INDEPENDENT TOUR TO FRANCE ~ AUGUST 2009
5 August 2009 D Day!
What excitement as 35 students + 3 chaperones + moi gathered in the Departure Hall at ORT. We are now safely through security & emigration and all are really looking forward to the next 10 days! To all the Mums and Dads, please rest assured that the chaperones and I will take very good care of your precious children! I will update as soon as possible tomorrow ......
Written by: Jenny Peddle
6 August 2009 Safe arrival and a full day!
Bonjour de Paris! Although not many slept very well, everyone thoroughly enjoyed the service on Air France! Our coach driver was waiting in the arrivals hall and after having loaded all our luggage, Dominic whisked us off to our hotel. Since the rooms were not yet available, everyone had to leave their luggage in 'la bagagerie' and use the public washrooms to freshen up. In high spirits, all set off for their first experience on the metro to l'Hotel de Ville, where they enjoyed 2 hours of free time, during which they visited the magnificent cathedral of Notre Dame, the audacious Georges Pompidou Centre and the Rue de Rivoli. At midday we made our way to the metro station Trocedero, which affords the most stunning view of the Eiffel Tower and there were several photo shoots! At 2.00pm all boarded the Bateaux Parisiens and thoroughly enjoyed a cruise on the River Seine. This was followed by an ascent to the 2nd level of the Eiffel Tower and, with not a cloud in sight, the views over Paris were spectacular! In the early evening all returned to the hotel and were delighted to have a shower and relax in their rooms before sampling one of the many fine restaurants in the vicinity. I have no doubt that everyone will sleep exceptionally well tonight in their very comfortable rooms! Should you wish to contact your children, herewith the details: Hotel Campanile Bastille ~ Tel: 00 33 1 43 38 58 08 Fax: 00 33 1 43 38 52 28. A reminder too that my telephone number is + 33 6 18 43 14 00.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
7 August 2009 Another wonderful day in Paris!
Everyone woke up completely refreshed this morning, after having had a good night's sleep in such comfortable beds! The choice at breakfast was vast and all are more than content with their accommodation! After a formal briefing in the gardens, we made our way by metro to the Champs Elysées, where everyone was so excited to have 2 hours to wander along the world's most famous boulevard! At lunchtime we entered the Louvre Museum and all were in awe of this splendid former palace. The large group was divided into two and their experienced 'conférenciers' guided them expertly through the famous works of art, using the very effective 'whisper' system. Thereafter, the group made their way through the beautiful Tuileries Gardens, where the summer flowers are in full bloom. Before returning to the hotel, they visited the Place de la Concorde, which was the site of the gruesome executions by guillotine during the French Revolution. After dinner, they were introduced to their French guide, Catherine, as they boarded a coach for their tour of Paris by night ~ Les Illuminations! This they thoroughly enjoyed and the pictures at the Eiffel Tower bedecked with sparkling lights will be treasured possessions forever! Everyone had a wonderful day and all will undoubtedly sleep well again tonight!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
8 August 2009 Our final day in Paris
We had another relaxing start to our day and thereafter it accelerated at a rapid pace! Our first visit was to Montmartre, where everyone climbed the 292 steps to Sacré Coeur! To tempt them in this feat, we started the trek through a street lined with stalls boasting incredible bargains and souvenirs ~ this definitely seemed to soften the blow! Thereafter we had some free time in the Place du Tertre and many had their portraits painted or caricatures etched ~ all were delighted to have these as keep-sakes. We then made our way towards the Moulin Rouge, where there were several photo shoots! So many of the students asked to re-visit the Champs Elysées, so off we went to the Arc de Triomphe once more! At 4.00pm we made our way to Galéries Lafayette, which was our last formal visit of the day. We have seen SO much of Paris in such a short space of time and many are looking for new memory cards for their cameras! We leave for Antibes at 9.50am tomorrow and are scheduled to arrive at 3.00pm ~ although sad to say farewell to Paris, they are looking forward to the new experience of the South. The group has bonded so well and it's hard to tell who is from which school ~ a very happy band of travelers!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
