Our Business Studies teacher had promised a visit to Europe for a couple of years and we never believed him. The reality hit us at 5.25 a.m. on February 8th, when 27 of us set off on a 6 day adventure. With a 13 hour coach journey ahead of us, our spirits were surprisingly high. Maybe it was the thought of Disneyland the next day and the experience of a foreign land that spurred us on.
The relief of reaching the hotel was great – some real freedom. Our first exploits involved getting on the Bendy Bus to the Disney village and having some dinner. With some going to the Rainforest Café and others choosing the more mature, Café Mickey! Having a first look round the Disney store also saw some of the students expressing their inner child!
Waking up to the snow on Saturday was a surprise followed by a whole day ahead at the Disney parks. There was a vast array of rides to go on, even though the weather was cold and getting colder. Sunday was also spent at the Disney parks and that evening involved a visit to the Eiffel Tower, a River Cruise, and experiencing a French restaurant, snails and frogs legs too!
On Monday we headed into Paris to meet our French tour guide. We had a drive round, seeing the sights and part of the business district. We then took a stroll up to the Notre Dame. What a building – just like you imagine it to be and the bells! It was then time to spend some time at the Champs-Elysées for some shopping – a glamorous place and rather expensive! We also got a chance to have a look at the Arc de Triomphe, which was a tad scary with all the soldiers there with their guns!
Tuesday kicked off with a tour round the Stade de France. It was a really impressive building that can hold over 80,000 people. It was a good example of how to build a sports stadium within cost. Off then to the Sacré Cœur for the views and French restaurant number 2 for lunch. A great business opportunity for the owner that he nearly turned down the business of 19 people! That evening saw our final meal together at Planet Hollywood – our Business Studies teacher not so happy about the food delay – got us a 10% discount. We then went back to the hotel to finish the trip with a few games of cards.
On Wednesday we began the long journey home with the last bit of retail therapy at Cite Europe in Calais. We all arrived home at about 10.00pm, some 136.5 hours later, all ready for our own beds. What a trip!
By Sophie Holman 13CDE and Alice Mugglestone 13RME