INDEPENDENT TOUR TO FRANCE - APRIL 2012
Wednesday 28 March 2012 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 we will all meet up again at the designated boarding gate at 6pm, when we will have our first glimpse of the magnificent A380 - a veritable hotel in the sky! Please rest assured that Nicolette & I will take good care of your precious children and a wonderful tour awaits them ~ more tomorrow ....
Thursday 29 March 2012 Safe Arrival!
Bonjour de Paris! I can confirm that we have arrived safely and are making our way to immigration, before collecting our luggage and boarding our coach to the hotel. More news will follow tonight and a reminder that we are staying at the Campanile Maine Montparnasse hotel for the next 3 nights: Tel: 00 33 1 53 74 60 00 Fax: 00 33 1 40 47 01 49.
Goodness, it’s already 22h00 and we’ve just returned to our hotel after the most wonderful day! We arrived at 7am at CDG and although a little weary, all soon perked up as our animated coach driver went out of his way to point out the many famous landmarks en route to our hotel! After settling into our rooms and freshening up we hopped on the metro to the Champs Elysées ~ from experience I know that there is nothing like a bit of retail therapy to allay any fatigue! With squeals of joy as they spied the Arc de Triomphe and the Obelisk at the Place de la Concorde, all then rushed off with great enthusiasm to Zara, Morgan, Virgin, Sephora etc! At 3.30pm we gathered once more and made our way by metro to Montmartre, the highest natural point in Paris, where we visited the basilica of Sacré Coeur, before strolling to the Place du Tertre, which was buzzing with activity. Here everyone had some free time to explore the quaint streets, nooks and crannies before enjoying a pre-paid dinner in one of the most famous restaurants on the square, La Cremaillere. The 3 course meal + drinks + service + ambience were superb and I am delighted with how well everyone in the group has integrated ~ as indicated by the noise level & laughter! All are now happily in their rooms and will undoubtedly enjoy a good night's sleep ~ I know that I certainly will! Please take note of my new French cell phone number should you wish to contact me: 00 33 63 44 85 095.
Friday 30 March 2012 Quelle journée a Paris!
Everyone was so grateful for the slow start to the day and after a good breakfast we all met in the foyer to discuss our planned activities. By 10am we were on the metro to l’Hôtel de Ville (Paris’ very impressive town hall) from where we made our way to the Beaubourg area for a view of the architecturally contentious Georges Pompidou Centre. Thereafter we strolled amongst the crowds to Notre Dame, where we marvelled at the beauty of this magnificent cathedral and all had photos taken on ‘point zero’ ~ the point from which all distances to Paris is measured. After a quick photo of La Sainte Chapelle and Le Palais de Justice, followed by a brief stroll through the Marché des Fleurs, we again hopped on board the Metro like seasoned ‘pros’ to Galéries Lafayette, which is a world renowned landmark and classified as an historic monument. At 3pm we made our way to the Musée du Louvre, where all donned headphones and appreciated the guide’s informative commentary as she used the latest ‘whisper system’ to communicate. At 5.30pm everyone was in dire need of food + some ‘timeout’, so ‘Starbucks’ to the rescue! All were then given the option of either returning to the hotel with me or taking a stroll through the Jardin des Tuileries with Nicolette and there was a 50/50 split! Tonight all will enjoy a restaurant of their choice or a ‘take away’, as they relax and have time to reflect on our incredible day. The decision is unanimous ~ we all love Paris!
Saturday 31 March 2012 Our final day in Paris!
We were all able to have a relaxing start to our day and after another very substantial breakfast we made our way to the Eiffel Tower, where I never tire of the shrieks of joy as the children see this famous landmark in all its majesty for the first time! We were very grateful for our pre-paid tickets which allowed us immediate entrance and we looked on pitifully as unbelievably long queues formed, with an estimated waiting time of 2 hours! Thereafter we regrouped and made our way to the ‘Bateaux Parisiens’, where all thoroughly enjoyed a relaxing cruise on the River Seine, with a really informative commentary. By popular request we revisited the Champs Elysées, before returning to our hotel to relax, freshen up, pack cases and eat dinner. At 8.30pm all hopped on board the coach for a tour of Paris by night ~ the spectacular 'Illuminations’! Our guide, Catherine, is a lady with whom I have worked for many years and her knowledge of this magnificent city is astounding ~ she will certainly have all the answers to the many enquiring minds in our group! Our coach transfer to the airport tomorrow morning is scheduled for 6.30pm, so breakfast will be served at 05.45 ~ quelle horreur on a Sunday! Whilst all have absolutely loved their stay in Paris, everyone is really looking forward to the next leg and their experience with host families in Antibes! More news tomorrow…
Sunday 1 April 2012 Bienvenue à la Côte d’Azur!
