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International Marketing Study Program 2002
In transit and at dinner
15 January 2002
We arrived in Nimes to luxurious accommodation in comparison to the cramped quarters of Kensington London. True to form, the Vodka Club was quick to get the festivities underway. However, an honorary member of the club broke with tradition and decided to sample the local champagne (big mistake!). After a pointless search for a currency exchange, the group gathered at Courtepaille (restaurant) for the evening meal and experienced the trials of limited English-speaking waiters. With the aid of Billy's fluent French and Sandra's phrase book, we were able to order in under an hour. Unassisted, Patrick and Jacky managed to order a balanced meal of water and butter! Once again the supermarket (Carrefours) lived up to expectations offering an array of essential and non-essential goodies (febreeze, vodka mixers and computer hardware).
On Wednesday morning we rose to a crisp 4 degree morning to view our first glimpse of sun and blue sky and begin our tour of the picturesque countryside. Last night's shenanigans in room 519 coupled with the effects TGB's at the bar insured everyone caught up with their sleep on the ride to Perrier. It may have been logical to assume that ordering food at McDonalds would be a simple task, yet the bewildered looks from the staff proved otherwise. The visit to Aigues Mortes, an enclosed village which attracts over one million tourists per year exposed the quaint lifestyles of regional France. A few couldn't resist the French patisseries whilst others meandered along the carefully preserved cobbled streets soaking up the ambience. Our travels also took us to Saintes Maries de la Mer for a look at the seaside and the romansque style church (for those who managed to find the door!), which houses Sarah's crypt (the black virgin). Finally, we ended up in the city centre of Nimes for dinner. Again the diversity of cultures (Asians/Australians ordering Middle Eastern food in a French restaurant, and trying to negotiate the purchase of nutella crepes) insured a memorable dining experience. Abby was a bit sceptical about the folk of France, but soon changed her view when a gorgeous French child befriended her on the bus ride home - we entertained the passengers on the bus with our attempts at conversing in the local language!
Au revoir From your Social reporters
Jeremy and Abby...
Flight to Monpellier:
"Please remain seated at all times during the flight... on the lap of the person behind you!"
"In case of emergency, these two students will fall from the overhead panel..."
Arrival in Nimes:
Dinner in Nimes:
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