All our activities are in the process of being booked.  Look at the final itinerary to see what we shall be doing!

We do not yet know the size of the rooms at each location and how many people will be in each room – we usually know this about a month in advance.

Make sure that you all have an up to date passport and EH1C card.  These cards are free and are available from the Post Office or on the internet.

Your spending money needs to be in euros.  There is no limit on what you can take but ….. everything is already paid for except ….. snacks for the journey there and back and drinks at mealtimes at the Château.  Mealtimes at Disneyland Explorers Hotel is buffet style – with unlimited drinks!

We shall hold a Parents Night early June after the exams.

A bientôt!

Group Leaders

Journey home (boo hoo

 Staff were amazed that everybody made it to breakfast on time after our later curfew the night before.  After the Eiscafe we went back to the hotel to have a party.  Some pretty nifty dancing moves – Jamie and Mr Stanfield led the way!  At first it was just the staff and some boys.  Girls took much longer to get ready but, when they did arrive, we understood why it had taken them so long to get ready.  They all looked stunning.  Make-up, which had been abandoned in the heat, was back on so it looked as though someone had let in WAGs – they certainly would have given any WAG a run for their money!!!  It was then the S3 girls who led the dancing – together with Mr Stanfield and Mr Campbell – although the latter managed to clear the dance floor as we all stopped to watch in amazement at his ‘em moves…..

Left hotel at 0930 to head to Belgium.  Had a stop en route and arrived mid afternoon in Bruges.  Everyone was amazed that every second shop was a chocolate shop.  S2 boys could not believe the body shapes of the chocolate in the windows – boys, you know who you are!!!!  Explain that to your folks!!!  We had some free time there.  Pupils sampled chocolate (of course) and chips which Belgium is famous for.  Again, it was a beautiful sunny day.  Blue sky and tubs of flowers everywhere.  There were lots of horse-drawn carriages doing tours and pupils could not believe that the horses wore a pooper-scooper bag at their rear end!

 From there a quick stop at a chocolate shop near Ostend and then onto our next country … France.  We were not very lucky at Cite d’Europe as most of the shops closed at 8pm due to there being huge sales starting the next day, so only a few pupils got what they wanted before they closed.  All managed to get something to eat – think that McDonalds did a roaring trade.  It was Ms Sutherland’s birthday and she had breakfast in Germany, lunch in Belgium and dinner in France.  She’ll have a tough job to beat that next year!

Finally it was time for the journey home.  Anybody who had not been on the Eurotunnel before could not understand that the bus went on a train under the sea, but … now they all know!!!!!  We got an earlier crossing then put our watches back, so we arrived in the UK just after 10 pm.  Soon afterwards our drivers had to leave us to stay over at a hotel near Dover.  Mick and John were so helpful and they really seem to appreciate the whipround money we collected for them.  A new driver was waiting to drive us home.  He made amazing time and we arrived back at school at 7am – very tired and very weary.  When we were collecting our stuff together just before we arrived Mrs Shanley opened up the bag containing French cheeses.  Pupils in a 5m radius went into shock at the smell – we blamed it on Mr Tennent who was blissfully unaware at what we were laughing at!!!  The smell was so bad it woke up Alex! 

We shall try to get some photos on the blog soon, so keep checking it.

Everyone seemed to have a great time and teachers would like to thank all pupils for their outstanding behaviour.  It was a pleasure to be on the trip with you.  Thanks to you all and have a fantastic summer holiday!!!!  Faldaree, faldara………

We are writing this blog on the pavement of an eiscafe!!  We have all ordered and some of the pupils are already tucking into Schokoladen-Becker, Karamel-Becher, Bananensplit etc  It is still so, so hot even at this time of night – 9pm.

We had the most fabulous day today.  Long lie today – breakfast not until 9am.  Still many bleary eyes.  Girls are wearing less and less make up as no time to apply it!  After breakfast there was a bit of a rush to catch our river cruise boat.  In trouble as we were 4 minutes late!!!  We are not in the German fastidious time-keeping mode yet and we are leaving tomorrow.

