Ameins/villers brettoneaux

Today was easily thr brst day of the trip so far. We went to a war museum which was built in a bomb shelter that was used in the first world war. We also went to a newfoundland museum thing and other war museums. Good day, went in lots of museums and good fun.
We also went to victoria school on melbourne street. Saw the flag that stromlo gave to them 3 years ago. In the program it says tha yesteray there was an afl game-good on em-weve got the anzac day ceremony tomorrow. Hope its good.
-david

L'ecole (the school)

Over the past week we have been at Accent Francais, a French learning school in Montpellier. Our teacher's name was Marie and she would be best described as an extremely patient person. Apart from 4 students(who must remain anonymous). Our group was terrible. By day 2 we needed a talking to because majority of us were rude and disrespectful.

It seems that Ms Kellow and Mr Willsmore were glad that we were finished at school in Montpellier as Marie (our teacher) was very patient with us. It could be said that some of us got lots out of the school, while others, not so much.

We are now in the large city of Lyon.

Love Felix =)

Lyon

Today we went shopping in loyn it was great and we had a really great time.we went into a really good lolly shop it was so kool.

Caitlyn

I havn't done anything interesting.

I saw a big fish get caught by a guy in Lyon.

By Daniel

Montpellier

Montpellier, the city of homestays and french schools. Our homestays varied, some spoke perfect English, some didnt speak any. Some families took their kids somewhere, some didn't. I think everyone had at least a little fun. The French school was weirdly similar to school. Thank god it was only half a day. The second half of the day was a tour, the best one was to sete. We got wet by waves oof the Medditeranean Sea. Yes, our beaches spit on France's beaches, but Hey, at least France tries.....

-David

Montpellier

Day 9 - all still accounted for - and all still alive.  Students are enjoying their homestays so far but really thought they had left the walking, walking, walking bit behind until we went to Nimes yesterday.  Our tour guide (Jean-Paul) switched between French, English, Swiss and German so fast it made their heads spin.  He also walked even faster than Mr Willsmore.  A movie today that is in French (strangely enough) with French subtitles - that's it for Luke and I we have no hope.  Lots of shopping being done though

Jo

Some Photos

Versailles Gardens

Notre Dame

Louvre

View from the top of the Eiffel Tower

Felix getting a street vendor to do a charcoal drawing of him and Stromaz on the bridge next to the Eiffel Tower

Homestays

All the students were picked up by their homestay families after an unusual train ride (not used to having seats assigned that anyone can sit in if they feel like it!). Luke and I met many of them having a tour of the main city area while we were having a leisurely coffee to recover. All seemed to be enjoying themselves, many telling us of the houses they were staying in. Luke and I looking forward to practising our French ordering coffee and croissants while the kids go to the language school
Jo

near miss

After a treacherous and cold night, the Stromlo students woke to a radiant sunrise morning. It was all looking fine as we had our breakfast, not knowing what dangers and adventures were ahead. After breakfast we headed to the train station that would take us to Versailles. We were in the station waiting for our train when the first explosive went off. Luckily our train came just as it went off and everyone jumped on, or so we thought. Mr Willsmore turned around and noticed that we were one short of a student. Charlie had stayed back to help a little kid who was trapped under some rubble left from the explosion. The doors of the train began to close with skull crushing pressure, but Mr Willsmore being the super commando that he is put his arms out to hold the doors open. Another explosion went off and, this one more powerful than the last. Bits of shrapnel were flying everywhere smashing one of the train windows creating a cloud of smoke. Mr Willsmore was straining his eyes to see Charlie through the smoke, fearing the worst he began to lose hope. But suddenly through the smoke a shadowy figure became visible. It was Charlie running with an unconscious child over his shoulder. He made a dive for the door throwing the child in front of him for David to catch. Mr Willsmore gave a last burst of strength to keep the door open just enough for Charles to fit. They made it. As the train sped off a last burst of fire licked through the train station.

In other words Charlie was buying malteasers when the train came, and nearly got left behind. But Mr Willsmore still had to hold the door open so he could jump in. 

By Charlie Parks

L'Arc de Triomphe!

After a great night's sleep to take away our grumpiness, we walked from our hotel to the Notre Dame. There was a massive line but it took us about two minutes to get to the entrance. We did a loop around the church and took a heap of photos. There was beautiful stained glass and some impressive statues and models. After the church, we then made our way to the Champs d'Elysees.
-Adriana

After heading to the champs d'Elysees we started walking towards our next attraction. Were walking along a lane way and then a truck starts rolling towards us. Felix can't see thie truck so I push him out of the way and the truck rolls past. Felix is like woah you saved my life and then I walked onto a road and almost got creamed by a car. But luckily Felix grabbed my shirt and saved me. I was like cool, then the car stopped at a red light and a motorcyclist rode straight into the back of the car. I was cracking up laughing and I think it was the best moment of the day. :D
-David

So far, yesterday (15/4/11) was our best day yet. We arrived in France and were allowed to shop on the biggest street in Paris. We visited L'Arc de Triomphe and went into La Louvre. To the current day, France is TERRIFIC!!!
-Felix =)

Eiffel tower

Today we went to the Eiffel Tower.

While waiting in line for the tower there were so many street
vendors and we now have a lot of tiny eiffel towers.

From the top we could see a political rally and saw Ivory coast flags in the
crowd with the telescope. I thought that the song that was playing sounded like a
Arabic version of I don't speak americano (dum wum a du gambatty a do etc.)

The quiet way home was interupted when the metro station had some riot police come
In and say something about rioters.

Ray, Caitlyn and Ame.

versailles castle.

Today we went to the castle in Versailles. The roofs of each room were incredible, the paintings and sculptures were amazing. Afterwards we headed to the gardens, the fountains, trees and music were magnificent. All in all Versaille was a great experience, and i look forward to going back when our parents pay for another trip, wink wink ;)

Erin, Eve and James! :) <3

Rain in Singapore

Hey everyone. Today we went on a huge walk to the main street so we could go shopping! As students, we navigated for the whole group and were to make sure we had the whole group together. Upon our arrival to the mall we were set free for 2 hours and could shop until we droppped (or in our case run out of money). It was awesome.

None of us can wait until we get on the plane to FRANCE!!!

'Felix' =)

Sydney to Singapore.

in singapore. long flight. food was rad! downfall: screaming children.
grace lost her passport at the airport - fun times were had.

about to go exploring through the singapore jungle.

much love.

- James, Adriana & Grace <3

Sydney!!

Got to Sydney safely, early night for an early rise (a bit too early for some!)

We leave TODAY!!!!

Please ensure that everyone is at school and ready to go at 3pm so we can run through some final things and ensure that everyone has passports, tickets etc.

Less than a week to go now!!!!

The Stromlo High French Trip Blog Begins

The students are going to be keeping a daily Blog going throughout the trip to keep all interested parents informed as to what we are up to over in France.