HERSCHEL TOUR TO FRANCE ~ JULY 2005
25 June 2005 Bon voyage!
With great excitement, ever yone gathered at domestic departures in Cape Town and fond farewells were said to family and friends. After passing through passport control at Johannesburg International, the girls enjoyed the opportunity to browse through the tax-free boutiques, whilst the chaperones were delighted to sit and relax for a while! There was great excitement as they boarded the plane --- being immersed immediately in the French language and culture on Air France is such a wonderful advantage. Not sure how much sleep will be had, but bon voyage et bon sejour to the group! If parents have any snippets of interesting news, please do not hesitate to drop me an email!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
26 June 2005 La Cote d'Azur
The group stayed in transit at Paris, Charles de Gaulle and then boarded their domestic flight to Nice. The approach to this idyllic seaside resort, which boasts sparkling blue waters lined with gigantic white yachts, is truly a sight to behold. The group was met by Claudio Portfilio, who introduced your daughters to the host families, in whose safe care they will be for the next week. After a scenic drive back to Antibes, everyone had the opportunity to relax and become acquainted with their "famille d'acceuil". It is natural to feel a little insecure with a new family, who speak a foreign language, but please be assured that your daughters will reap enormous benefits from this wonderful experience.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
27 June 2005 Le premier jour!
Bonjour! Classes started at 9.00am. this morning and the girls were given an oral and written test, on the basis of which they were placed in groups according to their individual ability. There are five different levels, ranging from "debutant to intermediaire", with a maximum of 15 pupils per class. I have spoken to one Mum who assures me that all is well and that everyone seems happy in this beautiful part of the world --- it is just very hot at the moment! Please remember that students are free to change their class or their host family, so do not hesitate to contact me if you have any concerns.
Writt en by: Jenny Peddle
28 June 2005 Beautiful Cannes
I have received an email from the MD of the school, assuring me that all is well and that everyone is happy. Apparently it is VERY hot, even by our South African standards. After a quick lunch and, accompanied by their 'animateur'/confident/guide, Guillaume, they caught the train to Cannes and enjoyed a wonderful afternoon mixing with the rich and famous! Rumour has it that some 'serious' shopping was done today, although they did avoid the boutiques on 'La Croisette' – a bit out of their price range!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
29 June 2005 Mixing with the Monegasques in Monaco
After an enriching morning at school, everyone met with Guillaume at the station and boarded a train to Monaco. Apart from boasting some of the most spectacular scenery, Monaco prides itself on being spotlessly clean and orderly. There is an instant fine for littering and police patrol the streets to ensure that there is no bad behaviour. After visiting the Palace, the Cathedral and the exotic gardens, there was some time to shop for souvenirs before returning to Antibes
Written by: Jenny Peddle
30 June 2005 Visit to Grasse
After lunch today, the girls boarded a coach and soaked up the beauty of the provencal countryside on their way to Grasse. They really enjoyed wandering around 'la parfumerie Fragonard', where several purchases were made! Thereafter, they were given free time to explore the 'vieille ville", before returning to Antibes.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
1 July 2005 Last day in Antibes
Today was their last day at school in Antibes and the girls took great pride in the assessment certificates which they received. Many will be sad to leave this idyllic part of the world tomorrow, but all are looking forward to what lies ahead in Paris. On a personal note, my dear son will be getting married tomorrow, so I will only be able to update this site on Monday. In the meantime, please be assured that all has been well organized and that your children are in safe hands.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
3 Jul Weekend news!
The host families drove the girls to the station in Antibes and at 7.30am they boarded the TGV bound for Paris.This was a wonderful experience for everyone and a relaxing way to view the ever-changing countryside. They arrived at the Gare de Lyon at 12.50pm and professional chauffeurs organized by Accord escorted the girls to their new host families. On Sunday they boarded the RER A to Disneyland Paris where, armed with sunscreen and good shoes, they spent an exhilarating day. After viewing a spectacular parade down the Main Street, they made their way home to prepare for their week ahead at their new school.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
4 July 2005 La Tour Eiffel
At 8.15 am the girls gathered at Accord, Ecole de Langues and everyone experienced that 'new feeling' again! Based on a written and oral assessment, they were placed in groups to suit their individual ability. They really enjoyed the international mix of this school and coped well with the challenges. At 1.00pm everyone met and, amidst excited chatter re the morning, they bought lunch before making their way to the Eiffel Tower and a cruise on the River Seine. Two different perspectives of this exhilarating city and what a wonderful day they had!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
5 July 2005 Le Palais de Versailles
After a stimulating morning at school, everyone gathered in the foyer at 2.00pm and, accompanied by a teacher from Accord, they made their way on the RER C to Versailles. The girls were really impressed with the beauty and grandeur of the Palace and its immaculate gardens. The chaperones have sent some wonderful photographs of the tour which I have added to the diary entries – just click on the camera next to each entry.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
6 July 2005 A free day to explore
After school today, they enjoyed a free day to explore this exciting city. I have not received any specific details of their movements, but do know from the chaperones that all are well and that their French has greatly improved!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
7 July 2005 Le Louvre
At 2.00pm the group met with one of the teachers from Accord, who escorted them to the Louvre, where they enjoyed a 2 hour guided tour of this magnificent former palace. Many of you are probably anxious about your friends in London, following the news of the atrocious attacks on the London transport network. I have spoken to the chaperone in London and please be assured that they are all safe and sound. For those departing to South Africa tomorrow, you will be collected by taxi from your host families and taken to Roissy, Charles de Gaulle, where you will board flight AF 990 and depart Paris at 23h15. All those who have alternative arrangements must discuss plans with the two chaperones.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
8 July 2005 Au revoir a Paris
Today the girls received their assessment certificates from Accord and they said a sad farewell to new friends. They then enjoyed some last minute shopping, before making their way home to pack in preparation for their departure. All those leaving tonight were collected by taxis and they were driven to Roissy Charles de Gaulle, where they joined the throngs of passengers booking in. Whilst it is sad when a holiday comes to an end, it is always exciting to return home. Travelling certainly highlights how lucky we are to live in such a beautiful country, where we are spoilt in terms of space and human kindness. Flight AF 990 departs at 23h15 and arrives in Johannesburg tomorrow at 09h40. The girls will then make their way to the domestic terminal, where at 12h45 they will board flight BA 6417 and arrive in Cape Town at 14h45. I know that you will all be looking forward to seeing your children again and to listening to their excited chatter. For those who have extended their stay, I wish you a happy and safe holiday. I will confirm all your return flights, so no need to worry about this aspect. Until next time --- 'merci et au revoir'!
Written by: Jenny Peddle