9 August 2009 Welcome to the Côte d'Azur!
Nous voilà à Antibes! After an early breakfast, we were transferred by coach to the Gare de Lyon, where we boarded our TGV bound for Provence. The journey was so relaxing and the 5 hours passed very peacefully. As we approached the Mediterranean Sea, everyone was amazed at the sight of the azure blue waters and beautiful coves. We were warmly welcomed by our 'animatrice', Caroline and her colleague, Florian from Le Centre International d'Antibes, who both assisted with the enormous amount of luggage! We were then transferred to Campus Horticole, where we were allocated a room in which to place our cases and to change into swimwear. Our afternoon excursion commenced at the beautiful Place de Gaulle and then we made our way to a magnificent viewpoint alongside the walls of the ancient medieval city, overlooking the calm blue waters bedecked with yachts of all shapes and sizes ~ it was a sight that everyone will remember forever and many commented that no photograph could ever depict the beauty of the scenery. We then had an hour of free time and many opted to swim in the secluded beach of La Gravette, whilst others decided to explore the shops. We returned to campus at 7.00pm and after having settled in to their rooms, all went down to dinner. At 8.00pm there was a talk in the theatre to explain the workings on Campus and thereafter all enjoyed some ice-breaker games, which are always great fun!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
10 August 2009 Lessons + excursion to Cannes!
After breakfast this morning, the students were placed in classes to suit their varying levels of ability. Although all seemed to enjoy their first 3 hours of inter active, communicative French, the general consensus at tea-time was that the lessons were VERY challenging! A few asked to be moved to a slower level, but were encouraged to persevere for the second half of the day before deciding to change ~ this was a good decision, since most felt more comfortable at lunchtime! After a sumptuous lunch which boasted 2 'plats du jour' + vegetables, cold meats, a selection of salads, desserts, cheeses and fruit, all excitedly boarded the train to Cannes. Upon arrival, Caroline led the group to Le Suquet through the 'back streets', which are lined with bargain stalls ~ this was certainly an exercise in self control for the girls! The viewpoint from the summit was amazing and they were afforded a magnificent spectacle over the Bay of Cannes and the Estérel Mountains. On return to the beachfront, they all took photos on the famous red carpet in front of the Palais des Congres and then they were allowed 'du temps libre', which for most meant some serious shopping along the affordable back-street shops! It was a wonderful outing and all returned to campus in high spirits. A pool party + soirée barbeque are on the agenda for tonight ~ so another evening of great fun awaits everyone!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
11 August 2009 Excursion to Monaco + Juan les Pins
After breakfast, everyone happily made their way to class and all are really enjoying interacting with students of varying nationalities and making cultural comparisons! At 1.00pm we boarded a coach for Monaco and travelled along the spectacular 'route du littoral' (the coastal route) which extends from the palm-tree lined Promenade des Anglais through to Villefranche and Beaulieu-sur-Mer. We were all astounded by the breathtaking views and upon arrival in Monaco, everyone was aware of the obvious wealth and pristine cleanliness of this principality. A leisurely walk through the exotic gardens leads to the Cathedral, where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace are laid to rest and the flag flying high above the Palace indicated that the royal family was in residence. Then everyone had free time for some Grand Prix souvenir shopping, before boarding the coach at 5.00pm ~ it was a wonderful excursion and a highlight for many. In the evening there was an excursion to Juan les Pins ~ a small town adjacent to Antibes which transforms into a wonderful attraction for tourists during the summer holidays. The beachfront is strewn with colourful stalls and the sight of diners enjoying a meal on the beach in the moonlight with the waves lapping at their feet, is so romantic! Everyone loved the outing and all returned to campus in a very jovial mood!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
