ST STITHIANS BOYS' PREP. CULTURAL TOUR ~ AUGUST 2009
7 August 2009 D Day!
Bon voyage! I am in Paris at present with a group of students, but I have been so aware of the various emotions you would all have been feeling today ~ ranging from great excitement of the boys to immense apprehension from the parents. Please rest assured that the chaperones and I know that the safety and security of your precious children are of paramount importance ~ they are in very good hands! I have just enjoyed dinner with their Casterbridge Tour Escort, Peter Voice, who will be accompanying the group from tomorrow until their arrival in Antibes. We are both so excited at the content of this amazing tour! Please remember that my SA telephone numbers are not to be used during this time and I may be contacted either by email or on my French mobile, which is +33 6 18 43 14 00.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
8 August 2009 Safe arrival and a lovely day!
Bienvenue a Paris! I received an sms at 9.00am to confirm that they had arrived safely and that all were in good spirits! At 8.00pm thechaperones wrote again to say that they have had a 'magic' day ~ all thoroughly enjoyed both Versailles + the Pegasus Bridge Museum. They are now relaxing and looking forward to a good night's sleep to recharge batteries! Should you wish to contact your boys, they are staying in the Hotel des Quatrans in Caen and the contact details are: Tel: + 33 231 86 25 57 and Fax + 33 231 85 30 30. More tomorrow ...!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
9 August 2009 Normandy Beaches
The boys woke up refreshed after a good night's sleep and with batteries re-charged, all made their way to Normandy, where the day was devoted to a tour of the D Day Landing Beaches. This was an emotional experience for many and they really enjoyed the 360° film in Arromanches, which allowed them to relive the feelings of the Allied soldiers and the momentous events in the first hours of 6 June 1944. The chaperones are so ver y proud of the boys' behaviour and wish all parents to know that their sons are safe and having a wonderful time. Should you wish to make contact with them, Mr Pascoe now has a French sim card and his number is + 33 6 808 21911.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
10 August 2009 Onward to Le Mont St Michel + St Malo!
Their morning started with a visit to the Peace Museum, which is regarded as the best World War II museum in France. Thereafter they travelled by coach to the world renowned Le Mont Saint-Michel, which is a fortified island dating back to 708. Here they meandered through the narrow streets of the medieval town, before enjoying a tour of the Benedictine Abbey. They have all really been looking forward to their next leg of the journey, which is to the seaside resort of St Malo. After having settled in to their hotel, they enjoyed exploring this fascinating ancient walled city and all intend to wake up early for a swim in the Atlantic waters tomorrow morning! Should you wish to contact your boys, they are staying in the Hotel Anne de Bretagne and the contact details are: Tel: + 33 2 99 56 18 00 and Fax + 33 2 99 56 04 68.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
11 August 2009 Onward to Rouen!
I have just received news from the chaperones to say that they have all had a wonderful day. It started with a swim in the Atlantic waters followed by some free time to explore the walled city of St Malo. At midday they travelled to Rouen, where after having booked into their hotel, they enjoyed an orientation tour and relived some of the history of Jean d'Arc. In the evening they were treated to a 'son et lumière' show and they all were in awe of Claude Monet's art projected on the beautiful gothic Cathedrale de Notre Dame. Excitement is high for tomorrow's departure for Switzerland and I quote from the chaperones: "we have a band of brothers loving every moment"! The boys are staying in Hotel Ibis Rive Droite in Rouen and the contact details are: Tel : +33 2 35 70 48 18 Fax: +33 2 35716895
Written by: Jenny Peddle
12 August 2009 Welcome to Switzerland!
Today the group traveled from Rouen to Roissy Charles de Gaulle, where they boarded their flight to Geneva. Peter Voice remains their guide and he confirmed that everyone really enjoyed the informal walking tour and the cruise on Lake Geneva. Please note that your boys will be staying at the Hotel Cristal and the contact details are: + 41 2 27 31 34 00 (tel) and + 41 2 27 31 70 78 (fax). Please state that the group is booked under Casterbridge Tours!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
13 August 2009 Cheese and chocolate tasting!
Apparently everyone is unanimous in thinking that Switzerland is 'unbelievably beautiful'! After breakfast the boys boarded the coach and their first stop was at the famous 12th century Chateau Chillon, which is situated on the edge of Lake Geneva. Thereafter, they drove through magnificent rural countryside to the medieval town of Gruyere, where they visited the Chateau de Gruyere and the cheese factory at Pringy. This was followed by a visit to the Cailler-Nestlé chocolate factory at Broc, which included a multilingual video presentation. The tasting sessions at both were described by the boys as 'magic' and so many purchases were made!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
14 August 2009 Final day in Geneva
I have received a short note from the chaperones to say that the visit to the United Nations was 'magic' and a wonderful opportunity for the boys. The cable car ride was a real highlight and they enjoyed lunch in an idyllic setting overlooking the Alps. Before returning to the hotel, they all had a swim in Lake Geneva and a ride on the Ferris Wheel! Everyone has thoroughly Switzerland and tonight they will pack for their early morning departure to Provence.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
