The World Cup – South Africa & France

Backpack Europe, European Discovery, European Escape, European Experience, French Excursion, ON TOUR European Escapade, South Africa Community Service No Responses »
May 252010

With the World Cup weeks away, we’re going to highlight some of the teams, their countries, and of course, the things our teen travelers do when we visit.

First up, Group A.

South Africa

The host country’s team automatically gets a place in the World Cup which is great news for South Africa (although they would argue that they would have likely earned their way into the finals). South Africa was banned from international competition for almost 30 years due to segregation. When Apartheid began to crumble in 1992, they were allowed to participate again. Bafana Bafana, as they are nicknamed, showed in last summer’s Confederations Cup that they have a lot of skill and athleticism. They competed well against some of the most talented teams in the world including Spain and the Brazil.

At the World Cup, they have  been drawn in with a very tough group, perennial soccer powerhouses France and Mexico and former World Cup champions Uruguay.

With talent that mostly plays in the South African league, it’s going to be a struggle to win; however, we will be pulling for them as we hope to share in the victory celebration when we arrive in this country two days after they (or someone else!) lifts the trophy.

360° Student Travel visits South Africa on our 25 Day Community Service Africa Program. On that particular program, we volunteer with a local community in Acorhoek and work with children at the Sihlekisi Elementary School, about 50 miles from the town of Nelspruit, host to 4 World Cup games this summer at the Mbombela Stadium.

France – Les Bleus

Winners of the World Cup in 1998 on their home soil, France gained entry to the tournament in a massive controversy.  They advanced by beating Ireland with a goal that was clearly handball. Though everyone in the world saw the infraction, the referee (the only opinion that truly mattered) did not, and no foul was called thus the goal was allowed.

Despite France limping into the final they are not to be underestimated. With wingers like Bayern Munich’s Franck Ribery and Chelsea’s Florent Malouda and strikers Thierry Henry and Nicholas Anelka, the French truly are a goal scoring threat. Oh, and did we mention they have some of the fastest defenders in the world?  Their left backs, both of whom play in England with Manchester United and Arsenal, are the two best in the world because they are uncatchable. They may have snuck into the World Cup but they are a force to be reckoned with.

France is one of our most visited countries in Europe.  You can travel there with Westcoast Connection / 360° Student Travel on our European Discovery Teen Tour, European Escape Teen Tour, European Escapade Teen Tour, European Experience Teen Tour, Backpack France and Switzerland, Backpack Europe or French Excursion programs.

Another update tomorrow!

The Westcoast Blogger

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Fantastically Funny French Frases … or Phrases

French Excursion No Responses »
Feb 262010

It’s Friday and time to get a little zany. The French language is beautiful. A fluent speaker talks with elegance. It’s also filled with great idioms and funny phrases that we thought we should share.

Let’s start with some idioms:

Phrase: C’est la fin des haricots.
Literal: Translation: That’s the end of the beans.
Actual Meaning: It’s the last straw or that’s the end of it.

Phrase: Les carottes sont cuites.
Literal Translation: The carrots are cooked.
Actual Meaning: I’ve had it.

Phrase: Marcher à côté de ses pompes.
Literal Translation: To walk next to one’s shoes.
Actual Meaning: To be out of it.

Phrase: Arrête ton char!
Literal Translation: Stop your chariot!
Actual Meaning: Stop bluffing!

Phrase: Aller au charbon.
Literal Translation: To go to the coal (mines).
Actual Meaning: To do something very difficult.

Phrase: Poser un lapin.
Literal Translation: Leave a rabbit.
Actual Meaning: Stand someone up.

    And some local tongue twisters:

    Poisson sans boisson–c’est poison!

    To eat fish without drinking wine is poison!

    Didon dîna, dit-on, du dos d’un dodu dindon.

    Didon ate, it is said, from the back of a fat turkey.

    Natacha n’attacha pas son chat qui s’échappa.

    Natasha did not tie up her cat, who escaped.

    Tonton, ton thé t’a-t-il ôté ta toux?

    Uncle, did your tea take away your cough?

    La pipe au papa du Pape Pie pue.

    Pope Pius’ dad’s pipe stinks.

    Je veux et j’exige du jasmin and des jonquilles

    I want and demand jasmine and daffodils.

    Si mon tonton tond ton tonton, ton tonton sera tondu.

    If my uncle shaves your uncle, your uncle will be shaved.

    Si six scies scient six cyprès, six cents scies scient six cent cyprès.

    If six saws saw six cypresses, six hundred saws saw six hundred cypresses.

    Practice over the weekend! If you really want to hone your friend speaking skills, join us on our French Excursion program this summer.

    The Westcoast Blogger

    Posted by wcc360 at 9:21 AM Tagged with:

    Stumbling on a Segway

    Staff No Responses »
    Dec 082009

    And then, we check in with Nick.