12 August 2009 Sailing on the Med!
The students thoroughly enjoyed the lessons this morning and I am so proud of how all have fully embraced this unique opportunity. Everyone was so very excited about the afternoon's activity ~ sailing on the Med ~ and with towels, sun cream and hats in hand, they boarded their coach at 1.15pm. The scenery which greeted us was picture perfect ~ boats bobbing up and down against the backdrop of 'la vieille ville', with the cloudless sky rivalling the calm sea for 'blueness'. Once on the 'Plage de Ponteil', they were divided into two groups and our 'sailors' had to don yellow life-jackets before hopping on board a catamaran with a 'monitor'. This unique experience will last with everyone forever and the adjectives ranged from 'simply awesome' to 'frigging magnificent'!! We then all had some time to relax on the beach before our coach arrived and everyone was then given the opportunity to either return to campus or to spend an hour shopping in Antibes. This evening the animateurs/animatrices have organized some games 'with a difference' and this promises to be great fun!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
13 August 2009 Excursion to Grasse
Once again everyone enjoyed the lessons this morning and I am always proud to receive compliments from the educators, who remain delighted with the earnest response and positive attitude of our South African students! After lunch we boarded our coach to Grasse, the home of French perfume and the 'balcony of Provence', with its magnificent views. Upon arrival we hopped on board 'le petit train', which miraculously weaved its way through the narrow streets of the 'vieille ville' and then we had time to explore on foot, before enjoying a guided tour of the Fragonard Perfumery. Judging by their enthusiasm and the packets in hand as they boarded the coach, many purchases had been made! Tonight there was a Cabaret/Spectacle on campus and it was great fun ~ Les Sud Afs were ably represented...bravo!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
14 August 2009 Final full day in France + excursion to Nice
All were delighted to receive their certificates after class today, which attest to the level attained and a comment from their educator. This is a bone fide accredited DELF certificate and worthy of a place on the wall! The 3 chaperones, Mrs Lysandrou, Ms Langley and Mrs Van Rooyen were overwhelmed by the high praise from the educators, all of whom confirmed their delight with the attitude and manners of the SA students ~ really heart-warming and rewarding for them to hear! After another unbelievably delicious lunch, 40 'sud-afs' boarded the train to Nice, the 'Queen of the Riviera' and upon arrival we made our way down the Boulevard Jean Medecin towards the newly revamped Place Massena. The students were then allowed 'du temps libre' and whilst some headed directly to the name-brand boutiques, others chose to meander through the narrow streets of 'la vieille ville' and look for bargains. A few decided to relax and enjoy the ambience along the Promenade des Anglais, which is lined with its legendary palm trees, pebble beaches and calm, cool, azure-blue sea. It was a lovely afternoon and at 6.00pm, laden with parcels, the group hopped on board the train back to Antibes. Once back at campus, we gathered in a classroom and reminisced about our holiday together ~ this was a very special time as we shared fond memories and I once again felt very emotional as well as very privileged to witness the firm bonds of friendship which have formed over a short space of time. We finally discussed issues pertaining to tonight's excursion to Juan les Pins + tomorrow's outing to Antibes and ultimately arrangements regarding the departure from Nice tomorrow...a lot to digest!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
15 August 2009 Fond farewells and flight confirmation!
Today marks the final day of our tour and after breakfast we will have a few hours to explore Antibes and finish any last minute shopping. We will then enjoy a picnic lunch back on campus, where everyone will say a fond farewell to our animatrice, Caroline. She has been truly amazing and a fine role model to our students. The airport transfer is scheduled to depart campus at 13h15 for the 16h15 AF 7715 flight from Nice to Paris and once at Roissy Charles de Gaulle the group will remain in transit, where they will undoubtedly enjoy the duty free shops! Flight AF 990 is scheduled to depart at 23h20 tonight and to arrive at OR Tambo on Sunday 16 August @ 09h40. It has once again been my great joy and privilege to escort an outstanding group of South African students to France and I would sincerely like to compliment each and every one on their impeccable behaviour and sense of adventure. All have fully embraced every opportunity and they have been superb ambassadors for South Africa. The children will return with mixed emotions and whilst they are all obviously looking forward to seeing family and friends back home, everyone will be left with a sense of sadness at having to say farewell to people they have grown so accustomed to seeing on a daily basis. As parents, you have certainly afforded your children the most wonderful opportunity and I have no doubt that each and every child will return not only academically enriched, but enriched as a person, having matured and grown in confidence. To act 'in loco parentis' for 3 weeks is no mean task and I sincerely hope that the love and care of the 3 chaperones ~ Mrs Lysandrou (CHC), Ms Langley (CHC) and Mrs van Rooyen (St Mary's DSG) has not gone unnoticed. I thank them sincerely for their friendship and for all their assistance during the course of this tour. It remains for me to wish you all a happy home-coming and to say 'merci beaucoup, bon retour et a la prochaine'!
Written by: Jenny Peddle