manage to elicit this reaction. They girls will be presented with an internationally recognized certificate, which will state the level achieved and have a comment from the teacher. This afternoon they will enjoy some 'temps libre' and they will use it to explore Antibes and do some last minute shopping.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
28 April 2007 Grand Tour of France
What a wonderfully enriching tour! In just under 3 weeks, the girls have visited Normandy, the Loire Valley, Paris and Provence. I can empathize with the group today, because I was in Antibes this time last week chaperoning the Independent Group and I know that everyone will have mixed feelings. Naturally the girls will be excited to return home to tell all, but they will also be sad to say farewell to such a beautiful part of the world and to the many friends with whom special bonds have been formed. The memories they have made and shared over the past few weeks will enrich their lives forever and as parents, you have afforded your children a precious gift indeed. Flights have been confirmed and they are scheduled to depart from Nice at 16h20 and from Paris on AF 990 at 23h15 arriving at 09h40 on Sunday 29 April. I have advised the chaperones that no wine is permitted in the hand luggage and that liquids, gels and creams should be either checked into hold luggage or be placed into a clear plastic zip-lock bag. I have also reminded the chaperones that Air France is VERY strict re overweight cases and whilst I know that after all the shopping sprees it's going to be hard to comply with the 20kg restriction, my advice is to smile sweetly and to wear as much as possible! It remains for me to wish everyone 'bon retour' and to thank you for the privilege of working once again with St Mary's Waverley.
Written by: Jenny Peddle