All sorts of things…

“Trempé” was a word everyone knew by the end of Tuesday. It means ‘soaked’, and that is what we were during and after our walking tour of the old part of La Rochelle. It poured, it blew and it was cold, but, despite the weather, it was still easy to see what an attractive city it is and how well they have managed to preserve the many beautiful buildings and cobbled streets.

The city was founded in the 10^thcentury and became an important harbour in the 12^th century. In some ways, it is similar to Nelson - about the same size, an important fishing port and a picturesque setting. It is great to see all the cycleways and pedestrianized areas keeping the cars out and the people in.

Wednesday’s outing to Futuroscope proved a great success. A bus took 35 of us (New Zealanders and some of their ‘correspondants’, teachers and helpers) to this futuristic theme park near Poitiers where we were entertained by rides, simulators, 3D, and even 4D films. But for some, the best part was the interaction between the French and Kiwi kids on the bus on the way home. By this time, it seemed, they were really starting to get to know each other.

 

 Although a bike ride to an island across a 3 kilometre long bridge into the wind with rain forecast seemed that it might be a bit too much of a challenge, Eric was determined to go ahead with it and he was certainly proved right. The cycle paths were fun and the afternoon turned out to be fine, if windy, which made the climb up the bridge tricky for some, especially those with short legs. Sadly, we ran out of time to go as far as intended, but, with its pretty beaches and little whitewashed houses, it was easy to see why the Île de Ré is such an attractive holiday destination for the rich and famous.

The Kiwis appeared determined to launch themselves into the freezing water, but were able to be convinced that they would have to return another time in warmer weather in order to make the most of what is available there. After a too brief stay, and the wind now behind us, we almost flew back to town and even managed to get home before the next shower.