INDEPENDENT TOUR TO FRANCE - JULY 2012
WEDNESDAY 4 JULY D DAY
At 3.30pm a group of very excited students gathered at the International Departure Hall at ORT, all eager to make new friends and embark on a great adventure together. Check-in went smoothly and I can confirm that all 34 students + 3 chaperones + moi are safely through security & emigration. We will meet up again at the designated boarding gate at 6pm and everyone is looking forward to flying on the magnificent A380, a veritable hotel in the sky! We are scheduled to land at Roissy Charles de Gaulle bright & early at 6am tomorrow and I will update the site as soon as I find internet connectivity. Please rest assured that the chaperones & I will take good care of your precious children and a wonderful tour awaits them!
THURSDAY 5 JULY NOUS SOMMES A PARIS!
After breakfast at 4.30am (!) and a quick spruce up, we made our way to immigration where we have NEVER see n so many people in a queue! There was absolute chaos and we all agreed that our SA system upon arrival was far superior! Almost an hour later we were reunited with our luggage and happily on the coach to the hotel, where we freshened up, changed & left our luggage in storage. We then headed off on our first metro experience to the Louvre, from where we walked under the Carousel and leisurely strolled through the Tuileries Gardens, eating out first baguettes. After more photos at the Place de la Concorde, which is strewn with flags and grandstands in preparation for the celebrations on 14 July, we returned to the hotel to settle into our rooms and relax a bit before heading off to Montmartre. Everyone really enjoyed this outing, starting with the wonderful shopping en route to the beautiful basilica Sacré Coeur and ending with portraits + dinner on the Place du Tertre! At 22h00 we returned to our hotel having had an amazing first day, but completely exhausted! A reminder that we are staying at the very comfortable Campanile La Villette and their contact details are Tel: 00 33 1 44 72 46 46 Fax: 00 33 1 44 72 46 45.
FRIDAY 6 JULY EVERYONE LOVES PARIS!
We have had the most amazing day ~ everyone is in love with Paris and with life! Breakfast was scheduled for 8.30am and it was wonderful to be able to sleep in a little bit! After a serious group chat re security, metro rules, contingency, expectations, budgeting etc, all were ready to take the Champs Elysées by storm! 3 hours of retail therapy was clearly not enough for some and I had to promise that there would be more in the days to come! We then visited the tomb of the Unknown Soldier which lies under the Arc de Triomphe and all were in awe of this amazing monument. Onto the metro again we leapt as we made our way to the Louvre, where all were treated to a guided tour with the state of the art ‘whisper system’ ~ this was a wonderful experience! At 6pm a very happy band of travellers made their way back to the hotel, where I informed them of the various dinner options. Everyone was aware that they had to sign in on the list at reception by 10pm and I am so proud to say that there was not one member of the group who did not respect this ruling. Many of them are now enjoying the last part of the day in the comfortable TV lounge adjacent to reception, and I can assure you that there is a very fierce game of cards taking place!
SATURDAY 7 JULY WHAT A WONDERFUL LAST DAY IN PARIS!
After another amazing breakfast, (which translated into a substantial lunch!) we departed for our last full day in this magnificent city! We travelled by metro to the Hôtel de Ville from where we were able to see the Georges Pompidou Centre & Notre Dame and all were then afforded some free time to explore independently. At 1pm we regrouped and made our way to the Eiffel Tower, where all shrieked with such joy that some passers-by even asked us to keep quite! After several photos shoots, we made our way to the River Seine for our scheduled cruise and this was a truly amazing experience, in spite of a few showers! After dinner, a very happy group hopped on board the coach and all were so excited for their tour of Paris by night ~ ‘Les Illuminations’! At 22h00 the Eiffel Tower lit up in all its sparkling glory and at 22h30 our group ascended to the 2nd floor for a magical view of Paris ~ what an incredible experience and a veritable life memory!
SUNDAY 8 JULY BIENVENUE A LA CÔTE D’AZUR!
