French Trip Day Three

The hotel corridor this morning was festooned with balloons and banners, ready for the awakening of a Birthday Girl. Breakfast was an interesting affair, as amongst the birthday presents was a lovely selection of bright nail varnishes - children then queued for a quick manicure over their pain au chocolat. Lads and lasses alike then sported baby blue, pink and yellow nails for the rest of the day and will probably proudly show you these tomorrow night. It was very much a ‘two brioche’ day for breakfast, with some doing this in true French style by dunking them into a hot chocolate. For one young man it was also a “double shoes” kind of day, as he arrived for breakfast in his sliders (and socks) carrying a pair of shoes in his hands. We did question this, as an extra pair of shoes for eating a baguette or pastries wasn’t strictly necessary, and he agreed to go back to his room and think again.

Soon it was time to head to Bagatelle theme park. There was a little disappointment as we read the sign telling us that Le Triops (the biggest ride) was shut, but this quickly turned to huge excitement at the sight of the many other rides, and for one girl, the vision of “Baggy” the park mascot. Off we went to various parts of the theme park - either the ‘hardcore’ group heading towards those rides involving a lot of centrifugal force and hanging upside down, or the ‘gentler’ group aiming for the smaller rollercoasters and water rides. Great patience was needed all day, as the queues for some of the rides were quite long - other school groups were showing their impatience by pushing, climbing and shouting; this was in stark contrast to your children who waited patiently and with great humour. New friendships were made, as the children screamed and laughed with people they may not normally mix with, and old friendships were sometimes tested a little as the day wore on and tiredness set in- and that was just the staff ! At lunchtime, an improvised birthday cake was produced whilst an arousing rendition of Happy Birthday was sung to one very smiley young lady. A long lie in on Friday will definitely be needed! It was lovely to give the children more independence, within the safe confines of a small space, and a little taste of life after primary school. The day at Bagatelle finished in its traditional way, with meeting for ice-cream at 4.30pm - and in a change to the routine of this week, no ice cream ended up on the floor. Well done everyone!

Now, Wednesday night is traditionally ‘going out for dinner’ night on the French Trip and involves everyone making a little more effort with clothes and appearance. It was, sadly, not as warm as usual for this time in July, and some of the staff decided against the nice summer dresses in favour of jeans and hoodies. The children, you’ll be glad to know. were more stoic and we were very impressed by the sartorial elegance this year - these included a formal suit, bow ties, dresses fit for the catwalk or red carpet in the Riviera, and subtle but lovely make up. Even those who chose to go for a more comfortable option, had brushed their hair (we think.) There was an interesting moment outside the hotel, before we left for the restaurants, when Madame Betteridge handed out the Euros to each group leader, misjudging this slightly in the face of gusts of wind. Even as the words “put it somewhere safe” left her, notes were seen flying round the hotel garden with previously energy-lacking adults running around in hot pursuit, and leaping in the air to catch them. Please be assured that your hard-earned fund-raising was not jeopardised, and every last Euro was retrieved. Staff needed a little sit down afterwards, however.

Year 6 were headcounted for possibly the hundredth time since Monday morning, and onto the coach we went for the short trip into Berck. This normally involves a gentle stroll through sun-filled streets and along the seafront, leisurely reading the menus in restaurant windows . However the aforementioned bracing wind made this less of a pleasant experience and a certain “this will do” attitude was adopted by some. As is always, every group was welcomed by the restaurants and the children’s French was put to good use. Mussels, fish, pizza and nuggets were the main meals of choice with a large side portion of eye-opening conversations with the children. The time flew past and, before long, it was unfortunately time to leave. The traditional sunsetting beach photo was not on the cards this year and was replaced by a swift walk back to the coach in heavy drizzle.

Writing this now, all the rooms are extremely quiet. Some bags may have been packed and rooms will be inspected in the morning. We really must thank those of you who have emailed us some comments to share with the children whilst on our travels and please keep these coming tomorrow as they will be greatly received by your children on the journey home.

Night night.