INDEPENDENT TOUR TO FRANCE ~ JULY 2009
8 July 2009 D Day!
Thinking of you all as you prepare for departure on Wednesday 8 July. The weather is lovely in Paris and this hotel is superb! A tres bientot.....
Written by: Jenny Peddle
9 July 2009 Safe arrival and a full day!
Everyone arrived safe and sound at Roissy Charles de Gaulle this morning and although the flight was pleasant and uneventful, not much sleep was had! I eagerly awaited the arrival of the group at the hotel and at 8.30am all alighted from the coach. Since the rooms were not yet available, everyone had to store their luggage in 'la bagagerie' and use the restrooms in the foyer to freshen up. Anxious not to waste a single minute of their time in Paris, we soon departed from the hotel and made our way by metro to Montmartre. Everyone was in awe of the basilica of Sacre Coeur and many of the girls had their portraits painted in the Place du Tertre. After lunch we joined the group of girls from Pretoria High School and enjoyed a cruise on the river Seine, which was followed by an ascent to the 2nd floor of the Eiffel Tower ~ what an amazing view! At 5.30pm we made our way back to the hotel on a very busy metro and by 6.30pm all had settled down into their very comfortable rooms in the Campanile Bastille hotel. Should you wish to contact your children, herewith the details: 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
10 July 2009 Quelle journée magnifique!
Everyone had such a good sleep last night and their smiling faces were a joy to behold at breakfast this morning! At 9.15am we made our way by metro to the Place de la Concorde, which is bedecked at present with stands, barriers and flags in preparation for Bastille Day on 14 July. With a quick explanation of the historic importance of this square, everyone then set off to discover the magnificence of the Champs Elysées. The meeting place was set at the Arc de Triomphe and everyone was amazed at the chaos and clear absence of any rules of the road which they witnessed here! We then made our way to the Rue de Rivoli and had great fun imaging being able to afford any of the jewellery, handbags, shoes, clothes etc on display! En route to the Place Vendome to see the Ritz hotel, we passed an ostentatious Rolls Royce and an even more flamboyant Lamborghini ~ sigh! With stomachs crying out for lunch, we headed for the Tuileries gardens, which are so very beautiful in summer and here we all ate baguettes, crepes and all things French! Our guided visit of the Louvre was scheduled for 3.30pm and this was greatly appreciated by all. Everyone will have some free time at the hotel from 6.00pm – 8.00pm and then they will board their coach for a guided tour of Paris by night ~ I know for certain that this will be an awesome experience for your children!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
11 July 2009 So much to see in Paris!
After a substantial breakfast, we made our way to l'Hôtel de Ville, where all were afforded some free time to explore the 'quartier'. They marvelled at the Georges Pompidou Centre, which is the landmark of contemporary Paris and home to the National Museum of Modern Art, before crossing the Seine to the Ile de la Cité to see the cathedral of Notre Dame. Everyone then had time to eat lunch in the Latin Quarter, before hopping on board the metro to visit the world famous department store Galéries Lafayette, which was built in 1912, it is now classified as an historic monument, boasting a beautiful glass roof-dome and an Art Nouveau staircase. At 5.30pm we all gathered in the gardens of the hotel where we shared varied anecdotes from the day ~ many of which were hilarious! It never ceases to amaze me how quickly students from different schools bond on these independent tours...and this one is no exception! We have seen and done so much in such a short space of time and all are in love with Paris, determined to revisit in the near future! Our departure to the station tomorrow is scheduled for 7.00am and we advised everyone to pack their suitcases tonight and to check that all documents are in order. More tomorrow from the French Riviera...!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
