Page 51 - Bellfort Issue 3 2014

Educational Visits – Paris – Summer 2013 Dried off and changed, their coach brought them back into Paris but not to climb the Eiffel tower and experience its magic at night (as we had anticipated) but to the Montparnasse tower, due to the fact that Eiffel tower staff were on strike. This visit proved to be a very pleasant ex- perience for staff and students. The group enjoyed the rides, pa- rades and the gift shops before a star studded evening meal in Planet Hollywood. For the major- ity of the group, the hairiest ride was the service bus from the st On 21 June 2013 a group of 44 The group was quickly trans- park to the hotel - all were some- students and 5 Dunclug staff, ferred to central Paris where they what relieved to get back in one met on a very wet and decidedly enjoyed a guided tour of the city piece! cold morning at the school gates. by coach and bateau. The eve- There were many tears shed by ning was completed by a deli- The next morning involved room SUMMER 2014 parents as they waived adieu to cious meal in Pizza Hut. checks and trundling down their beloved off-spring, as they Day three dawned, with the through the hotel to load suit- departed for Dublin airport and promise of sunshine….and it cer- cases on to the coach, before eventually Paris. tainly came! A quick shopping departing for le Sacre Cœur and trip proved to be an adventure as Montmartre. A tired group Pupils and staff alike were highly our pupils participated in a pro- climbed the steps to the highest excited about the prospect of motional video shoot for The point in Paris and were amazed visiting the many monuments Quick Burger store and were by the basalt edifice. In the Place and tasting the « Vie Parisienne ». kindly rewarded with refresh- du Tertre, the group viewed the ments for their hard work. artists as they painted and dis- The departure flight was on-time played their wonderful portraits. and they all arrived safely at the Laden with gifts from the shop- other end, luggage intact. Mrs ping complex, the group clam- A tasty lunch, made up of local Laffitte, in particular, was re- bered aboard the coach to be French fayre was devoured lieved when she saw the coach whisked back in history to Roman (along with lots of ice cream!) waiting for the motley crew in times and were entertained on and enjoyed by all. A short am- CDG arrivals lounge. The pupils the fantastic water rides at the ble through the tourist shops, were extremely impressed with Parc Asterix. The day was filled ended our final tour of the city. the cleanliness and comfort of with laughter and thrills. They the coach. The short journey to also had the opportunity to wit- The trip was an outstanding suc- the Stade de France, dinner in ness a Dolphin Show as well as a cess and all our pupils were ex- Flunch and eventually the hotel watch the acrobatics of the Ro- cellent ambassadors for the flew by as all waited with baited man Centurions. school. Bravo et merci beaucoup breath to see their home for the a tous les élèves et accompagna- next few days….the hotel was teurs. lovely and all were delighted! Day 2 saw the group visiting the Louvre with the million of other tourists followed by a snack in the Tuileries gardens, whilst Scouts Mr Moore and Mr Gorman led the advance party in search of the coach. 51