The cruise boat was incredible.  We lounged on different decks in the blazing sunshine, enjoying chilled drinks and good company.  The scenery was out of this world.  We passed a castle every 500m with vineyards punctuating the landscape – easy seen Ms Sutherland has a hand in writing this – this is not our usual lingo!!!!  Everywhere was so green with little villages skirting the shore (Ms Shanley is getting the hang of this lingo now!!!).  The kids enjoyed it so much that Holli Hunter pleaded to stay on the boat and was convinced that the hour on the boat had only been 10 minutes.  Michael Carr also said he could spend all day on the boat – think we all agree!!  We sailed from Boppard to Rudesheim and our bus picked us up there.

In Rudesheim we went to the Mechanical Music Museum where we saw mechanical organs and other musical instruments – the first mechanical instruments made and we learned how they first recorded music.  It was fascinating – especially as it is the only one in the world and we have now visited it.  The pupils were particularly keen on the musical chair (especially Ellie Reid as she sat on it) and the showground organ.  Beth Whitson in one group and Becky Clelland in the other group turned the handle to make ‘I love to go awandering’ song – wearing a showman’s hat.

We had a short walk to the cable car station where we went in either 2s and 4s up the side of the mountains at the side of the River Rhine. The views were spectacular and some stayed at the top to enjoy panoramic views and climb the Niederwald monument.

We then had 2 hours free time to wander round the beautiful town of Rudesheim.  Most pupils bought German flags, German garlands, German flags, German glasses, German teeshirts not to mention way too many vuvuzelas – we have had many variations on how to pronounce this!  Especially when we are shouting at them to stop blowing the ……… things!!!!  They are not in the hold of the bus and they will get them back when we arrive back at school.

Mr Stanfield and Jamie Colquhoun were shopping and Mr Stanfield was very impressed with Jamie’s German.  He did all his gift shopping in German very confidently.  Lauren Rowley is barely speaking in English now – amazing what a few days abroad can do!!!!

Had quick dinner and now in Boppard back at the same Eiscafe as we were at a few nights ago.  Most now finished ice cream and have moved onto dipping their feet in the fountain of the town square.  We are heading back to the hotel soon to have a last night party.  Drinks and snacks are in!!!!

Tomorrow – change of plan!!!!!   We are heading off at about 9am to head for Bruges in Belgium!!  Shall do an explore there and then visit a Belgian chocolate shop en route to Calais.  Hope to get to the big shopping centre there by 7pm so we can eat and do a shop before heading to the Eurotunnel.

Time has passed so, so quickly and we have all had a wonderful time.  Weather has been amazing – probably in the 100s most of the time and kids’ tans are coming along nicely.  There does not seem to be anyone who is not having an absolute ball – our photos when they are on the blog will prove this.  Atmosphere is great. Teachers also are having a fab time!!

One funny moment today was when Mr Campbell was drinking from a water fountain and asked what ‘Trinkwasser’ meant.  We told him ‘drinking water’ so he was taking big gulps – nearly choking as he was drinking so fast.  Then he noticed there was a word in front of ‘Trinkwasser’ – KEIN – this means NOT drinking water.  Pupils were laughing as they all knew what it meant!!!  Thankfully Mr Campbell is still with us – so far.

Quotes of the day: Sharlene told  Mr Tennent that Eskimos were not called that any more.  They were now called Yetis ….

After a long conversation with the second year girls about German phrases and words, Kaitlyn Sweeney made us laugh when she asked what language we were talking about!!!!

Shall try to post a blog from Belgium or France tomorrow – we really are international jet setters.  …. Holland and Germany so far with Belgium and France still to go.  THIS IS THE LIFE!!!!!!!!!! (so say all of us!)

Departure from School

Thursday 24 June

All present and correct so departed early amidst a sea of family and friends.  Everybody seemed so happy to be in a double decker – amazing the difference an extra level makes!!!  Absolutely boiling – thank goodness for the air conditioning and that was in Tranent – in Scotland before we left!

We made good time down to Newcastle and had to wait for the ferry port to open.  All ran smoothly and we were the first bus to board.  Pupils had mixed feelings as to where their cabins were – some down on the second level with no windows and some in relative luxury on level 4 with a grimy window. 

We spent a couple of hours exploring on the ferry.  First time on a ship for lots of pupils so they were so excited.  Lots to see and did lots of chatting to new friends from different countries.  Some went to the cinema and we all met for a fantastic buffet dinner.  Food was amazing.  Some tried the caviar (including Mr Tennent), lots tried langoustines and crab and everyone all found something – all left happy and full……

After a lively time getting to bed all finally were at least in their cabins.  Suffice to say there were a few bleary eyes in the morning, including Mr Tennent.  PS  Ask Mr Campbell to do the safety dance…….