12 July 2009 Welcome to the South of France!
We were all up bright and early this morning and after a good breakfast, we hopped on board our transfer coach to Gare de Lyon. This was a real learning experience for everyone as platforms are marked with either numbers or letters and you have to be on the ball to know where to go in such a large chaotic station! Our journey to the south was very pleasant, with most having a nap on the first half and then chatting excitedly during the second half! As we approached the Mediterranean Sea, everyone squealed with joy at the site of the azure blue waters and beautiful coves. The train only stopped briefly in Antibes and our chain to offload our many bags worked exceptionally well ~ bravo to the group! We then boarded our coach and were driven to Campus Horticole, where we were given a room in which to place our bags and to change into swimwear for the afternoon excursion. We started at the beautiful Place de Gaulle and then made our way to a viewpoint, the likes of which many have never seen before! Imagine if you can standing alongside the walls of the ancient medieval city and overlooking the calm blue waters bedecked with yachts of all shapes and sizes, with the Alps in the distance. It was a sight that everyone will remember forever and many commented that no photograph could ever depict the beauty of the scenery. Nadia, our dedicated animatrice, then escorted the group to a central point and suggested 3 activities: swimming in the quaint Plage Gravette, viewing the yachts & sailing ships in harbour or shopping in the vieille ville. The weather is so beautiful and all were very happy to relax for 2 hours in this idyllic part of the world. We returned to campus at 7.00 and after having settled in to their rooms, everyone went down to dinner, where they were astounded by the selection of delicious food on offer. After dinner there will be a talk in the theatre to explain the workings on Campus and thereafter there will be some ice-breaker games, which are always great fun! Everyone has had the most wonderful day!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
13 July 2009 Excursion to Cannes + fireworks display!
After breakfast this morning, all made their way to their various classes and the general consensus at tea-time was that the lessons were stimulating and fun. A few asked to be moved to a different level and this was organized. After lunch, which was another ver itable feast, boasting 2 'plats du jour' + vegetables, cold meats, a selection of salads, desserts, cheeses and fruit, all excitedly boarded the train to Cannes. Upon arrival, Nadia chose to ascend directly to the viewpoint which affords a magnificent view over the bay and the Esterel Mountains. This required a 20 minute walk and Nadia tested their will-power as she chose a route through the 'back streets' which are lined with bargain stalls ~ this was certainly an exercise in self control for the girls! On return to the beachfront, they all took photos on the famous red carpet in front of the Palais du Congres, and then they were allowed 'du temps libre' ~ with a budget in mind, no one headed for the designer boutiques along La Croisette! With tomorrow being Bastille Day, the French have gone quite crazy and tonight there will be a fireworks display at the beachfront in Antibes. We have made arrangements for a coach transfer and everyone is very excited to have the opportunity to take part in these festivities!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
14 July 2009 Bastille Day + Monaco!
14th July ~ Bastille Day ~ and the South Africans were the only ones who attended class this morning! The educators on Campus had compiled some relevant worksheets and Tanya, Danielle and I worked with the group using the theme of comparisons. We started by discussing personal differences and then spoke about differences in culture between the French & South Africans, before moving on to broader issues pertaining to politics and belief systems. The emphasis was on communication and everyone learnt so much about each other ...a real bonding experience! Everyone participated and there was so much laughter that many who were just relaxing outside actually wanted to join in the fun! We wrapped up the session with a hearty rendition of La Marseillaise and an enthusiastic practice for the gum-boot dance, which Les Sud-Afs will be doing at the concert on Thursday evening! Since it was a public holiday, lunch was in the form of a picnic packet and this was enjoyed prior to boarding the air-conditioned coach to Monaco. Everyone was in awe of the beautiful scenery along the 'route du littoral', which extended from the palm-tree lined Promenade des Anglais through to Villefranche and Beaulieu-sur-Mer, before finally descending into the pristine clean principality of Monaco. Everyone loved riding on the 'petit train' which is a great attraction for tourists, not only because the commentary is informative, but also because it saves a great deal of walking! Thereafter, they visited the Palace and the Cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace are laid to rest and then they enjoyed a stroll in the beautiful exotic gardens, before doing some souvenir shopping. It was a wonderful excursion and all returned to campus very happy and fulfilled. Tonight there is an excursion to Juan les Pins, where there will be another fireworks display ~ if last night's display is anything to go by, we are all in for a real treat!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
