Well, we're still here in Paris! Our flight was cancelled and we are waiting for official confirmation of our return.
All official details will be sent to parents by Mr Howard MacPherson - the safety officer for the Tour. I will therefore be using this blog as a means to update you on our movements and how we're making the most of our unique opportunity.
I must say I am very pleased to see your positive comments - it provides a real boost to the morale to know you support our actions - I reassure you that we are constantly exploring the possibilities and no stone shall remain unturned in the search for an avenue home.
We've just moved into a comfortable and central hotel near the Opéra Garnier. We will attempt to stay here until the flight home and every indication suggests we can do so. We're surrounded by shops, restaurants and monuments, as well as being a short walk to the Seine, Galleries Lafayette, la Tour Eiffel and the Champs Elysées.
The students have handled the situation so well, i'm impressed with the optimism they have shown for the additional days in Paris. We have no choice but to see it as an opportunity to discover the city at a leisurely pace. We've begun to explore the free activities we can do and we aim to make the most of every day. Fortunately, the weather is exceptionally beautiful for this time of year.
The Year 11 cohort were understandably disappointed to hear they will miss the formal and have begun to make all the necessary changes due to their absence. We are all aware that a range of emotions will be experienced over the rest of our stay and the staff and students will be supportive and understanding of each individual's concerns.
To get you all up to speed - we had an amazing stay in Avignon, where we stayed on the magnificent Place de l'Horloge. We visited the Palais des Papes and the Pont d'Avignon and took time to do some shopping. We also met up with Thibault - our exchange student from 2009 who lives in nearby Montélimar - the town I spent 9 months back in 2004/2005.
As for Paris - we completed a night time bicycle tour, went to EuroDisney and went to the top of the Eiffel Tower by night. Admittedly, it was quite a hazy view from the top - potentially due to the volcanic ash that wants us to stay here for longer. It did make for an impressive sunset, which led into the tower sparkling as it does on the hour each hour from 9 each night. Today we had a picnic in the Place des Vosges - after the students were given group missions to collect different picnic materials including - breads, salads, meats, cheeses, condiments and drinks.
I'll leave you here with the knowledge that we're currently relaxing in our Hotel rooms before heading out to dinner.
I'll update again soon.
Bonne Soirée
Shawn
Bonjour Shawn et Team Écossaise!
ReplyDeleteGreat news. It must be sweet relief to get to your hotel, take a breather and get ready for the last couple of days. This has turned out to be the trip of a lifetime, one you'll all remember forever. Most of all thanks for your fantastic organisation Shawn, Melissa and Sebasien. You're all heroes. Profiter de Paris belle, et à bientôt!
Hi guys, So pleased to hear you have settled into a new hotel and that you are enjoying Paris in a more leisurely manner. Your picnic sounded absolutely wonderful with all the gastronomic delights Paris has to offer.
ReplyDeleteWith this extra time Harri you maybe able to locate that portrait, your ballet teacher asked you to look out for.
A big thankyou to Shawn, Melissa and Sebasien for an amazing job in looking after our children.
Have a fabulous last few days and see you all soon. Love Ingrid, Keith and Jeremyxxx
Hi all...what an opportunity to get to spend a few extra days in such a great location, Laura have topped up your account, so go slow on the Champs Elysees in regard to the shopping!!!!
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the beautiful weather, the sights and smells...you will be back into the routine of Adelaide, school, homework(!) before you know it...so relish these days!!!
Thanks again Shawn, Melissa and Sebasien for doing a superb job, enjoy the last few days and we look forward to seeing you all on your return.
You'll arrive back in Adelaide like rock stars! There will be paparazzi ten fold, siblings screaming your names, mothers weeping and fathers looking awkward. There will be recorded bagpipe music, scotchie banners and banners with your names emblazoned in hearts. Autograph hunters, Scotch TV and journo's a-plenty looking for that big life changing story. Oh yes, so make sure you pamper yourselves in the onboard luxury ensuite before alighting. Throw a mint in your mouth, should you not be able to put your hands on the toothbrush you haven't seen for quite a few hours. Share the hairbrush, what the heck. Critique each other and go for that backpacker weary traveller look as best you can. Try not to rush through customs. It tends to help build up the tension somewhat for those fighting for poll position at the roped off security barrier. Why not leave something on board, that's a good time-waster. Do try to not look too happy to be back. The affect that will have on Shawn, Melissa & Seb will require months of therapy. Oh, and make sure as soon as you get your bags in the car and you are off to well known residency, start to whine and carry on about this and that. We will try to stop the sibling arguments before it gets physical, if you promise not to go nuts when you see what we have done to your bedroom whilst you were missing in action! It's a work of art and should you need a map to find lost articles we have left it on your tidy desk which has nothing else on it So we can't wait really. So many things to eat in the cupboard that are your favourites before you get home. Time is running out for me to totally change your wardrobe but thanks to your father, sorting out the wearable and unwearable articles, which he had a go at last weekend, is almost done. Isn't life great!!!! Ah, nearly forgot, one last liberty I took, please don't be too upset. You know that person you said wasn't really your type? Yeah, that one, I arranged for you to go to see a movie with them the night you get in. It seemed the nicest thing to do as the parents are pushing for you guys to get together too! You are so blessed to have me. Have a lucky day xxxxxxx
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