ST MARY'S WAVERLEY ~ APRIL 2005
2 April 2005 Allons-y!
D Day at last! With great excitement, everyone gathered at Johannesburg International, which was as chaotic as usual! The Duty Manager of Air France had been previously informed of the group and made check-in run as smoothly as possible. With fond farewells, the group embarked on a two and a half week tour to France. The first two weeks will be spent at an International French Language School in Antibes and then, as a reward for their diligence, they will leisurely make their way to Paris, passing through Lyon and the Loire Valley. Bon voyage et bon sejour!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
3 April 2005 Arrival in Nice
At midday, the group arrived safe and sound in the idyllic seaside resort of Nice. What a sight to behold, as they approached the airport, flying low over the sparkling blue waters harbouring gigantic white yachts. Although a little weary from the long journey, the girls were delighted, if somewhat apprehensive, to meet their host families, who had traveled to Nice to greet them. After a scenic drive back to Antibes, everyone had the opportunity to relax and become acquainted with their "famille d'acceuil" in whose safe care they will be for the next two weeks.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
4 April 2005 First day at school
In the morning, everyone was taken on a tour of the "old town" and the girls had just over an hour to explore on their own. After lunch, they 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" and the girls are mainly on level B1 to A1 (élémentaire à intermédiaire). There are a maximum of 11 pupils per class and in addition to the St Mary's group, there are 26 Juniors and 97 adults from all over the world. The girls wanted to spend the rest of the afternoon in Antibes, so Karine, the "animatrice" from the CIA, led the way back into town and the girls were able to enjoy some window shopping. Everyone seems really happy!
Writt en by: Jenny Peddle
5 April 2005 Outing to Nice
After class, everyone walked to the station and caught the train to Nice. It was a beautiful day and very hot. The walk down to the town was not that easy or pleasant, as Nice is nothing but a building site at the moment, since they are introducing a 'tramway' system. All the roads are being dug up and there are lorries, machines and equipment everywhere --- so much for the tranquil "Cote d'Azur!" En route to the "old town" (which was quite a walk!) the girls decided to have a St Mary's Waverley "photo shoot!" on the Place Masséna, before walking through the magnificent flower market, which enthralled ever yone. For lunch, some tried the local speciality 'socca' ( a galette / pancake made of chickpea flour) which was interesting! After this, there was some free time to go shopping in the old quarter before strolling along the "Promenade des Anglais", where they were shown some famous landmarks, including the Hotel Negresco and Elton John's villa. After some more walking back to the train station, the girls looked forward to a relaxing evening with their host families. Everyone is having a great time and getting very fit!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
6 April 2005 Visit to Grasse
After class, everyone ordered delicious baguettes from a recommended 'boulangerie' in the city centre and Karine kindly offered to play "delivery lady"! Thereafter, the girls boarded the coach and soaked up the beauty of the provencal countryside on their way to Grasse. They really enjoyed wandering around the Fragonard perfumery and they also had time to walk around the old town, but many of the shops were closed, as it was still siesta time.Unfortunately, roadworks (once again!) made it impossible to visit Gourdon.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
7 April 2005 Bon anniversaire a Pamela!
Bon anniversaire a Pamela Rees-Bevan! After class, a 'pique-nique à la plage' was arranged to mark the occasion and everyone tried to recall the words to this song from Encore Tricolore, which they sang in Form 1! Although it was sunny, it was too cool for the girls to paddle in the sea and they chose to use the free time shopping! Whilst in town, the bells of the Cathedral began to toll and it was discovered that a mass was being held for Pope John-Paul ll. Some girls commented that their families light a candle for the Pope every evening. The CIA organised a 'barbecue' for all the Juniors in the evening and it was wonderful! There was so much food - two types of sausages, lamb chops, chicken, rolls, two salads and a dessert. After dinner, everyone was taken by coach to Castel Mirabel (one of the résidences) and the "animatrices" organised entertainment for the group. Everyone sang 'happy birthday' to Pamela and Karine and Florence even had a birthday present for her – lucky girl! At the end of this unforgettable evening, everyone was delivered safe and sound to their host family.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
8 April 2005 St Paul de Vence
Today is quite overcast and there are even signs of rain – probably the coolest day so far. After lunch the group travelled to Saint-Paul de Vence, which I know Mme Rowse was really looking forward to visiting! I am not sure if the teachers will be able to feed any information to me over the weekend, so if you hear from your daughters, please keep me informed. Bon weekend!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
9 April 2005 Museums and shopping in Nice
On a gloriously sunny Saturday morning, everyone met at the station, where they took the train to Nice. Buses pass regularly in front of the station and number 17 took them directly to the Musee Matisse, which is situated in a park, surrounded by Roman ruins. After lunch in the park, they caught the bus (for free!) to the Chagall Museum, which the girls seemed to prefer. Yet another bus took them back to La Place Massena, where the girls had two hours to shop--- word has it that this was as close to "paradise" as you could get!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
10 April 2005 A relaxing Sunday
Today they woke up to grey skies and drizzle, but this didn't last for long and cleared in the afternoon. Some chose to visit the Picasso Museum and the Cathedral, which is situated next to the museum. Generally a relaxing Sunday, spent absorbing all the beauty of this wonderful part of France.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
11 April 2005 A wonderful afternoon in Cannes
After class today, the group caught a double-decker train to Cannes and, although it drizzled on and off, it did not seem to spoil the outing. Karine led the way to the palais where everyone marvelled at the various stars' handprints in the paving! There was such activity outside the palais in preparation for next month's Cannes film festival. The girls elected not to walk up the hill (Le Soquet) to the Musee de la Castre in old Cannes and chose instead to walk along La Croisette, where they saw many famous 'name brand' shops, including Chanel, Christian LaCroix and Dior. They wandered as far as the Carlton Hotel and then had some free time to shop along the Rue d' Antibes, which is the main shopping street in Cannes. A really enjoyable outing which ended with a journey on the TGV back to Antibes.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
