PARIS ART TRIP Autumn 2010

On the 15th of October, 50 Dukies assembled at the small square to set off for a four day trip to Paris. Sadly, the M25 let us down, and the bus was delayed for 4 hours, until Bayliss executive travel came to our rescue. On late arrival to the Chateau de la Grande Romaine with PGL, everyone was happy to get to sleep after a long day of waiting and travelling.

First thing on Saturday morning, we visited the Muse d’Orsay, a converted train station that now holds many exhibitions. Those who do not actually do art tried their best, and sketched some of the numerous paintings. We saw Monets, Van Goghs and Gaugins. After a lot of work, we took a break and took to the heights of the Eiffel Tower. Only a few managed to get to the top, but the view was enjoyed by everyone.

That night we went to a cold marquee to play some games. The atmosphere was chilling at first but once the games started everybody got into the right mood and it ended up being one of the best nights there. There were lots of challenges for people to join in on like the cardboard box game, who could shove the most marshmallows into their mouth and still talk; also some messy games were played like apple bobbing, the flour game and the yoghurt game. The most daunting game was the best friend test, this was where people volunteered and then chose their best friend, and the best friends were given a drink that included coffee and broken biscuits. They had the choice of being a good friend and drinking it or just tipping it over their friend. The majority started the drink and then tipped the rest over their friends while one decent best friend, Emma Campey actually drank it all.

The next morning, we all woke to chilly weather that was endured as we made it up the 225 steps up to the Sacre Coeur. We escaped the cold in the chapel, and managed to do some more sketches while our hands warmed up. Montmartre was full of artists and we had our portraits drawn for the knock down price of 5 Euros. After, we got back onto the coach and visited Fontainebleau, the home of Marie Antoinette for some time. The small town was explored and we bought bargains at the local market. Then we all made a quick stop at the top of the steps for a group picture. That night, PGL provided the entertainment. Volunteers were taken aside, and the boys dressed as girls and vice versa. After, the chosen few gave a catwalk for Mr. and Mrs. Paris.