Boat Quote:  Kaitlyn Sweeney said she had lost her boarding pass and was worried when  Ms Sutherland told her it was lucky she had found it or she would have been escorted off the boat there and then.  After looking pretty worried for a moment she finally realised it would be near impossible to do this short of walking the plank!!!!

Friday 25 June

Arrival Amsterdam

One hour delay due to technical problems.  We had just been commenting on how smooth our journey had been – we must have been going so slow….  Finally got off and onto our super duper bus.  Lots of room and drivers really nice.

Longer journey than planned due to traffic.  Managed to make it into Germany for lunch.  Mrs Scott-Watson was inundated with ‘when will we be there?’.  Holli and Paige being the main culprits!

Arrived at the hotel at 6pm.  Later than planned.  We are in an annexe on our own 30 metres from the hotel where we get our meals.  We unpacked and explored our little town before our dinner at 8pm.  Have to say not all really enjoyed the meal but most of us did.  Slightly different from our French trips where we get chicken and chips every night!!!! 

In the evening we went to an Eiscafe in a neighbouring town.  Think that everybody loved the choice of ice cream.  Most popular were the Cookies-Becker and the Spaghetti Eis.  It was a beautiful warm evening and most of us sat outside.

Quote of the day on Holly Crichton’s trousers: They had JW written on them and Mr Campbell asked what that stood for and Claire Connelly piped up and acknowledged Mr Campbell’s stupidity: ‘George Watson’!!!!!!!!

Saturday 26 June

Boppard

Breakfast – not everybody made it….  Good breakfast enjoyed by those who did make it.  Quite taken aback that we had to make our own lunch with cheese slices and German sausage.  A surprise to all.  First port of call was Cologne and the magnificent Cathedral then a half hour walk (all 65 of us) through a busy pedestrian street – we all made it and never lost anybody!!!!!!!

Chocolate factory next.  How many tastings did we have of melted Lindt chocolate?  Unfortunately we could not buy any gifts as it was so hot and it would have melted within a minute!!!  Moving swiftly on, went onto the FC Cologne Stadium.  We had to split into 2 groups.  Unfortunately one group had girls only who never knew a football team or player in Scotland never mind Germany!!!  Our guide was absolutely beautiful and had the girls staring at him and taking in everything he said!! You would have thought they were true footie fans!!  It is absolutely not true that Mrs Shanley told him she was not married!!!!  The other group were crazy about football and identified Podolski (the main Cologne player as well as the national team.  Rebecca Haig was in his seat in the Changing Room), Maniche (where Beth was sitting in Changing Room) is another major player.  Kieran Gordon was told off for trying to go to the toilet in the players’ dressing room…..

We all got the chance to sit in the VIP box, changing room and to see the kind of luxuries afforded to the players and the sponsors.  100.000 euros for a VIP box!

Some of us got the chance to be celebrities, in an after match interview – sitting in the press zone with the rest of us asking post match questions!!

After our tour we headed back to the hotel.  No time for a shower or getting changed.  We had to go straight into dinner – chicken soup, spaghetti bolognaise and jelly and cream.  The pupils who did not like this headed out for pizza or chips.  Most pupils had a walk around the village before we went to bed – another exhausting day, especially as it is SO HOT!!!!!!

Quote of the day:  Cameron Paton asked Alexander if he could see better with or without his glasses………

Sunday 26 June

Phantasialand

Just brilliant!!!!

We were meant to go there tomorrow but we had to change our plans as there was a really big cycle race going through our village and we would have had difficulty getting to all the attractions we had planned as lots of local roads were closed all day.  We thought therefore it would be a good day to go to Phantasialand – also because of Germany’s game in the world cup being on and hoped the park would be quiet – it was!