By 8.30am we had all eaten breakfast and were eagerly awaiting the second leg of our exciting tour! At this point I would like to say what a wonderful group of students we have ~ they have all integrated so well and I commend them on their immensely positive attitude, their joie de vivre, sense of responsibility and sense of humour ~ they are one of the best groups ever! Upon arrival at Orly Airport we met up with my other group, St John’s DSG, who are also travelling in France and altogether we had 73 Personal Touch passengers on flight AF 6244 to Nice! The captain even made a special mention of us and all the students responded to his announcement with loud clapping, which was repeated as we touched down at Nice Côte d’Azur airport! We were greeted by clear skies, bright sunshine and 3 beaming members of Le Centre International d’Antibes, who whisked us off to Leonardo da Vinci, where many screamed with excitement! After a quick change, we gathered our picnic packed lunch and headed off for an afternoon in Antibes ~ this part of the world is simply stunning and as it is the height of the season, everything is geared for tourists! After a wonderful afternoon all headed back to settle in, unpack and shower before eating dinner and being introduced to over 150 other students on campus from various countries ~ a global village indeed!
MONDAY 9 JULY ASSESSMENT + OUTING TO CANNES!
Meeting new friends last night was great fun, with all enjoying the ice-breaker activities and social interaction! After a substantial breakfast the group was divided into three and were assessed on their oral & written ability ~ thereafter they remained with their teachers for a course focusing on the perfection of communicative skills. At 13h30 we hopped on board a train to Cannes and what a wonderful afternoon we had! The first visit was to Le Suquet, a landmark which affords a magnificent view over the yacht-lined bay & the Estérel Mountains and then all descended to the beachfront where we visited the Palais des Festivals for a photo-shoot on the red carpet. They were delighted to then have some ‘temps libre’ (which translates into ‘free time’) and they all dashed off to enjoy some shopping or swimming/sunbathing on one of the glorious beaches. At 17h00, laden with parcels, all gathered in high spirits and boarded the train to Antibes. A swim in the campus pool was highly anticipated upon their return and an evening of fun & laughter awaits, where no doubt a host of new friends will be made!
TUESDAY 10 JULY INTERNATIONAL CLASSES & FRAGONARD PERFUMERY
Based on the results of their tests, the children were today placed in classes with other international students of the same ability and all seemed very comfortable with their placements. After a good lunch, all hopped on board the coach and travelled to Grasse, which is dubbed the ‘balcony of Provence’ for its magnificent, panoramic views. It is also the home of French perfume and upon arrival at the Fragonard Parfumerie all enjoyed a guided tour before having the opportunity to participate in a mini-workshop to create their very own fragrance! The on-site boutique was very popular and judging by the packets & strong scent in the coach thereafter, many purchases had been made! We arranged for a stop at a large supermarket on the way back to campus, which was much appreciated as they could stock up on water and basic necessities. Everyone is really looking forward to the activities tonight, which will commence with a soirée barbeque and the Sud-Afs have already established themselves as the A Team!
WEDNESDAY 11 JULY EXCURSION TO MONACO & JUAN LES PINS!
At 1.00pm we hopped on board our coach and departed for Monaco, driving along the ‘route du littoral’, where we admired the magnificent views along this winding coastal road. With clear skies and azure blue waters we could not have asked for a more perfect day and the breath-taking views will remain in our memories forever. Upon arrival in Monaco, everyone was struck by the cleanliness and obvious wealth of this small principality and with 1 policeman per every 60 tourists, no one even thinks of littering! All thoroughly enjoyed the ride on ‘le petit train’, which is a great tourist attraction and the informative commentary gives excellent global coverage as it travels through the streets of the F1 race track, passing in front of the world renowned Monte Carlo Casino. At the palace all were delighted to see the flag flying high, indicating that the royal family was in residence and there was talk of singing Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika to entice la princesse ( née our very own Charlene Wittstock) to come down for a chat! Thereafter we had time to do some Grand Prix souvenir shopping, before boarding our coach at 17h00 for our return journey to campus. Tonight we are going to the vibrant summer resort of Juan les Pins, which is such a popular outing as at this time of the year the beachfront is strewn with colourful stalls, great activity and famous personal ities, not to mention their cars…… everyone is really looking forward to this!