15 August 2009 Safe arrival in Antibes!
This morning everyone hopped on board the luxury coach, all eagerly awaiting their journey to the French Riviera. Unfortunately this took most of the day, since there was an unbelievable amount of traffic on the road. I can however confirm that they have arrived safely on Campus, where they said a fond farewell to their Casterbridge guide, Peter Voice, who has been a superb companion to the group. The boys were shown to their rooms and after a quick shower, they made their way to the restaurant, where they were overjoyed to see a veritable feast on offer! A wonderful evening is planned for them, which is guaranteed to stave off any fatigue! We will visit 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! The Europeans love fireworks (les feux d'artifices) and there is an annual competition between the various countries ~ tonight Juan les Pins plays host to Croatia! My 'Independent French' group departed from Nice this afternoon and I so look forward to personally accompanying the St Stithians boys henceforth! I remind you that my mobile number is + 33 6 18 43 14 00 and in an emergency you may contact + 33 4 92 90 71 70.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
16 August 2009 A wonderful day in Monaco and Nice!
It has been so lovely to get to know your boys individually! Most of my groups I accompany comprise students from 15 – 18 years and I find these youngsters so refreshing and endearing! After breakfast this morning, we all boarded our coach to Monaco and travelled along the spectacular coastal route, which extends from the palm-tree lined Promenade des Anglais through to Villefranche and Beaulieu-sur-Mer ~ everyone was astounded by the breathtaking views and we stopped to take photos en route. Upon arrival in the principality of Monaco, we hopped on board the 'petit train', which is a great attraction for tourists, not only because the commentary is so informative, but also because it saves a great deal of walking! The obvious wealth & pristine cleanliness of this principality is remarkable and not one Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari or Bentley went unnoticed by our discerning Saints! All were in awe of the Grimaldi Palace and from the vantage point of Le Rocher, we were able to view the busy port, lined with its luxury yachts. After visiting the Cathedral, which is the burial place of Prince Rainier, Princess Grace and other Monegasque Royals, the boys enjoyed some souvenir shopping. Our final visit was to the world renowned Oceanographic Museum, which has an impressive façade, towering over the sheer cliff face and it features a remarkable presentation of Mediterranean & tropical marine ecosystems. After a picnic lunch from the Campus, we made our way to Nice, the 'Queen of the Riviera' and all enjoyed a swim in the calm azure waters of the Mediterranean. At 5.00pm we boarded the coach for our return journey to Antibes and the first ports of call on campus were the swimming pool and the soccer field! Hopefully all will enjoy a good night's sleep and batteries will be re-charged for tomorrow's outing to Cannes + sailing on the Med!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
17 August 2009 Cannes + sailing on the Med!
After breakfast this morning, everyone boarded a train to Cannes ~ such a unique experience for our children! Upon arrival, all made their way to the Palais des Congrès, where they had a photo-shoot on the famous red carpet! They then enjoyed trying to identify the hands of the various film stars which are imprinted in the surrounding floor tiles. Thereafter, some opted to peruse the designer boutiques along La Croisette, others preferred to view the cheaper merchandise on offer in the 'back street bargain stalls', whilst the majority chose to relax & swim on one of the magnificent beaches. At midday, they returned to Antibes, where a coach was awaiting to transfer them to the beach for an afternoon's sailing on the Med! They were divided into 2 groups and all listened attentively to the instructions from a professional mentor from the Yacht Club of Antibes, before hopping on board a catamaran! The weather was superb and the sight of the colourful boats bobbing up and down on the calm, azure blue waters of the Mediterranean, with the Alps and the 'vieille ville' of Antibes as a backdrop will be indelibly printed on everyone's mind forever! At 4.30pm they boarded the coach back to campus, where a 'soiree barbeque' (aka braai!) and pool party have been organized for tonight! More news from Paris tomorrow....!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
18 August 2009 Bienvenue à Paris!
A very happy 12th birthday to Karmsheel! We were all up bright and early this morning and after a quick breakfast, we hopped on board the transfer coach and made our way to the station. The TGV only stopped briefly in Antibes and our chain to load 35 bags worked so efficiently ~ bravo to the group! I am delighted that my daughter Michelle has made arrangements to stay on with us for the Paris leg ~ not only is she an exceptional co-chaperone, but she is also such a warm & empathetic mother-figure! Our journey to Paris was very pleasant, with most having a nap on the first half and then chatting excitedly during the second half! The boys were particularly well behaved and several compliments were received on their manners & sensitivity towards other passengers. Upon arrival in Paris, we boarded our brand new coach and made our way to the Campanile Gare du Nord, which is a very comfortable and well situated hotel. Should you wish to contact your sons, herewith the details ~ Telephone: + 33 1 40 34 38 38 Fax: + 33 1 40 34 38 50. We had an hour to relax and then we re-grouped for instructions on the metro prior to our departure to the Eiffel Tower, where we ascended to the 3rd floor for a magnificent view over Paris. At 6.00pm, we boarded the Bateaux Parisiens and enjoyed a different perspective of the city as we cruised on the River Seine. A very happy band of travellers (albeit quite exhausted!) returned to the hotel at 8.00pm and all had time to shower and relax whilst the chaperones went out to collect dinner for them. Everyone is so excited to be sleeping in crisp white sheets tonight and to be able to recharge batteries for tomorrow's exciting itinerary!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
