Nous sommes arrivés

The day had finally arrived and the British summer lived up to expectations with the rain falling hard. Everything had been carefully planned and the two coaches waited patiently on Richmond Road – both drivers apprehensively awaiting their passengers for the week – “Don’t worry. They’re not that bad,” Mr Cadman reassured them. Despite a few missing the strict 8am drop-off time (the office team wondering if more reminders need be sent out next year), we sped off down the motorway in good time to the excitement of a two hour wait at Folkestone services – our train delayed 40 minutes. It was a time to explore, exercise our legs and see how much Mr Madden could eat. Luckily, after realising there was very little to do, the rain eased for a period allowing a picnic lunch and a run around outside. Children and teachers eagerly awaited the sunny, balmy weather of Normandy…

Heavy rain greeted us as we entered France but spirits were high as we passed factories and farms aside the motorway – we were soaking every bit of French culture we could find. Soon, we arrived at Nausicaa aquarium, about an hour’s drive away – the biggest aquarium in Europe. Everyone was awe-struck by the incredible sights of creatures such as jelly fish, penguins, sharks and much more – a truly impressive centre. After an hour or so of exploration, the children were happy to be back outside breathing in the fresh French air (and relieved to be free from the fishy aroma of inside); adults were both happy and surprised to have counted the same amount back on the coach as came off – give or take a few. Still running on time, we continued towards Criel sur Mer – our home for the next five days – and where the most exciting information of the week would be shared: room allocations.