A wake up call at 5.15am on a Sunday is no one’s idea of bliss, but surprisingly all appeared in fairly good spirits and excited to commence the next phase of our tour! Once at Roissy Charles de Gaulle, check-in was facilitated by a charming young Frenchman and on the plane all were able to catch up on some much needed sleep en route to the Côte d’Azur. Here we were greeted with clear skies, sunshine, sparkling blue seas and Stan, our gorgeous animateur from Le Centre International d’Antibes! After initial introductions and banter, we hopped on board our coach and made our way to the school, Le Chateau, where we enjoyed a delicious picnic lunch on the terrace overlooking the Mediterranean Sea and the Alps. At 2pm we departed for an orientation walking tour of the vieille ville ~ it was such a relaxing afternoon and the weather was truly magnificent! Everyone immediately fell in love with this quaint town and all unanimously agreed that this was an exceptional part of the world. At 4.30pm we returned to Le Chateau, where Nicolette and I chatted to all the host families as they waited to collect their ‘children’ for the week! Bon séjour à tout le monde ~ I am sure that everyone will thoroughly enjoy the experience and I have no doubt that all will be happy and sleep well tonight ...
Monday 2 April 2012 Le test + our excursion to Cannes!
After a good night’s rest everyone arrived bright-eyed at Le Château this morning, all chatting excitedly about their various host families! The entire Management team from Le Centre International d’Antibes was on site to greet our Personal Touch group and between 9.00am - 10.30am the students were assessed on their written & oral competence. After the tea break they were divided into 2 groups and enjoyed some interactive activities which highlighted the communicative approach. After a delicious lunch we all hopped on board the train to Cannes and the first visit was to Le Suquet, a landmark which affords a magnificent view over the yacht-lined bay & the Estérel Mountains. On return to the beachfront, we visited the Palais des Festivals, home to the annual Cannes Fil m Festival and thereafter the group was delighted to have ‘du temps libre’, which equates to some free time to shop! Some dared to quickly walk past the exclusive boutiques along La Croisette, before swarming to the well-known brand stores such as Zara, Morgan and Galéries Lafayette! They were also delighted to discover the even more affordable shops on la Rue Meynadier, which boast an abundance of bargains in all shapes and sizes! At 6.00pm, armed with an array of parcels, a happy band of travellers hopped on board the train to Juan Les Pins, where we walked to the venue for the soirée barbeque ~ what a wonderful, animated evening it was, with plenty of food, much laughter and incredible social interaction!
Tuesday 3 April 2012 International classes + excursion to Monaco!
Joyeux anniversaire ã Olivia Matterson ~ 17 today! Based on the results of their tests, all were placed in classes with other international students of the same ability and when Nicolette & I chatted to everyone at lunchtime, they seemed very comfortable with their class. At 1.30pm 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. Thereafter Stan led us to the Cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace are laid to rest and at the Palace, all were delighted to see the flag flying high, indicating that the royal family was in residence! There was talk of singing Nkosi Sikelel’ iAfrika to entice la princesse Charlène ( née Wittstock) to come down for a chat, but we decided this was probably a little ‘common’ for Monégasque standards!! We then had free time to enjoy some Grand Prix souvenir shopping, before strolling through the beautiful exotic gardens of Princess Grace. We departed at 6.00pm and on the return journey Stan had recorded popular music and made a quiz on the song titles, which was such a good idea and had everyone actively participating ~ it was great fun, with so much laughter + loud singing! We all had a very special day and what a wonderful birthday for Olivia in this idyllic part of the world!
Wednesday 4 April 2012 Excursion to Nice, the Queen of the Riviera!
