GREETINGS FROM CHANNEL SCHOOL

Hi again. A couple of days ago I got an e-mail from Jose and Maribel, the managing directors of Channel School in Ilfracombe. They have seen our blog and they have asked me to publish their comment:

We really enjoyed welcoming you to Channel School in Ilfracombe. We are very glad that you were able to enjoy our beautiful countryside under the warmth of the autumn sun. The pictures are proof that it doesn’t always rain in England! We hope that you all come back and see us again next year! Best wishes to each and every member of the group from all of us at Country Cousins and Channel School.

Thank you, Jose and Maribel. We really hope we can meet again some other time.

SATURDAY. GOODBYE, FAREWELL, CHEERIO.

Saturday has been our last day in Ilfracombe. Time to say goodbye, or perhaps just "see you soon" to our host families.
I think we all agree that this trip has greatly fulfilled our expectations: the lessons, the activities and especially the families. We have had an experience that we will never forget, even though nadie la ha liao (right Inma and Isa?)
CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU ALL. WELL DONE!!

FRIDAY. LAST DAY AT CHANNEL SCHOOL.

Friday was the last day at channel School, and our final lessons with Mr Bradley, Julie and Helena. Thank you all (you too, Lizz) for helping our students improve their English.

THURSDAY. ARLINGTON COURT.

Barbecue for lunch. Matt cooked some delicious burgers just before our half-day trip on Thursday.




















In the afternoon we visited Arlington Court, a large country house of neoclassical style.

WEDNESDAY. 2nd KARAOKE NIGHT

It's amazing how our singing has improved in only one week! Even Carlos dared to sing a duo with the awesome Jodie, who sings beautifully.

WEDNESDAY. EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK

We can't believe how lucky we are with the weather! This is the 3rd consecutive day with no rain, so we took advantage of it and explored Exmoor National Park.
Except for a couple of incidents (Maria and Paula got stung by bees), everything went fine.

After lunch we did some sport at the park in Lynmouth.

Finally, we went up to Lynton using a 19th century railway trail, and then walked along a very steep cliff accompanied by goats.

WOOLACOMBE BEACH. TUESDAY AFTERNOON

Back to school on Monday after spending the weekend with our families (and also with our friends)
Today we had another perfect day, which allowed us to enjoy one of the most beautiful parts of Devon. Here's part of what we could see during our walk from Mortehoe to Woolacombe beach.

BOWLING ON FRIDAY EVENING

On Friday we also had bowling night. I didn't bring my camera, but I saw many of you (students) taking pictures, so you can all post some of your photographs if you get the chance from your host homes.

SPORTS ON FRIDAY AFTERNOON

On Friday afternoon we did some sports out in Ilfracombe's rugby field: football, volleyball, cricket/baseball. Unfortunately, the rain came back, so we all ended up in the swimming pool. However, not everybody went in the water.

THURSDAY. CLIFF WALK.

Blue sky at last! Beautiful day for the 1st time in 5 days.













We walked up for more than 4 miles... a lot of exercise for some of them.

The fittest ones went all the way to the top.

WEDNESDAY NIGHT

In the evening we went out to Yam Yam's Karaoke pub, where we had a great time.

Don't worry, parents. No drinking and no smoking. Just singing and dancing.

WEDNESDAY. TRIP TO EXETER.

Rainy day again in Exeter, so some of the students had to look for shelter in shops.











Others preferred to visit the beautiful cathedral.












Smiling by the choir stalls.

Rain and English lessons all day

It's been a rainy day today, so we got wet during our lunch break.















In class with Lizz, one of the teachers.








In class with Helena, the other teacher.

1st DAY AT SCHOOL

In the morning, the students had their placement tests, in order to split them into two groups, according to their level of English.

During our lunch break (from 12.30 to 2.00) some of us had the opportunity of playing some tennis, or just walk around Bicclescombe Park, which is right opposite the school.




















In the afternoon we had a Treasure Hunt, an activity to learn about the sights and interesting places in Ilfracombe.












Leaving the school












By the harbour, trying to answer the 45 questions.

FIRST DAY IN ILFRACOMBE

After spending the morning with our families we met at War Memorial, a very well-known spot.












This is part of what we saw during our afternoon walk around the village.

JOURNEY

Checking in at Alicante Airport. Socializing during the flight.









Sunset at Newquay Airport.
We arrived 40 minutes ahead of schedule, so there was nobody there to meet us.
Weather report: 13 degrees, rainy, windy.