The overseas study travel is one of Anqing Foreign Language School’s school-running characteristics. Every winter and summer vacation, Anqing Foreign Language School will organize teachers and students to head for the United States, Canada, South Korea and other countries to study and travel abroad. This winter vacation, some teachers and students went to the United States to carry out the winter camp activities while others participated in the winter camp event in France.
To start with, altogether there were 20 teachers and students taking the G-series high-speed train from Anqing to Beijing on 7th February before flying from Beijing to Paris the following day, after which we would get transferred to another flight and arrive in Marseilles, the second largest city in France. After 6 days’ stay there, we would fly back to Paris and stay for 5 more days before flying back to Beijing on the evening of 19th February. We were supposed to reach Beijing the next day and take the High Speed Rail to Anqing on 21st February.
Marseilles, the second largest city and the biggest harbor in France, is surrounded by limestone hills on three sides with magnificent scenery and pleasant climate. In the west side of Marseilles is the Mediterranean with broad estuary and deep water, free from white-water rapids. We can always see unobstructed ton class vessel there. In the west, we have the Rhone and the Flat Valley, which are connected to Northern Europe on a unique geographical location. The main tourist attractions were Yvonne Island, Jaird Notre Dame, Marseilles Arts Museum and Marseilles Vieux Port.
We had two meals on the plane. The screens in the seats were powerful with all kinds of video games. I preferred the function which could directly told me the flight route, location, altitude, speed and time, because I wanted to be updated with the latest position while enjoying the scenery outside the window. How amazing the technology was!
After getting off the plane, we saw three people already waiting at the airport, who were a school leader from Pierre School, Anqing Foreign Language School’s sister school, a Chinese teacher, who previously led a group of people to conduct exchange in Anqing Foreign Language School as well as the driver. We picked up our luggage, got on the bus and arrived at the school gate after 20 minutes’ drive. It was midnight at the moment. Nonetheless, there were family members from the host family waiting for us. We could have completed the home-stay issues in the afternoon but for the flight delay and adjustments.
Moreover, after settling down the students, we arrived at the hotel arranged by Pierre School.
From the airport to Pierre School, we have already appreciated the elegant demeanor of Marseilles. What leapt to our eyes first were her ancient buildings, quiet harbors and neat streets. Although it was the night, we felt quite warm and sweet, expecting to feel the graceful bearing and charm of Marseilles the following day!
Considering I already slept on the flight, I was not sleepy at the moment. It was 1.57 A.M. Paris time and 8.57 A.M. Beijing time. Also, it was the Preliminary Eve in my hometown and people should be ready and busy for the special occasion right now!
Wish everyone a Happy Preliminary Eve!