    Nick was Tour Director on the French Excursion this previous summer and lead Community Service Hawaii in 2008, Community Service Costa Rica in 2007, and Community Service Alaska in 2006.

    While in Dijon, the French Excursion was preparing for their Segway Tour through the 800 year old ancient city center. Nick wasn’t quite paying attention and took a slight tumble off of his Segway. Fortunately, one of his travelers caught the moment and uploaded the video to YouTube. A few days later, the clip was picked up by Failblog. Shortly after, it was picked up by a production company for the television show It Only Hurts When I Laugh on TruTV. They offered him $500 for the clip.

    Don’t you wish you got paid everytime you slipped?

    Here is the clip. Enjoy the laugh.

    [youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9FwfSkHQzlQ]

    The Westcoast Blogger

    Posted by wcc360 at 4:17 PM Tagged with: , , , , ,

    Picnicking on Baguettes – The French Excursion

    French Excursion No Responses »
    Jul 202009

    The French Excursion heads to Avignon!

    The Westcoast Blogger

    Upon our arrival in Avignon after taking the super speedy TGV train, we checked into our hotel and proceeded to the inner walls of Avignon where we were met by our tour guide who showed us Le Palais de Papes and the gardens.  We were all intrigued by the incredible structures and architecture. That night we feasted on local cuisine where some tried Ratatouille for the very first time.  We walked the streets of Avignon stopping every so often to watch street performers. 
     
    Tuesday July 14th was Bastille Day, a National holiday.  We had a wonderful sleep in and participated in some team building activities..  That night we strolled through the festival Market and rode the Ferris wheel where a beautiful view of the city could be seen.  We picnicked on baguettes and other French goodies while we watched street performers and waited with excitement for the fireworks to begin.  The show of lights was incredible and as we oohed and ahhed over the magical show, we realized how lucky we were to be spending Bastille Day in Avignon. 
     
    After the show, we danced in the streets where a live concert played our favorites.  Some of the students like Jared and Daniela interacted and danced with the locals while others danced with the group.  Overall, an unforgettable night!!!  The next day we headed to Aix en Provence where we saw the “original” Cezanne studio and some of the objects he used as inspiration. 
     
    Thursday was an exciting day as our group headed to Passerelles des Cimes for an adventure on the ropes course.  Everyone finished the beginner and intermediate courses.  Michael, Evans, and Django were brave enough to try the most advanced course.  We headed to Avignon that night for dinner and more festivities in the streets. 
     
    Already in Nice for our final week we cannot believe that we are almost at the end of our trip and what a ride it’s been so far.  Hard to believe we will be coming home on Friday!
     
    Suite a Venir,
     
    The French Excursion

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    A Final Farewell to the City of Lights – French Excursion

    French Excursion No Responses »
    Jul 122009

    The French Excursion says Au Revoir to Paris.

    The Westcoast Blogger

    Dear Parents of the French Excursion Program, 

    Friday was our last day in Paris and as we said our final farewell to the City of Lights, we looked back on all that we had accomplished and seen.

    Musée D’Orsay was a fan favorite as the group recognized many paintings and well-known artists, such as Renoir and Van Gogh.  On Wednesday night we ate dinner in the famous  Marais district, where we also caught the end of a local jazz concert.  The next day, we toured the Musée Rodin, where we saw Le Penseur (The Thinker).  That night we found ourselves at Basilique Sacré-Cour (Basilica of the Sacred Heart), a beautiful church located at the highest point in the city of Montmartre   There we ate, shopped, and took pictures to our hearts content.

    Friday, we took the TGV (the high speed train) for the first time, en route to Dijon.  Jared was especially excited about the Trains “haute vitesse” as he had been hoping to travel on one.   Upon arrival at the beautiful Hotel Mercure, we took a refreshing dip in the pool and had dinner at a restaurant featuring Haute French Cuisine. We celebrated Erica’s
    birthday in style and showered her with yummy pastries and treats while everyone sang “Bonne Fete”.  The guys and girls faced off that night in a couple of games of bowling where the boys were victorious.  Kaitlin was our most consistent bowler but we will readily admit that none of us have the skills to become professional.

    Saturday was our big tour of Dijon by foot and Segway (personal transport vehicle). We rode through the market and main streets of Dijon enjoying the sights while successfully maintaining balance and control.  An afternoon of shopping, immersing ourselves in the culture, and trying the famous mustard and gingerbread were enjoyed by all.  

    On Sunday, we headed to Lac Kir, a man made beach.  We took this opportunity to relax or swim. Dominika was the brave one as she plunged first into the chilly waters.  The others followed close by and many swam out to the dock where they relaxed and splashed around.  We’ve been quite lucky with the weather thus far and are looking forward to more beach days to come. 

    À Bientôt,

    Erika and Nick

    Posted by wcc360 at 9:56 PM Tagged with: , , , , , , , , , ,
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