MARIAN COLLEGE ~ AUGUST 2004
15 August 2004 D Day!
Everyone met at Johannesburg International at the designated time and, as usual, the airport was chaotic! Many pupils were, however, able to book in and then exit again to enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee with their parents, before passing through passport control, where they gathered with the chaperones, who carefully explained the ground rules of a successful tour. They boarded the plane at 1.00pm.and enjoyed a comfortable flight on Emirates Airlines, who are renowned for their excellent service.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
16 August 2004 Tired but excited!
After changing planes at Dubai, the group enjoyed a daytime flight to Rome, where they arrived at 11.35am. --- all a little weary, but very excited about what lay ahead. They were met by their coach driver and their escort, Mr Serge Torrini, who will accompany them throughout Italy. With 4 chaperones in total, the group's needs should be extremely well met! First stop, the Vatican City and a view of the spectacular Sistene Chapel, after which they were taken to their 3* hotel. After unpacking and freshening up, they went to sample some local cuisine at a local restaurant, before continuing on to the Spanish Steps and the Trevi Fountain. What an amazing day for them, and one they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
17 August 2004 Arrivederci Roma!
The weather is still so very hot and the children are encouraged to wear sun cream and drink lots of water. The morning was spent enjoying the Colosseum and Forum Romanum, before departing to Assisi, the hometown of St Francis, which provides an amazing overview of the surrounding countryside. Onward then to Florence, which is usually a firm favourite with students and where, traditionally, the first "serious" bit of shopping usually occurs! They are all having a wonderful time and are in very good hands.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
18 August 2004 "The Jewel of the Renaissance"
The group had a walking tour with a local guide and soon realized why Florence is called the "Jewel of the Renaissance". To be surrounded by so much history , art and culture was an incredible experience for them. They were given some time for shopping after lunch and then everyone met on the Ponte Vechhio before returning to the hotel to freshen up for dinner, which was served at a local restaurant.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
19 August 2004 Onward to Venezia!
With a fond farewell to Florence, the group departed for Pisa, where they all adopted the classic pose of holding up the "leaning tower" for the camera! After lunch, the journey continued across the beautiful Venetian plains towards the fascinating city of Venice, which was aptly summed up by these words: "I just love Venice, it's so different, you have to see it to believe it!" A delicious three course meal was served in a local restaurant and you can rest assured that everyone is having a wonderful time!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
20 August 2004 Vaporetto transport
The group met their local English speaking guide at 10.00am and were given an orientation tour of this magical city, marveling at the Bridge of Sighs and the Byzantine Basilica in St Mark's square, before entering the bewitching Doges' Palace. Thereafter, they used their day-vaporetto tickets to reach the Lagune Islands of Torcello, Murano and Burano, where they witnessed traditional Venetian craftsmen blowing glass. The children were delighted to then have some free time to explore and enjoy some "shopping hours!"
Written by: Jenny Peddle
21 August 2004 Farewell to Italy
Today the group traveled inland to Shakespeare's Verona, where they saw Juliet's balcony and admired the Roman arena. The journey then continued on to Lake Garda, where they enjoyed a relaxing lunch, before making their way to Milan. After sampling the shops and eating dinner, they boarded the overnight train to Paris. They had been warned that European train travel could be a little cramped, so all went prepared for the experience!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
22 August 2004 Bienvenue a Paris!
Upon arrival in Paris, and unbeknown to me, the group was informed of a change in itinerary. I have written to the Tour Operators in France to request a full explanation for this. So, instead of wandering down the Champs Elysees as scheduled, they were all whisked off to EuroDisney, where they spent a fun-filled afternoon and evening enjoying the rides and the world famous Disney parade. They will be really tired tonight, but with nothing scheduled for early tomorrow, they should be able to lie in and relax a little.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
23 August 2004 "J'adore Paris!"
With the change in schedule, the group has a wonderfully relaxing day in Paris to look forward to, and time to soak up the very essence of this enchanting city. I phoned the hotel this morning and spoke to the chaperone, Mrs Tilly de Gabriele, who assured me that everything was progressing smoothly and that all your children are safe and happy! She also confirmed my suspicions that Euro Disney was "an awesome experience" for them and apparently they took the very last RER back to Paris, having been enthralled by the magic of the Disney Parade in the evening.
Writt en by: Jenny Peddle
24 August 2004 Last day in Paris
The group was afforded the opportunity to enjoy Versailles, the Eiffel Tower, Galeries Lafayette and Montmartre, but several disciplinary problems have arisen, where some students have selfishly chosen to compromise the enjoyment of others. The focus of this tour was Art and History, but it would appear that the response to these disciplines has been disappointing.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
25 August 2004 Onward to London
The group said farewell to Mme Brouchard, their knowledgeable and friendly guide who had accompanied them throughout their time in Paris. They then boarded the Eurostar bound for London and they thoroughly enjoyed the experience of this outstanding feat of technology! Upon arrival at Waterloo Station, they boarded their luxury coach and enjoyed a 2 1/2 hour panoramic tour of London. Their hotel is apparently wonderful and their reception was friendly and efficient. When I spoke to Mrs de Gabriele last night, she indicated that everyone was a little tired, so the decision was made to have a relatively early night, so that they would be fresh for a full and exciting day in this exhilirating city tomorrow.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
26 August 2004 The sights of London
Three days in London --- what a wonderful life-experience! Everyone appears to love this vibrant city and it is such a relief to be able to communicate in one's mother tongue! A Westend show was scheduled for the evening and Mrs de Gabriele shopped around for cheap tickets. Students chose to attend either Chicago or Phantom of the Opera and there were rave reviews.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
27 August 2004 More sightseeing!
Once again, the group was exposed to the hustle and bustle of London. They visited the Tower of London and the Tate Modern, whose art works are apparently "exceptional". I spoke to Mrs de Gabriele this evening and, by all accounts, the children have had a wonderful tour and are all ready for a little R&R!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
28 August 2004 Homeward bound!
Three countries in two weeks - what an incredible educational experience this has been! So much has been packed into these two weeks that it will not be surprising to find your children enriched by the experience, but equally exhausted! I have confirmed all their flights and except for two children who have chosen to stay on a bit longer, everyone will be winging their way back to South Africa tonight. The plane arrives in Johannesburg at 16h15 tomorrow, Sunday 29 August. It is always a relief for chaperones to return with all the children safe and sound, and the reponsibility of this role can never be underestimated - a big thank you to them.
Written by: Jenny Peddle