It’s quite amazing to think we’ve been away for 1 week already! Our program has been so full it’s like we’ve packed a fortnight worth of activities into 7 days. The last few days have been no exception and life at the CMEF is proving to be a perfect balance between activities, classes, excursions and even some relaxation under the Mediterranean sunshine.
The students have very positive reports from their first class on Friday – the Year 11 group have Armelle, who taught the group last time. Many have commented on how useful the classes are and how much they think they will improve over the next few days. The teachers only speak in French so it’s up to the students to make the most of the chances they have. Friday evening we had a quiz musicale – Australia vs USA and we came in first and second place! Allez l’Australie!
Saturday we had our first excursions. In the morning we went to Monaco and saw the old town and the Palais. A few were very excited to see that the Prince was in – as denoted by the flag being raised. The impressive geographical structure of Monte Carlo provided a stunning backdrop for many photos and has proven to be a delightful, though sometimes challenging stroll up and down the hills and steps! We’ll never complain about the steps up to the French room ever again!
In the afternoon we headed to Villefranche sur mer, a picturesque seaside town situated in a bay, complete with one of the largest chateaux on the Cote d’Azur, an old section of the town with cobbled streets and narrow pathways and of course a stunning beach. We spent 40 minutes soaking up the sun and dipping our feet in the crystal blue water whist savouring the local ice cream – which I can verify was delicious!!
We finished off the day with a closely fought soccer match between Monaco and Valenciennes, with Monaco winning 2-1. I think we doubled the amount of supporters for their team, so I’m attributing the victory to us! We know all the chants and sat with the devoted cheer squad who welcomed us into their cheers! We’ve all got official Monaco FC flags and scarves to mark the occasion.
Thanks you all for the comments – yes, it’s a tiring experience, though we all had a solid 8 hours sleep last night (most students had even more) and with all the sun we’ve been getting – it’s easy to stay positive and smile! Sickness has been and gone, we’ve survived a gastro scare and hopefully can avoid any colds and flu. We’ve given all rooms a bottle of dettol hand wash to keep all germs at bay. Thanks for the footy updates too – we’re all worried about our tips and dream teams!!
Tomorrow we’re off to Cannes and Antibes – personally, I can’t wait for Antibes!
À la prochaine….
Shawn, Seb and Melissa
A picture's worth a thousand words ... Thanks so much for the beautiful pics, which speak for themselves. I spent quite a while just smiling back at them! I'm past dreaming and now just google and I must say that the destinations on your itinerary are stunning. M. Lefeuvre to have grown up immersed in such culture and history ... it's quite overwhelming! Faites mes amities a La France et, de plus d'importance, a notre tres chere Lauren.
ReplyDeleteGreat to hear how it's all going and thanks for the pics. It sounds like you're all having the most fantastic time. All those wonderful places on the famous Côte d'Azur and all those fun activities too! It's really turning out to be the trip of a lifetime. Amusez-vous bien et profitez de chaque minute!
ReplyDeleteBonjour tout le monde!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have had an amazing trip.. it sounds so exciting and the photo's I have seen look great. I hope you loved Cap D'ail as much as we did and learnt lots at your lessons.
Thats awesome that you got to go up the Eiffel tour at night and do things that we didnt do in 08, your trip will always be remembered because the whole school is talking about the Volcano and how they wish they were stuck overseas!
For the year 11's, I know your probably dissapointed about missing the formal but don't worry you have next years to look forward to - I would definately swap the formal for a night in Paris.
Enjoy the rest of your time and hopefully see you soon unless the Volcano errupts again and then you'll be swimming home.
Bises, Diana, Christo, Tara, Bry, Georgia and Bre
ps. Kaskas we missed you in french today but don't worry we worked hard!
pps. Christo says you were lucky to beat me in dreamteam... love you K-dog