Day Two

 Franglais Fun – Day Two

Not only do your children have impressive appetites but my goodness, they sleep well too – everyone was settled in bed and quiet by a very respectable hour last night. This enabled the staff to reflect on the day, and we all agreed what troopers the children had been with the change to arrangements. There had been so much laughter and so many smiles all day, and the staff, too, had many a giggle.

Everyone was up at a good time this morning, and we introduced the children to the breakfast routine at Mister Bed. This took a little explaining in a few cases, as there is a definite one-way system in place, to ease things along….but eventually they all got the hang of picking up a tray, bowl, knife, glass and heading to the buffet breakfast. There were some interesting choices for breakfast – it never fails to amaze us how eleven-year-olds can eat three large croissants and a chunk of bread in one go, but they managed. Several children helped themselves to hot chocolate from the coffee machine, and the chocolate cornflakes in the glass dispenser with a twisting mechanism was another big hit. A few resourceful souls were undaunted when the pain au chocolat ran out, and simply rubbed Nutella over a croissant.

We told the children the itinerary for the day, and sent them back to their rooms to pack a bag with everything they would need for the market, cemetery and Rando Rail. We did stress that we would be outdoors ALL day whatever the weather, but lamentably, few decided to pack a waterproof coat. This proved to be a classic error later in the morning, but more of that later. Off we went to the market – much excitement was felt on the coach, as children talked about what they might be able to buy. The subject of sweets did come up a lot…. once there, we set off in our groups to look round the “Best Market in Northern France” as it has recently been voted. After an eternity of standing at the first few stalls – where the poor stall-holders ran out of change very quickly as St Michael’s pupils waved their 10 Euro notes at them – eventually we encouraged everyone to head further in to see what other things were on offer.  

We were so impressed by the manners and attitude of our children at the market. Many of them used beautiful French in their bartering, and one staff member was really touched by a pupil insisting he wanted to buy her a present. Every French trip has a popular purchase, and this year it was bucket hats, large inflatable balls and jewellery …..you have been warned. One or two pupils splashed out on Rolex-style watches, but we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the time on these.

Many punnets of strawberries and cherries were purchased for the groups which made a nice change from bread and croissants. That said, the final visit was to a patisserie, where everyone chose a cake or treat – quite unbelievably, many opted for yet another huge croissant or pain au chocolat. Well done to those who threw caution to the wind and chose a meringue, eclair or doughnut! One girl managed to buy a blue bucket hat and coordinate this with blue lips after some sweets.

Back on the coach – this time we headed to Etaples Cemetery. The sky had been looking threatening for the last few minutes, and we sat under raindrops as we read “In Flanders Fields,” to set the tone. Yet again, our pupils showed respect and behaved beautifully in this atmospheric place. The atmosphere was dramatically enhanced by the most enormous bolt of lightning and clap of thunder overhead – to everyone’s credit, nobody made a fuss or lost focus of why we were there. Eventually the torrential downpour stopped -those without coats were a tadge wet - and we could wander amongst the graves, reading, reflecting and quietly discussing. We looked at the number of different countries represented at Etaples, as well as the young ages of the fallen. This is always a poignant part of the trip to France.

The next journey was to Rando Rail. This meant the best part of an hour’s drive, and the children upstairs on the coach played Uno, ate sweets and a few slept. Downstairs, the staff revisited their game of A-Z with much enthusiasm, but not always a lot of skill. There was still an issue over whether U follows Q, and the endless problem of words beginning with Q,X or Z. ‘Quince’ has now been over-used rather a lot in A-Z of colours , drinks (Quince juice) and food. We tried anatomy (‘quiff’ was a dubious offer for parts of the body), sweets and musical instruments. If anyone can help us with a musical instrument starting with N we would be grateful. 

Lunch was eaten fairly quickly as the skies were darkening again, when we arrived at Rando Rail. Once we had sorted the logistics of getting ourselves into groups of three with an adult – this took a while – off we went on the Rando Rail carts. There was a collective sigh from the adults when we realised we were going downhill first, which meant uphill on the way back – but everyone set off with great energy. Teamwork and cooperation is key at Rando Rail, and some of the pupils were just amazing at hopping on and off to help others and encouraging each other. This was wonderful to see. However, the two boys who had chosen to wear sliders rather than trainers, against advice, did find themselves at a disadvantage. 

Ice-creams were the reward for the pedalling 5km uphill, which as usual, ended up plastered round many faces. Sadly, we then had to say goodbye to Mr Bird who was returning to England, and it isn’t the same here without him. We wish him well for his operation and are so glad he could be part of the French Trip.

We returned to the hotel for a quick freshen up after all that cycling in humid conditions – (a freshen up was definitely needed) and then it was time for dinner. This was followed this evening by another energetic hour or two of football/basketball outside, which meant everyone was ready for bed and, again, all is quiet as we write. We have been entertained by an array of bedtime cuddly companions as we said goodnight, Mr Bubble being our favourite at the moment.

It’s been a busy, adventurous day with some interesting weather and probably the most dramatic clap of thunder and lightning we adults have ever experienced. Your children are having a whale of a time, making wonderful memories and one pupil sums it up by singing each day, “I’m so excited.”

Please feel free to comment as these messages from home are enjoyed by the children when we share them on the coach.