Tuesday 24th April
Day 3
Breakfast was the usual cereal, milk, pain au chocolate, yoghurt, bread and hot chocolate. All served in the same bowl! Not a joke.
The children have spent the day away from the Chateau at Bayeux and Arramanche. A coach set off at 9.30am and we were off. I am beginning to a new game to pass the time on the coach. It is a version of I-Spy. A game we often played in the pre-electronic era of the 1970s. How old? You score points by spotting the following things on any journey with the children.
1. A D.S (1 point)
2. An IPod (1 point)
3. A Red Cap (1 point for every 10 spotted)
4. An irate French driver (1 point for every 5 spotted)
5. An English car (3 points)
6. A book being read by a child (10 points)
7. Children having a conversation without the means of “Pictochat” (5 points)
8. Cows (1 point)
9. Horses (1 point, 3 points if accompanied by a cry of “Ooh look! Horses!)
10. The sea (3 points)
On the way to the D-day Landing Museum, I scored an impressive 18 points). I have yet to spy number 6 and don’t suppose I ever will.
On arrival at the D-Day museum we were shown a short film explaining the landing and subsequent days following D-Day. The children were then given a guided tour of the museum and were told how and why the harbour was built. This was followed by a visit to the gift shop where the children could finally spend some of their hard earned Euros. James P’s mum had sent an email to the Chateau begging him not to buy an airfix model. Unfortunately, we did not receive the email until we returned and James is now the proud owner of two shiny new airfix models. He will probably need some help and plenty of glue when we return.
After shopping we travelled a couple of miles up the coast to the Cinema 360. Before going in we had lunch. Each child attempted to eat either a ham, cheese, tuna or egg baguette whilst cowering together to give protection against the hurricane winds. At least it wasn’t raining. Pouring water into plastic cups was a four man job. One pourer, one cup holder and two to act as a wind break.
After Gone With The Wind, we went to see another film. The cinema is a 360 degrees cinema and shows the D-Day landing and liberation of France in a short, powerful film. On exiting, Mrs Birdi was stopped by an old British couple on holiday. They complemented the children on their excellent behaviour and compassionate nature during the film.
The rest of the afternoon was spent at Bayeux. The children were given a walkie-talkie which provided commentary as they walked around the tapestry. It is an important piece of history and the children learned plenty. Another historical site, another gift shop. The few remaining Euros from their initial twenty were spent and we were soon on our way back to the Chateau.
Something remarkable happened on the return journey. Something never before seen on a school trip. A child was caught reading a book! George W was seen by Mr Britten, in broad daylight. 10 points! Along with the 6 points from French drivers, it was an impressive haul.
Evening meal was potato salad, fish and rice and chocolate éclair.
The children are about to start a game of rounders which is being explained in French. It took about 10 minutes to explain until Lewis and William suddenly exclaimed “It’s rounders!” Explanation over – Game on!
Miss V will be putting some photos on http://www.the-chateau.com/ later. Don’t miss out the hyphen!