Bonjour d’Antibes and joyeux anniversaire ã Tauhira Ajam, who turned 17 today! All arrived at school this morning in high spirits, looking forward once again to improving their spoken French with other international students. After a delicious lunch, we made our way to the train station for our afternoon excursion to Nice, the ‘Queen of the Riviera’, which boasts the newly revamped Place Masséna and here Stan gave us a brief history of Nice. He then announced ‘du temps libre’, with the option of either heading off to the wealth of name brand boutiques along the Boulevard Jean Medécin, or following him through the narrow streets of Vieux Nice, sampling traditional dishes like ‘socca’ and noting the strong Italian influence of this fascinating city, which has vacillated for centuries between Italy and France. The more energetic stayed with him as he climbed the endless steps up to a point which afforded a magnificent view of the Promenade des Anglais and the Côte d’Azur ~ it was well worth the effort! What an unforgettable afternoon and at 6.30pm, laden with parcels + wonderful memories, we all hopped on board the train back to Antibes ~ quel anniversaire pour Tauhira!
Thursday 5 April 2012 Excursion to Grasse & the Fragonard Perfumery!
Everyone enjoyed the communicative lessons this morning and after lunch we all hopped on board our 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 we all had the opportunity to participate in a mini-workshop and create our very own fragrance! Thereafter we enjoyed a tour of the perfumery, which was fascinating & most informative and judging by the packets & strong scent in the coach thereafter, many purchases were made in their on-site boutique! We then had a short visit to the vieille ville, where we marvelled at 3 original Rubens’ paintings in the ancient Cathedral of Grasse, before sampling delicious crêpes, chez le beau monsieur aux yeux bleus! In jovial mood we returned to the Place de Gaulle in Antibes, with time enough to stroll with friends before returning to host families for dinner ~ everyone is so relaxed and all have expressed their desire to live in France!
Friday 6 April 2012 Our last full day in Antibes!
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 lunch with friends, both old and new, everyone was delighted to have a free afternoon and while the majority will choose to explore & shop in the fascinating 'vieille ville', others do have plans of going to the beach and braving a swim in the chilly waters of the Mediterranean Sea! Stan, our beloved ‘animateur’ has organized a special treat for us tonight and at 20h30 we will gather at the Place de Gaulle from where we will travel by minibus to neighbouring Juan Les Pins. A reservation has been made at Le Crystal, which is a tasteful 'cocktail lounge’ with a superb ambience and all the cocktails (non-alcoholic of course) & ice cream sundaes are adorned with umbrellas and other decorative paraphernalia! There will be music & dancing under our watchful eyes and I have no doubt that this will be great fun and a fitt ing ending to our amazing week in Antibes. At 23h00 all will return on the school minibus to their host families and with tomorrow's airport transfer only departing at 13h00, I have no doubt that everyone will enjoy a relaxing morning.
Saturday 7 April 2012 A fond farewell to France!
What a wonderful evening we had at Le Crystal and this morning we awoke to the most perfect day, making us even more reluctant to leave this idyllic part of the world! We have done so much in a relatively short space of time and as a group we share so many happy memories. With our flight to Paris only scheduled to depart Nice at 16h15 we all have time to relax and pack, with the big question on everyone’s lips being: “How on earth do we find space for all the extra purchases we’ve made en France??!” At Nice Côte d’Azur airport there will be high emotion as all say a very, very sad farewell to Stan, who has been exceptional as our animateur, adding a special dynamic to our week in Antibes ~ merci mille fois Stan! Once in Paris I will accompany everyone to Terminal 2E, where I too will say a fond farewell as I break away for a few days in London. Flight AF 990 for the group is scheduled to depart Paris @ 23h20, arriving at ORT in Johannesburg @ 09h40 on Sunday 8 April ~ Joyeuses Pâques! It has once again been my great joy and privilege to escort an outstanding group of students to France ~ they have fully embraced every opportunity and all have been superb ambassadors for South Africa. To act ‘in loco parentis’ is no mean task and I would sincerely like to thank my co-chaperone, Nicolette Hohls, who has been a superb companion and we share very fond memories of our tour to France with your children. Her compassionate nature and generosity of spirit are legendary, with her ready smile and infectious laughter redefining the term joie de vivre! Merci beaucoup ma chère amie ~ we have all been very blessed to travel with you and I value your professionalism, ‘personal touch’ and especially your friendship! 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’!