We left NZ on the 25th of September for a mammoth 40 hour journey.  We stopped in Melbourne, then on to Dubai and finally to Paris.  The flight was longer as we had to avoid the usual route over Syria and Iraq.  Instead the plane flew across the mountains of Afghanistan giving the students a marvellous view.  On arriving in Paris we had 2 hours until the train left for Bordeaux.  Then we finally arrived and could sleep in a bed.  At breakfast the students thought they had died and gone to heaven when there was 3 types of cake for breakfast!   Everyone ate well and we were off on the final leg to Gaillac via Toulouse.  

The students and staff from College Albert Camus were so happy to see us and warmly welcomed us.  The students left and went to their homestay houses for the afternoon.

On Sunday we all met in Cordes sur Ciel a medieval town 25 kms from Albi.  We took a massive climb to the top of the town along the cobbled streets that were laid 800 years ago, through small arched gates and on to the square at the top.  We then shopped and investigated the town.  This is where the students 'broke the ice' and started to really mingle.  After some shopping we met next to a small river and a public stade (park) for lunch.  All the families had made sweet and savoury dishes that morning.  There was fresh baguette, homemade pate, and so much cheese!!  After lunch the students played football together.  Then they played other group ball games finishing with duck, duck, goose or canard, canard, oie.  It was an amazing insight into how students can play when language separates them - some of the french students have less english than others (or are less confident at using it) but when you are together you can play.  

Most students are sleeping well and have integrated well with only one or two having some form of missing home but I am sure this will pass.  Today we are having an important celebration at the war memorial in Gaillac.  The mayor, town council, local department of education representatives and families are meeting to lay wreaths.  We are being welcomed by the town and there will be speeches in French, English and Maori.  Our students will sing our school song and Pokarekareana for them before giving them gifts.  We have brought a Maori double twist made from glass engraved with a message for the town.  

I have taken many photos but am unable to upload any at present!  One of the teachers here will bring me a usb cord tomorrow so that I can and then I will place some photos of what we have seen.

Au revoir for now