Upon arrival everyone took off in different directions desperate to try all the big rides. We barely were in the park when Stephanie, Shelley and Alex went on a fast roller coaster ride – we could hear them screaming  long before we could see them – much louder than anyone else on the ride!!!!  A popular ride was Black Mamba.  Everyone said how good it was – one was sick afterwards and quite a few felt sick but said it was amazing!!  It did not stop them going on it again.  The day got hotter and hotter – probably was in the high 30s.  We kept reminding pupils to put on lots of suncream, so hopefully no-one got burned.  It was so hot that Samantha, Daniel Burns, Ross Ritchie, Jessica, Ryan Paterson and Cameron Paton were jumping in the waterjets and got soaked to the skin.  We have the photos to prove it!  It was so hot that they were dry by the time they got on the bus.  So many pupils have fantastic photos taken on the rides – great momentos!  Pupils look terrified.

Everybody loved the water roller coaster.  It was a fast scream-inducing water-drenching ride and everybody got soaked.  Darcy and Maddie got soaked but not their hair as it was protected by their home-made turbans (their tee-shirts).  This was obviously crucial as they never had their straightners with them. Think that Stephen Powell got the prize for being the wettest – he looked as though he had fallen into a river.

We had made up our packed lunches (ourselves again) but, as we were getting our tickets, the lady gave us Snack Vouchers.  This meant that all pupils got sausage (Bratwurst which Germany is famous for) or chicken nuggets with chips and a drink.  Pupils really starting to practise their German both by asking for things in shops as well as chatting to people that they meet.  Mrs Scott-Watson very impressed.  On a plunging ride called the Night Hawk which was in total darkness Mr Campbell cuddled Mr Stanfield the whole time whilst screaming like a girl!

The Germany v England game was on in one of the bars.  The atmosphere was brilliant and it was fantastic to watch the game in Germany surrounded by Germans.  Lots of pupils got the German and Scottish flags painted on their faces – oh, and Mr Campbell too!  The lady doing the face painting said she would not do it if they were English!  All this was free, so there were big queues.

The park closed at 6pm and, as we were leaving, cars covered with German flags were tooting their horns as they were driving away.  You would have thought they had won the final of the world cup!!  Then on the motorway back to the hotel they were tooting their horns as they overtook us – probably thought we were English!!

It was a very tired bunch of pupils (and teachers) on the bus back.  We put a movie on but most people were sleeping….

After dinner some pupils went to a local park to play football with Mr Campbell and Mr Stanfield.  Some pupils went a river walk along the Rhine with Ms Scott-Watson and Ms Sutherland and some stayed at the hotel with Ms Shanley – too tired to do anything!!!!

Quote of the day: Ryan Stevenson after a stomach churning roller coaster ride… “Well it gets you from A to B”.

We are all well and arrived at hotel safely yesterday afternoon.  Today have visited Cologne cathedral and are now in the Lindt chocolate factory (on the hottest day of the year!!!!).  Bus now arriving to take us to the football stadium…..

Be back with you very soon!!!!

Germany 2010 Team

Itinerary

Day 1 : Depart school 1200 hrs to Newcastle for 5pm overnight crossing to Holland.

Day 2 : Arrive in the morning, onward journey (with lunch stop) to Boppard (c.4-5 hrs).  Check into hotel.  Mini-train late afternoon round town.  Dinner at hotel.  Evening in Eiscafe in town.

Day 3 : Day in Cologne – coach tour of the city, visit Cathedral (one of world’s largest churches).  Lunch.  Visit Lindt Chocolate Factory (including chocolate fountain) and tour of FC Köln Stadium.  Dinner at hotel. 

Day 4 : River Cruise from Boppard to St Goarhausen, onto Rüdesheim.  Lunch.  Visit Siegfried’s Mechanisches Musikkabinett (music museum).  Cablecar trip up mountainside over River Rhine.  Visit to  Marksburg Castle – most impressive castle on the Rhine dating from 13^th century.  Dinner at hotel.  Evening – swimming/bowling?

Day 5 : Phantasialand all day!!!  Dinner at hotel then last night disco.

Day 6:  Free time in Boppard, lunch in hotel and depart early afternoon taking packed evening meal with us.  Transfer back to Calais for evening crossing.  Stop en route at Cité d’Europ – huge indoor shopping centre (c.2-3 hrs).  Eurotunnel – depart 2250 hrs. (30 minute crossing)

Day 7: Arrive back at school early morning c.7am?????

Visit school website for latest info and tell pals/family to follow our blog when we are away!!!!   www.rosshigh.co.uk