THURSDAY 12 JULY A GLORIOUS AFTERNOON AT THE BEACH!
The students are thoroughly enjoying interacting with the many new friends they have made on campus and all really love their classes. I have overheard comments like: “My teacher is so cool”/ “We’re having such fun”/“I feel so much more confident”/“I’m really enjoying speaking French!” Everyone was so looking forward to the sailing this afternoon but unfortunately the wind picked up to such an extent that the professional instructors were forced to cancel for safety reasons. Whilst obviously disappointing, this did not put a dampener on the afternoon and from the various options available, the vast majority chose to still go to the beach. Some decided to buy lilos and 30 Sud-Afs were seen frolicking in the warm waters of the Mediterranean, surrounded by some of the most incredible scenery on the French Riviera! At 5.30pm we all gathered on the Place de Gaulle where a full 12 piece band was playing and our students all spontaneously started the dancing on the central square ~ great fun indeed! Then, in high spirits, all boarded the coach and travelled back to campus in preparation for tonight’s widely advertised Cabaret/Spectacle. Students from various countries will be participating and historically les Sud-Afs have always produced a fine performance and brought the house down! I have no doubt that an evening of great fun awaits and that we as chaperones will bask in reflected glory!
FRIDAY 13 JULY OUR FINAL EXCURSION ~ TO NICE!
Our week in Antibes has flown by so very quickly and today marked the end of the formal lessons with Le Centre International d'Antibes. All the students were proud recipients of a DELF accredited certificate which attests to the 15 hours of tuition + the level attained + a comment from the teachers and once again the educators expressed their absolute delight with the South Africans, praising their positive, enthusiastic and serious approach.After another delicious lunch, we made our way to the train station for our afternoon excursion to Nice, the ‘Queen of the Riviera’ and at the newly revamped Place Masséna all were afforded ‘du temps libre’, with many immediately heading off to the name brand boutiques along the Boulevard Jean Medécin! Others however chose to follow Olivia, our animatrice, through the narrow streets of Vieux Nice, noting the strong Italian influence of this fascinating city and then choosing an ice cream at the famous Fenocchio which boasts a selection of 96 different flavours, ranging from avocado - sundried tomatoes - basil – nutella ….even to mojito! At 18h30 we returned in high spirits to Antibes, where a bus was waiting to take everyone back to campus ~ here all will shower, eat dinner and spruce up for the ‘Grand Bal du Campus!’
SATURDAY 14 JULY AU REVOIR ET A LA PROCHAINE....
Today marks the final day of our tour and after breakfast there was the option of a transfer to Antibes for those who would like to do some last minute shopping or have one final swim in the Med! At 13h00 we will be transferred to Nice Côte d’Azur airport for our flight 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 will depart at 23h20 tonight and I am sure it is not necessary to remind excited mums & dads that we are scheduled to arrive at OR Tambo tomorrow, Sunday 15 July @ 09h50! 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 I would like to sincerely thank both Jeanné de Kock & Elzahn Bloem from PHSG for their valuable assistance throughout ~ your children have certainly been in very good hands! Michelle, my daughter who teaches at Chesterhouse, has chaperoned numerous tours with me and once again she has played a crucial role and contributed enormously to the success of the tour. She has earned my greatest respect and I thank her most sincerely for flying the Personal Touch banner so high! Everyone will return with mixed emotions and whilst they are obviously tired and looking forward to seeing family & friends back home, all will be left with a sense of sadness at having to say farewell to people they have grown so accustomed to seeing on a daily basis. It has been such a successful & happy tour 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 wish you all a happy home-coming ~ ‘merci beaucoup, bon retour et a la prochaine’!