Sur le pont...

...d'Avignon!

The adventures continue here in France! We've just arrived in Avignon, but more about that later!

The CMEF is quite simply a unique and special place. I have taken 3 groups of students here now and nobody ever wants to leave. From its immense and mystical grounds, the fun French classes, the indefatigable animateurs, the cooking staff, the cleaners and especially the administration, they make this sejour so memorable.

Our last day saw the students receive their certificates for the 20 hours of language classes completed. The  teachers made a special effort to comment to me on the impeccable behaviour of the students, as well as their desire to profit from every single moment. What really impressed me was that one of the teachers had never experienced a group of Australians before, and I genuinely think she was touched by the warmth, kindness and openness of the students.

We will never forget the 8 days spent at the CMEF, I don't say this flippantly, it really was memorable. Indeed, there were tears from a few students after the last soirée, then there were a few fighting them back too.

We were launched straight back into reality when the train was late, giving us a whole 3 minutes to make out transfer in Nice. Somehow we made it - not without a fair bit of stress on my part! The important thing is that we made it to Avignon and after leaving what consensus said was the most amazing experience, we arrived at our new hotel with a view of the Palais des Papes, huge rooms, large beds, sun shining and suddenly we were all ready for a new adventure again! It could have been a lot worse - another group of 50 exchange students lost 20 of their group! Of course, we'd never let that happen!

Students split into groups this evening and chose a restaurant on the Place de l'horloge. They had a chance to interact in French completely independently, the excitement amongst the group when we met back up was palpable - this is truly a pleasure to be travelling with such a motivated, positive cohort.

Tomorrow brings the Pont d'Avignon and the Palais, plus some time for shopping.

J'attends demain avec impatience!

Shawn