This will be a diary update of the Morgins Trip.

Having left school at 7.05, we had a very good run up to Heathrow terminal 5. arriving at approx. 8.50 - Check in went very smoothly and we were soon through passport control and sitting in the embarkation lounge. The children took advantage of the amazing shops and purchased numerous essential items !    (as did the teachers ...) Mr Jones was particularly attracted to Whisky World ! !

The flight was called at 10.50 and shortly thereafter, we made our way to gate 18A. and appeared to be through the final check in no time at all and lining up to get on the plane. Our seats were somewhat spread out but everyone seemed happy and the flight was uneventful. The captain announced our presence on the plane and wished Jasper a very Happy Birthday !

Sunny and warm weather greeted us at Geneva. No-one was prevented from entering Switzerland ! And Baggage reclaim  was soon completed. Hilary and Rob were waiting for us and we were soon on our way to Morgins where we arrived at approx. 4.30 -

The boys have invaded the 1st floor of the Chalet and all like their rooms. The girls have ample space on the 2nd floor. Mrs Rielly is in the attic ! (joke).  We decided that it would be a good idea to cool off at the swimming pool which we had to ourselves. After a refreshing dip (!) the group walked back through the village to the Chalet in time to unpack before supper.

After supper, there will be a welcome briefing followed by diary writing before bed - We'll have to bargain the bed-time to-night ... approx. 9.30.

More update to-morrow.

Sunday 6th July

Sorry it is late but we have just finished watching the final at Wimbledon and have just been putting 16 very excited children to bed. To-day has been a challenge due to adverse weather conditions ! However, we managed to walk to the source of the river and some of the way back down to the chalet with a little geography along the way. The weather then closed in and we decided to make alternative plans for the afternoon - So instead of horseriding - VTT and tennis, we were taken to Lavey Les Bains in the Rhone Valley to swim in a thermo-bath -  Nice and relaxing ...

On our return, the children began to prepare their entertainment programme for the final evening and after dinner, we worked on the diaries. Having planned for an early night (bed at 9.00) Mr. G. switched on the TV and there it was ... Wimbledon in all its excitement ! Had to watch final set -

We hope for fairer weather to-morrow - French lesson in the morning - Visit to Chateau de Chillon in the afternoon and we are counting on sunshine by 6.00 to BBQ by the Lake.

Monday 7th July

Well the weather was far kinder to us to-day. The black clouds of early morning eventually lifted and we actually got some real sunshine and fab views. Because it was still very damp and we had rain during the night, our walk to Bellevue has been postponed to to-morrow. Just as well as your kids were still in dream land 20 minutes before breakfast (too much excitement over the tennis last night !).

After breakfast, the french lessons started with two lovely lady teachers from the village. There was a lot of french being exchanged in fun conversations and role-plays. Jane was amazed to find out how much the children knew already (of course.. Dumpton French is great as we know !) and she also added that they were a Dream to teach too (Yes, I am talking about our children !). Anyway, by lunch time 12.00 o'clock they let off steam around the chalet and played team fun games.

We had lunch at 1.00 - Jacket potatoes with various other salads and meat followed by fruits (healthy diet). Then we eventually got back in the mini-buses and drove down by the lake to visit the Chateau de Chillon. Although I have personnally visited the place at least 6 times over the years, I was amazingly surprised at the extra areas of the chateau which are now opened to the public. It was very interesting and the guide took great care to explain the story of the chateau with lots of anectodes to keep up the children's interest. The visit was followed by a short stop at the post-card/chocolate shop (irresistible .. we are in Chocolate Country !)

We then proceeded to walk down to the beach where 'our staff' were busy preparing our barbecue. The sun was out and although the water was rough after the strong winds and rain, we played sandcastles on the beach and proceeded to invent a whole story about it. I took some great photos of this very special evening by Lake Geneva.      The BBQ was tasty and plentiful and we stayed on our own special beach until gone 8.00 as it was warm.     Back to our Chalet by 8.40 - Quick shower and pyjamas before our final exercise of the day : to write our diaries.

The day looks very promising to-morrow and also very busy... French lessons - (interviewing the shopkeepers of the village) -  shopping in the village - walking up to Bellevue with a picnic - Driving to Lausanne to the Olympic Museum - No doubt there will be plenty to write on the blog to-morrow.

Au revoir pour ce soir ! MT

Mardi 8 juillet.    The sun welcomed us to another exciting day this morning. An early breakfast enabled some to go shopping before the start of the French lessons at 9.00. The French lessons also took the children around the village to interview some shopkeepers and support the Morgins Economy by an extra bit of shopping (mainly sweets !)

At 11.15, we piled in the mini-buses and were driven up to the Col du corbeau where we parked up and set off for the top of Bellevue at 2020m. The picnics were unpacked - unfortunately, Mont-Blanc was hidden under a thick band of clouds. Still the walk was very energising and a great experience. A speedy descent was followed by an even speedier wash and change before setting off for Lausanne. (Actually, we devoured more food - Madeleines made in Switzerland and finished Jasper's chocolate cake !) 

Down by the lake, the temperature rose quickly and it was lovely to walk up to the Museum with Lake Geneva in the background. The gardens are as amazing as ever and straight away, you can see that we are in Olympic mood with Chinese banners and writings as a welcome note ! 