12 April 2005 Everyone loved Monaco!
After class today, an outing to Monaco was arranged and everyone marvelled at the beautiful scenery en route. Fortunately it did not rain, but it was overcast and this seemed to reflect the sombre atmosphere of the Monegasques who, dressed in black, are in mourning for a month following the death of their beloved sovereign, Prince Rainier. On a lighter note, preparations are well under way for the Grand Prix which will take place in May. The girls loved Monaco and apparently many decided that they would like to live there! After a lovely outing, everyone boarded the train bound for Antibes, where all but 4 girls disembarked! After a hair-raising few minutes with the 'animatrice', Karine using a loud speaker to the enourage the lost souls to "de-train" , they were discovered and all was well! Some TLC was needed for the chaperones after that!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
14 April 2005 Relaxing in Juan les Pins
On the way to school at 'Le Chateau', Mme Rowse bumped into some of her girls at the 'marche provencal'. They had been sent into town to get a feel of market day in France and also to do a survey for their teacher. It was a wonderfully sunny day and ideal for the planned outing to Juan les Pins. The girls had been told that they were to visit a museum and their groans wer replaced by shrieks of joy as they were informed that they would, in fact, have the afternoon free! Three girls, Emma, Gaby and Jenna-Lee were really brave and swam in the Mediterranean waters, but it was VERY cold! It was a wonderfully relaxing afternoon and good for the soul!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
15 April 2005 Fond farewells!
It is hard to believe that two weeks have passed and today the girls received their course certificates. The CIA has spoken highly of this group and indicated that they have seen a real improvement in their confidence to speak French. After some sad farewells, the girls made their way into town to buy lunch and to do some last minute shopping. Tonight will be spent with their host families and packing for their next sector, which inludes Lyon, Blois and Paris. Updates henceforth may not be as frequent and depend on how easily the teachers are able to access internet facilities.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
21 April 2005 Update re Paris hotel
The group enjoyed a wonderful tour through Lyon and Blois, visiting some beautiful chateaux en route. There was concern about the hotel in Paris and I would like to assure you that all is well. I have used Envol Espace, the Tour Operator in France, on several occasions and have never had any reason to be more than 100% delighted with their service. The hotel in which they were booked is one of a highly reputable chain and is, therefore, of a very good standard. Although not right in the centre of the red light district, it was obviously close enough to be of some concern. When I was alerted to this by the chaperones, I immediately contacted Envol Espace, who subsequently, and without question, arranged for the group to be moved to a three star hotel in a very good area of Paris, near the Opera House. (Libertel Opera Touraine - Tel: + 33 1 48 74 50 49). I have followed this tour very closely and would like to assure you that all your children are safe and happy and enjoying all the wonderful sights of Paris!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
22 April 2005 Au revoir!
The weather has been wonderful in France and everyone thoroughly enjoyed the outing to Disneyland Paris yesterday. Today, they are looking forward to their visit to the Palais of Versailles. Three weeks seem to have passed very quickly, but I am sure that you are all looking forward to welcoming your daughters home on Sunday and to hearing all their exciting tales! A reminder that they depart Paris, Charles de Gaulle on Saturday 23 April at 23h15 on AF990 and arrive at Johannesburg International at 09h40 on Sunday morning. I have enjoyed my association with St Mary's Waverley and I hope that your children have all had a wonderfully enriching tour of France. Au revoir et a la prochaine --!
Written by: Jenny Peddle