My trip to

London!!!

Sunday 23th February

First day, we took the bus. I had a very good place in the coach and I didn’t

sleep very well because of noises and the uncomfortable sit. It was long. I had a

little bag. And I think that everybody is stressed because they took so big bag …

We took the ferry it was really funny. We arrived in England. Then we looked

throw the window the landscape of this nation unknown for me.

Finally, we arrived at 6pm at the rendezvous. With Rémi, my friend, we were

waiting for our host. And of course they were late to make us feel stress. Then

we took the taxi after we waited again. And we discover each other and he

looked very nice and kind. He is old and named Ben and he has a wife named

Maria. He has a son which is married. All the family was great with us. Even

the dog was friendly, I thought he was older than the queen: he didn’t walk

right anymore, he was blind and deaf.

We had a bedroom with a TV, a bathroom and three beds. He left us a bit free,

so we could do whatever we wanted. Every day we ate only Rémi and I

delicious meal cooked by Ben. Indeed he is a great cook (better than my

mother). Finally, we were so tired that we slept really early.

Sunday, 23th February 2014

As every morning, we woke up at 6:40am. It was short to be ready at time, but

we didn’t want to lose one second of sleeping. Then we took the taxi to arrive

to the coach at time. The advantage was that we could choose our places in the

bus: where the seats are not broken.

Our first visit was the national gallery. We could discover many paintings as the

sunflowers of Van Gogh yet we missed the ambassadors and the amazing

anamorphosis we studied last year.

Moreover, I could see the self-portrait of Rembrandt, one of

the greatest artists of the XVII century in Europe. He created

many self-portraits which allow us to know better the artist

and his life. Indeed, at the aged of 34,

Rembrandt looked at the height of his

fame: well dressed, we can imagine

him rich and reputed. However, at the

age of 63, Rembrandt seems old, tired

with a huge life experience. Actually;

this painter used to make his masterpiece with realism,

and not to show only beauty. For example, the wrinkles

are not hidden at all, quite the opposite he used

chiaroscuro to highlight it. I appreciated it because of

this sincerity.

MONDAY, 24th February

At midday, we ate the lunch prepared by

the family. It was disappointing: we only

have cheese in our sandwiches; as much

the dinners were really great the

evening. With rumbling stomach but

open spirit, we follow our trip in the

globe theatre; the Shakespeare’s

theatre. We could see the genius of Shakespeare doesn’t only exist in the

words; but also in the action. The scene was really close to the public who can

see the actors wherever they are seating or

standing. Moreover the light was only

natural and the set was always the same.

Later in the afternoon; we played some

Romeo and Juliet’s verse. Surprise surprise,

Laure and I were chosen to perform in front

of the group!

Then we had some free time so we decided with Jean, Lois and Laure to make a

quick walk at the Tate museum.

However I think I don’t have

enough art sensibility to

understand what Kandinsky

wanted to express…

So after this small visit, we decided to have a break

in a Starbuck coffee, waiting for the other group.

Then, at the end of the day, we walked at

Greenwich where we could see the ship Cutty Sark,

but only a few minutes.

First, we began this 2nd day under the rain, but

it is not a problem, a hood was enough to fight

London weather! So we saw the tower of

London and the St Paul cathedral where we

only saw the entrance. The main activity of the

morning was the visit of

the museum of London.

We could see the evolution of the city throughout the

ages, from Roman civilization to nowadays. I enjoyed

modern history so I stayed longer in the room.

Londoners changed London. Difference could be looked without suspicion; it

became famous for the extraordinary diversity of its street life all around the

world. The population, really young and multicultural, fights for individual

freedom and right. Thanks to the Beatles who delivered a message of peace in

their concerts fully filled of rock. The national service stopped but the

technology improves the way of live of Londoners: they discovered television in

the 50’s; vespas developed in the 60’s to make easier the travels and by the

way Apple computer appeared in the 80’s. Finally fashion in the second half of

the XX century improve women conditions who released women with new

dress more comfortable!

Tuesday, 25th February

On the afternoon, we visited the cabinet war room

and the Churchill museum. Nevertheless, we had to

wait one moment but it was great to pet squirrels

and to take a time of respite. So after it, we could

enjoy finding out History closer than usual. Indeed, I

would never imagine that a prime minister could live

in a so narrow space. Churchill seemed to be very

involved to save Europe of Nazism. I think it is

important to know History for all unknown people

who fight whatever their nationality, for peace. By

the way, England and free Europe needed a

great leader to manage a hard and long war.

Finally, we had a small culinary surprise: cream tea and scones. In any case, we

won’t be able to say that all the English food is disgusting. Thank you to open

my mind!

To begin this 3rd day in the capital, we went to the

dockland to feel the modification of this part of the

city. We worked on as if it was a poor and popular

borough, however we could see a district similar at

the city, with huge building of glass. We had some

precision at the museum of dockland museum

where we can see the evolution through the

ages.

Then on the afternoon, we had the luck to

visit the Olympic center. As a sport lover

boy, I found this visit great and interesting

with a crazy guide with a lot of small

anecdote nice to know.

Despite our passion for culture, we also needed a few relaxing moment in the

biggest commercial center I ever seen. Well, I’m not really keen on shopping.

Wednesday, 26th February

Last day in London! First we thanked a lot our host family who was really kind

and hospitable with us. So we gave them chocolates

from home (the last day, so we can keep it if they

were not kind during the week) and left for the last

time … . First, we visited our last museum: the

British museum. I was totally impressed by the

quality, the precision and the size of all sculpture

which were built a thousand years ago. More than

the Parthenon frieze or the Rosetta stone, the chest

of Ramses II makes me feel so small behind the

genius artistic, that I was extremely happy.

There was an atmosphere of the Orient mix with a British architecture. We

were looking for a Banksy’s graffiti. We didn’t find it but I can learned to know

more about him once in France.

Thursday, 27th February

Finally, we finished by going to Buckingham palace even if the Queen didn’t

want to receive us. I think she didn’t know our presence, brilliant students as

we are; who wants to miss us?

For our last moment in London we had the happiness to walk on Oxford Street

which has the agitation of the city which makes me feel sick. In Vieugy, cows

and corn are more peaceful. Regardless I could fell in joy of childhood once in

Hamley’s and by the way I buy one big bottle of MnM’s in their store! To

conclude in beauty we eat (or maybe gobble) in KFC that I’ve known before. It

was so grass that we thought they soaked the chicken in the oil!

Last second in England. What a nice trip make in a good ambiance, with nice

classmates and nice teachers. I am a bit sad to leave Great Britain, but all good

thing come to the end so, why don’t be happy to find back a perfect bed, to

stay idle for two weeks of holidays and especially… eating vegetable. I’ve never

thought that kind of thing could happen to me. Not so young!

Thank you for this nice and enriching trip!

Friday, 28th February