15 July 2009 Sailing on the Med!
Everyone thoroughly enjoyed the lessons this morning and all were very excited for this afternoon's activity ~ sailing on the Med! With towels, sun cream and hats in hand, all alighted from the 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'. To sail in a catamaran on the Mediterranean is a unique experience and the memory will last forever. At 4.30pm our coach arrived and everyone was able to enjoy a few relaxing hours on campus before dinner. This evening the animateurs/animatrices have organized some games 'with a difference' and this promises to be great fun! Our students have integrated so well with all the other international students and they have noted the cultural differences ~ all remain fiercely proud of our country, where discipline, manners and respect are of paramount importance!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
16 July 2009 Excursion to Grasse
Once again everyone enjoyed their lessons this morning and I have one delightful anecdote to share: a teacher was asking her students to list what they like and by mistake (so he says!) Gerhard (our group comedian) told the teacher 'je t'aime' ~ he was highly embarrassed and she was clearly flattered! After lunch we boarded our coach to Grasse, known as the 'balcony of Provence' since it boasts magnificent views and here we spent a wonderful few hours. We started with a short exploration of the vieille ville, before hopping on board 'le petit train', which was an amazing experience. At 4.00pm we made our way to the Fragonard Perfumery, where the group enjoyed a guided tour, before visiting the boutique. Judging by the enthusiasm and packets in hand, many purchases were made! Our journey home was so memorable, as our amiable coach driver sang songs to us like 'La Vie en Rose' & 'Je ne regrette rien' ~ in return, our students offered their rendition of La Marseillaise + other songs of a more South African nature! The spirit of the group is really strong and each individual is valued and respected in his/her own right. Tonight there is a Cabaret/Spectacle and Les Sud-Afs will be performing a gum-boot dance! All have rehearsed endlessly and it promises to attract a standing ovation! Am rushing off to see the show, so more news tomorrow.....!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
17 July 2009 Excursion to Nice
Today marked the end of their formal French tuition and everyone received a certificate attesting to the level attained + a comment from their teacher. All the educators at Le Centre International d'Antibes adore our South African students, always commenting on their positive attitude and genuine desire to work ~ unlike many other nationalities! After lunch, all made their way by train to Nice, 'Queen of the Riviera' and whilst it was very tempting to stop and browse at the name brand boutiques along the Boulevard Jean Medecin, all dutifully followed Nadia to the newly revamped Place Massena, which was proclaimed the designated meeting area. The group was then afforded 'du temps libre' and whilst many immediately back-tracked to the boutiques, others chose to meander through the narrow streets of 'la vieille ville' and look for bargains. A few decided to sunbathe on one of the rather uncomfortable pebble beaches and to cool off in the calm azure waters of the Mediterranean. It was a lovely afternoon and at 6.00pm, laden with parcels, the group hopped on board the train back to Antibes. After dinner, everyone will go to their rooms to pack and if all is duly completed by 8.30pm they will be allowed to enjoy a short excursion to Juan les Pins... a great carrot, since they are really looking forward to a very special last night in France!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
18 July 2009 Fond farewell to France!
Today marks the final day of our tour and after breakfast we will have a few hours to explore Antibes and to do any last minute shopping. We will then enjoy a picnic lunch back on campus, where everyone will say a fond farewell to our animatrice, Nadia. She has been such a lovely companion, very caring, knowledgeable, responsible and attentive to our group. She speaks beautiful French with clear diction and the children have learnt a lot from her. 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 19 July @ 09h40. The majority of the group will then have a further connection, either with Danielle to Durban or with Tanya to Cape Town. It has once again been my great joy 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 ultimate success of any tour depends largely on the chaperones and both Tanya Jones & Danielle van Rooyen have been exceptional role-models and your children have certainly been very privileged to have travelled with them! As a personal ity who sets the bar very high, I find it difficult to entrust responsibility to others, but both Tanya and Danielle have earned my greatest respect and assisted me admirably ~ for this I thank them most sincerely. So much has been packed into the last 10 days and as parents you can rest assured that you have afforded your children the most wonderful opportunity. 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 and the precious memories & firm bonds of friendships will last a lifetime. It remains for me to say 'merci beaucoup, bon retour et a la prochaine'!
Written by: Jenny Peddle