Sompting Abbott’s in Normandy 2011

Earlier this month, I was among those travelling to Normandy in Northern France on a four-day school trip exploring the history and culture of the region.

We stayed in the town of Merville-Franceville in a centre next to the sea called “Le Bon Séjour”. We swam in the pool, played snooker, table tennis and mini-golf as well as football beside the beach. We shared the centre and its nightly disco with other school parties which made for a good atmosphere.

The food throughout the visit was delicious. For breakfast, we had bowls of hot chocolate, baguette, with Normandy butter and strawberry jam. Lunches were bought from the local supermarket in teams and the challenge was to buy the picnic food in as short a time as possible. No-one could resist the crêpes!

Amongst the places visited, were the small port of Honfleur for shopping, Pegasus Bridge, Bayeux for the tapestry and the market and the vast American Cemetery sited above Omaha Beach. Young men, not much older than myself, had fought and died on the beaches here. I felt humble.

In addition to the historical trips, we found time to visit Aqualud, a water park with colossal slides and Accrobranches, the tree-top adventure park with white knuckle zip wires and walkways.

I went on this trip already enthusiastic about learning French but I returned loving France and its history. I had spoken to the natives in their own language for the first time.

J’aime la belle France!

Sam Greenrod

Year 8

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