Lunch With a Difference and Au Revoirs!

The kids had an interesting morning in classes and then had their lunch in the canteen. We had scalloped potatoes, salad and whole boiled eggs in a white sauce, baguette and then a pottle of ice cream for dessert. What more could a hungry kid want?

After lunch we walked down to the hotel and the kids swam and relaxed around the pool until we could check in at 2pm. They were just soooo excited to be there with us.

After the girls had changed three or four times, straightened /curled their hair, swapped clothes and passed judgement on how they all looked, we set off for Jean Mariotti at 5pm for the farewell party.

There were a few speeches and then the kids sang their waiata and the boys did their haka. They were fantastic! The parents so enjoyed it and I know that Eric wishes that his kids could do something like that when they visit us. They are always impressed with Taupo Intermediate. The food was lovely  and helped set them up for the wrenching goodbye session! There were tears from our kids and their french billets - even the mothers- as they farewelled each other. We heard some great comments from the host parents about our kids. They really enjoyed having them and wanted the stay to last longer. Watching them together for the last time makes you realise how fantastic this whole cultural exchange is, and so beneficial for all involved.
The boys are thinking of going on tour with their haka! Walking home we bumped into some kiwis - the Mayor of New Plymouth no less, so they launched into their haka to give them a feel of good old NZ. They thought it fantastic!  The crew on board the ferry that took us to Phare Amedee asked them to perform it for everyone on board,  which really went down well too, so the boys quite fancy themselves as true artists!
They are all in their rooms now and hopefully feeling sleepy!! ( although I'm not holding my breath). Tomorrow we will just shop and swim etc so it's a cruisy day. Saturday is looming, and although most of us have had enough sun and our bods need a bit of a rest from it, I know we're not prepared for the temps at home!
Au Revoir!
The TIS team