Year 12 Field Trip to Paris

Accompanied By: Miss Hershkorn, Miss Aminot and Mr Fay

Early in the morning of Monday 16 October, 21 sleepy but excited bodies climbed into a state of the art TGV train with final destination Paris. Paris, the tourism, art, love and shopping capital of the world. Who could ask for more? Definitely not me, a young South African with a serious five-day trip filled with fun and more fun on the mind. And fun was definitely on the menu.

First stop was Hotel Ibis, our headquarters, with more nationalities under the same roof than leaves on a tree! After dumping the baggage it was off to the Musée Pompidou to have a look at what I think I can call very modern art. Like it or not, the amazing different interpretations of chairs, anatomy or dots and stripes were rather impressive. Après the museum it was off to the Latin Quarter for a well-needed meal. Unfortunately, for a group of adventurous students, including myself, the Chinese duck, pasta and soup were all a bit too much. Nevertheless our stomachs also enjoyed the Haagen Daas ice cream.

The next day, after a breakfast fit for a king we set out to visit the old Paris train station. It has had a bit of a makeover and is now the Musée D'Orsay This is one of the world’s most prestigious art museums. It is in this museum that my favourite artist Monet’s paintings are hung. It was quite impressive to see the impressionist’s work so close up. After this visit we took a nice stroll, linked arm in arm listening to Destiny’s Child and Mojo’s ‘Lady,’ to the world famous Eiffel Tower. Much to our ‘joy’ we were ‘allowed’ to walk up the tower to the first floor. Then only a few of us daredevils hiked up the never-ending flight of steps to the penultimate floor. Once there, we were informed by a group of friendly Americans that the third and final floor was closed. I am convinced that the boys were actually very pleased at this news. I think they were scared of the height!

Before dinner we went on a ‘Bateau Mouche’ – a boat that went up and down the River Seine showing all the main monuments and strolling couples. Despite the bitter wind the ride was wonderful and called for many group photo sessions.

Wednesday’s agenda was a morning at the Louvre museum to see the Mona Lisa and then off to Galérie La Fayette for some much-anticipated shopping. After a good three-hour effort I’m sure everyone came out with a smile on their face due to the ‘something’ or should I say ‘somethings’ in their bags. Dinner that night was close to the hotel so that we could get an early night, supposedly.

On Thursday we took a walk along cobbled streets to visit the fascinating tomb of Napoleon and then to the Rodin museum where we met not only some beautiful sculptures but also a group of Italian students. After a bit of embarrassment we made friends, but alas, it was too late; we had to get to Notre Dame in time to see Year 11. No sooner had we said hello and goodbye it was off to the Champs-Elysée. Once there, we did some shopping then stumbled up the Arc de Triomphe to see the breathtaking view of Paris and the traffic, which, I can honestly say, is absolute madness. No sooner seen than done we went to Planet Hollywood for dinner. Once the T-shirt was bought and everything had been seen and done it was off for the last night’s sleep before the morrow’s journey home.

As they say all things must come to an end, but with the help of three marvelous teachers the end was postponed and a visit to Monmartre was made possible. On the beautiful hilltop village we were all able to do some last-minute souvenir shopping before heading off to the Gare de Lyon where our TGV awaited us. To our surprise the adventure was not over. Why? Because our special André decided to entertain us by throwing up on the way home. What can I say? You can never predict 16 year olds.

Gail Year 12

Year 12 enjoying a trip to the Sacre Coeur.

Gail, Kseniya, Adil, Hanan, Amit, Angela, Nidhi and Zainab outside Notre Dame.

Exploring Paris by night with Miss Aminot and Mr Fay.

Angela and Gail under the Eiffel Tower at night.

Linus and Andrew show us how they really feel about the Field Trip to Paris!!