The children were given a booklet/quiz book about the history of the Games as well as questions on the summer and winter Olympics. It was great and the kids worked hard until... someone discovered that the answers were in the back ...(Aouch !)Neverthless, there was a brilliant short film in 3D which they all watched with real interest and even gave an applause at the end, which encouraged the other tourists to do the same ! After a quick zooming round the shop, it was again time to head back for dinner. 

1/2 hour after supper left just a few minutes to brush teeth before lights out ! We are up at 6.30 tomorrow morning to venture over the border to France for a spectacular view of the Argentiere glacier - another uphill climb. We don't want you to get jealous but the weather promises to be absolutely FAB with 30c. in the afternoon and clear sky - So YES, we will discover Mt.Blanc on the skyline very close to where we are...

More to follow to-morrow....

PS. we are all very well and all the children have a big smile on their face ! 

MT 

Wednesday 9th July.

Up and away early to-day. We had a glorious drive to France via Martigny and Col de La Forclaz. We arrived at the bottom of the Cable Car Station of Argentiere just before 10.00. The new cables had been fixed and apparently, we were the first people up there! At 1950 metres, the air was fresh and we set off on our walk to view the spectacular Ice fall. We stopped en-route for some serious (!) geography facts from Mr.J. and before taking an alternative route higher, where we viewed the glacier from a different angle. We could see the mountains (Les aiguilles d'Argentière) in the distance and a couple of helicopters which gave us a good idea of the scale of the glacier.    We ate lunch and watched bits of the glacier fall off - The sun was extremely hot but on the other hand we felt the extreme cold of the glacier nearby.

We returned to Argentière via the Cable car and headed for Chamonix where the children excitedly played on the Luge d'Ete for an hour. Before heading back to Morgins, we settled in the Café to enjoy huge ice-creams and drinks with Mont-Blanc in the background checking over us ! It was a lovely moment to reflect on the past 4 days and a special time for the children.

Back in the Valley for our last evening when Sarah, the young cook prepared a delicious dinner and we were thoroughly entertained by the boys who performed a routine to the tune of the fast food song ! Miles Dobson deserves a special mention and since Mr. Jones filmed, you will be given a chance to share this première !

All our packed travellers are tucked in bed and asleep (?!!!) after a thoroughly memorable last day in Switzerland.

I will be phoning to-morrow from Heathrow after we have landed, ready to leave the Airport.

To help the children finish writing their diary, I will finish the Morgins blog to-morrow. They can pick up some of the information of to-day and to-morrow. The diaries should be presented neatly and with some photos at the beginning of next term.

See you soon.

Thursday 10th July

Woken up to the "Going Home Time ♪♪♪ Are you Packed ? ♪♪ from Mrs Rielly (for the Girls) and Mr. Jones (for the Boys) at 6.30 this morning! Fair play, everyone was bright and awake for breakfast, the bell rang rigorously by Sarah more or less on time at 7.00- Beds had been stripped and bedrooms had been tidied up but for a few items which were found in Josh's wardrobe but which I will not mention on this blog in fear of embarrassing him (again !.. Sorry Josh !).

The trip to the Airport was uneventful but beautiful under blue sky, snow on the peak of Dents du Midi and a last goodbye from Mont-Blanc, proud on the Horizon. Checking in took 1/2 hour. We went through departure gate and dispersed in groups around the tempting shops of Geneva Airport - No-one bought a watch but tons of chocolate and swiss cows. After congregating for the last time, we offered a special mention to Francesca for her particular kindness and Miles for being a smashing boy who had a smashing time (I am sure that he will be more than happy to explain later on ...!) They both received a mini singing cow with full applause from their friends which left some travellers rather amused.

Our plane was on time and thankfully, we were offered BA sandwiches which for once tasted rather nice but I was absolutely starving by that stage as we all were. We took off and were able to admire the Alps on the clear horizon and looking down was a brilliant geography lesson until we reached Paris where the blanket of clouds gradually obscured the view. Before landing, the cabin crew were full praise over the beheaviour of the children. But by day 6 we knew that we had a very special bunch of lads and lasses travelling with us. Still we felt proud to be with them (your kids !)

We recovered all of our luggage straight away. Yes terminal 5 is now fully operational we can guarantee ! It is rather a shame that our mini-buses were waiting at the arrivals dropping area rather than the picking up point on the lower level where we waited for some 1/2 hour. Fortunately, we eventually were spotted by our drivers and after loading the luggage, we were on our way back to Jolly Dorset.

We 'docked' in the Dumpton car-park at 3.30 UK time, rather tired but happy and relieved that our trip was a great success again this year. We hope that all the youngsters have learnt not only some French and some Geography on the way but also have enjoyed sharing the experience with their friends from the future year 8 and that they can look back with fond memories of their summer in Morgins when the C.E. syllabus gets tough !

I personnnally thank again all the children for their great demeanour, helpfulness, open mind and 'joie de vivre'. I also would like to thank Mr. Jones and Mrs Rielly for giving up their holiday time and supporting me throughout the past few days. Without it, the trip could not have gone ahead.

Finally, we have taken many pictures and films which we will put together (We hope Mr. Ashworth and Mr. Allen can guide us with the technicalities!) We will set aside a Swiss Evening next term - Dates to be published later.

And before I look at the 16 completed journals, I will start my summer holidays right away ! 

Good night and God Bless.

Monique.