19 August 2009 Montmartre + the Louvre!
Everyone had a wonderful sleep and all enjoyed a delicious breakfast this morning, with the nutella crepes gaining top marks! Our first visit was to Montmartre, where we weaved our way through a plethora of souvenir shops + 292 steps to the basilica of Sacré Coeur! All the boys were enthralled with this church ~ some even making confessions! Thereafter we had some free time in the Place du Tertre and the majority of boys chose to have their portraits painted or caricatures etched ~ all were delighted with these keep-sakes! We then returned briefly to the hotel, where we had organized a lunch comprising a baguette, patisserie and cool-drink, which the boys enjoyed prior to the visit to the Louvre Museum. For greater efficiency, the group was split into two and the experienced 'conférenciers' imparted a wealth of knowledge to the boys, using the effective 'whisper' system. Thereafter, we made our way through the beautiful Tuileries Gardens, where the shade was so welcome in this terrible heat wave. The boys all enjoyed some free time in the amusement park, before making their way to the Place de la Concorde, which was the site of the gruesome executions by guillotine during the French Revolution. A very happy 'band of brothers' returned to the hotel at 5.30pm, where they enjoyed some free time to relax and to freshen up before dinner. At 8.00pm we made our way to a neighbouring restaurant, where we were warmly welcomed by Marie-Jo ~ a phenomenal hostess who embraced our group with open arms. We had a delicious meal of chicken, chips and salad + cool drink, followed by a chocolate cake dessert ~ the ambience was typically French and the evening was unforgettable. I have accompanied many tours, but this particular group stands out as very special ~ I am so impressed with the attitude & manners of of all the boys and the dedication of their chaperones is remarkable.
Written by: Jenny Peddle
20 August 2009 Fun at Disneyland Paris!
I am writing today's entry in the shade of a garden restaurant in Disneyland Paris ~ to be surrounded by so many joyful and enthusiastic faces is really good for the soul! The boys are in 7th heaven and there is no doubt that the journey back to our hotel will be filled with stories and anecdotes attesting to a wonderful day! Everyone will have some time to pack and relax before dinner, which will be in the same restaurant as last night, where we ate like kings and had such good fun! In the morning we will leave our luggage at the hotel and make our way to the Arc de Triomphe, which we will ascend before enjoying a few hours on the Champs Elysées. After lunch we will visit Notre Dame and see the Hotel de Ville + the Georges Pompidou Centre, before returning to our hotel to freshen up. In the early evening we will travel by coach to Roissy Charles de Gaulle for our flight to l'Afrique du Sud. More details pertaining to our return will be posted on the website tomorrow morning. Off for a ride on Space Mountain now...ha ha!
Written by: Jenny Peddle
21 August 2009 Fond farewells!
Today marks the final day of the tour and although everyone is obviously looking forward to home comforts, all will be left with a sense of sadness at having to say farewell to the 'brothers' they have grown so accustomed to seeing on a daily basis and with whom they have shared such fond memories over the last 2 weeks. I have chaperoned many wonderful tours, but this group will always hold a very special place in my heart. Each and every boy has been a joy and as parents you can be so ver y proud of your sons. They were all so well prepared for this tour and their knowledge, interest and enthusiasm were exceptional. Many people have paid the group sincere compliments and they have been outstanding ambassadors for St Stithians Boys' Prep and South Africa. I have also been so very impressed by the team of experienced chaperones, who have taken their role very seriously. To act in loco parentis for 2 weeks is no mean task and the responsibility of this is enormous. They have been exceptional role models and taught the boys life values which will stand them in good stead forever. Quinton Pascoe, Russell Williams and Dawid Mattheus deserve the highest praise and all have had each boy's interests at heart throughout the tour. They have mastered the fine balance between firm discipline, fatherly warmth and an enormous sense of fun ~ their dedication, energy and enthusiasm have been inspirational and your children have certainly been very privileged to have travelled with them! I know for certain that you have afforded your sons the most incredible 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. The boys are bound to be exhausted and the many wonderful anecdotes may not immediately be forthcoming, but they are sure to reveal themselves in the days, months and even years to come! Flight AF 990 departing @ 23h20 has been confirmed and I am sure there is no need to remind parents that it is scheduled to arrive at ORT @ 09h40 on Saturday 22 August. It has been an honour and privilege to be associated once again with St Stithians Boys' Prep and it remains for me to say "merci, au revoir et à la prochaine!"
Written by: Jenny Peddle