Sunday 11th: Our journey was uneventful as far as transport was concerned (how often can you say that?). We arrived at Poitiers on time, and arrived at the Centre in St Cyr just before 10pm local time.
Our break between trains in Paris was filled very well, with a coach ride past some of the sights: Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, Place de la Concorde and of course The Eiffel Tower.
We opted to walk up to the second level of The Tower, as the queues were not too long. Our leg muscles definitely got a good work out, but it was worth it for the view. We were lucky with weather too. There were thunderstorms around Paris, but we were in the coach both times when the rain came down.
On the way to Poitiers, Mrs Taylor-Brant set the children the challenge of beating last year’s class record of 20 minutes silence on the train. They smashed it with 35 minutes – it could have been longer had the train not arrived at the station at this point. Amazing!
Monday morning was bright and clear, although some of us could have done without some very loud sheep outside the window giving us an alaaaaarm call at about 7am.
We got into the Centre’s routine for meals with a good breakfast, then walked to Ecole du Lac… for more breakfast! This was followed by two activities, the children working well with their penpals to loate different parts of the school and name them in French and English, then after break, they used bilingual sign boards made by the children on last summer’s visit, to locate environmentally friendly plants and other features in the school’s garden area.
After lunch at the Centre (4 courses), we rolled onto the bus for trip in the historic city of Poitiers, where we visited the thousand year old Eglise Notra-Dame-la Grande. Then we walked to the main square in front of the Hôtel de Ville to take a little refreshment. The children ordered (in French) their choice of Diablo (fizzy flavoured drink): fraise, pêche, framboise, abricot or menthe.
Final stop of the day: Auchan Hypermarket was visited, where purchases were made (no more details available). Important life skills on budgeting priorities were learned (at least that’s the claim we’ll make).
Back to the centre for a light (three course) meal, followed by a gentle stroll to the lake to chill out as much as the warm temperatures allowed and then back to rooms for lights out at 10pm.
Tuesday is all day at the school, with a full programme of activities planned: making of brioche is rumoured to be one.
This is a very demanding trip, particularly in such high temperatures, but so far the children have really excelled themselves with their enthusiasm and engagement. We’re looking forward to the rest of the week.