Emmaville & Newburn in Belgium

The eagerly anticipated day has arrived, and was hugely enjoyed by all. We rolled up at the Bellewaerde theme park at 10:30 this morning and parked amongst a whole flock of white coaches, each one teaming with a crowd of exited children. I must admit, my heart sank a little at what looked like every teacher's worst nightmare, but every single one of our children behaved impeccably, and there was never a moment when we didn't feel confident about their whereabouts. In fact, the day was great fun and surprisingly relaxed, although the children are all worn out and the hotel is now eerily quiet!

I know you just want to look at the pictures, but I found a little info about the place on Wikipedia which I thought was interesting, seeing as we visited Ypres and the Tyne Cot cemetery yesterday - it also gives you an idea of the sort of things we saw:

'Bellewaerde is a theme park in the West-Flemish countryside near Ypres (Belgium). Established in 1954 on grounds that were the location of the Battle of Bellewaerde during World War I, named after the old castle that to this day stands near the main entrance of the park. Bellewaerde is the oldest operating theme park in Belgium. Originally a zoo and safari, the park expanded in the early eighties to become more of a general theme- and thrill-park, catering towards teens and families. The 54 hectare park is famous for its beautiful gardens, marvelous landscaping and its attention to themeing. Bellewaerde draws about 850,000 - 900,000 visitors a year and is the main theme park in Flanders.'

Just photos tonight, as we finished the day with a swim in the sea, and then we packed for tomorrow, so there wasn't time to gather comments from the children.

Thank you to everyone who has left a comment for the children - they have enjoyed reading them, and it's been really good to see your reactions to all the pictures.

See you soon!

Phew, what a scorcher! The weather's been fabulous, and we've had another busy day.

 Rebecca Close: Today the weather was too hot, but we spent half the day at the museum, learning about how the soldiers died. At the Menin Gate I found one soldier with my surname. I'm enjoying this holiday, and I'll see you on Friday xxx

 Dylan O'Neil: It was really interesting going to the War Memorial. At the Menin Gate I found 15 of my surnames in lists of soldiers' names. I've just come back from the sea, and it was really good fun getting wet and splashing people. I've been missing Mam, Anthony and my rabbits x

Ellen Armstrong: Today we went to Menin Gate and we saw 56,000 names written on the stone. The holiday's been fun so far, and I can't wait to go on the theme park tomorrow. Miss you all xxx

Chelsea Taylor: In the museum I got a card about a soldier called Morit, and it said that he died 5 days before Jack's birthday. I feel a bit sad, because normally when I go on holiday there's someone from my family with me - I'm having a good time, but I'm missing you all xxx 

Scott Leybourne: Ypres museum was interesting, when we learned all about World War I, and the beach was nice and cool at the end of the day. It's been great fun with my friends. I miss my Mam & Dad, and my brother. See you on Friday 

 Holly Foggin: Having great fun here - Bruges was beautiful. I really, really really enjoyed it. The Menin Gate was very interesting. Hi Mam and Dad - I've met some new friends from Emmaville xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

James Dey: I enjoyed the new food that I had in the restaurant. I do miss my family, but I will try not to let it spoil my holiday. I'm looking forward to tomorrow's thrills at the theme park, mainly the water rides. I have become friends with students from Emmaville.

 Now, where did we last see those children?

 Stacey -Leanne Scott: Today we went to the Cemetery to visit all the soldiers in the First World war, and I read a poem in the graveyard. This week has been brilliant and I've met lots of new friends, and I've really enjoyed myself. I love you all, and I'll see you on Friday!

Marcus Tavernier: I like the beach, but the water is cold. I'm missing the MUGA

Happy Birthday to Jack and Steph!

Taylor Lester: I had to go to the grocery store with Mr Vyle to get fruit and vegetables. I had to ask for the food in French, because Mr Vyle was forcing me to - it was very hard! It's been brilliant because of all the fun activities that we've been doing. Hope you are all having as good a time as we are 

Jack Nicholson: I enjoy trying the new food in the restaurant, because you get to experience different tastes from around the world! I'm dying for tomorrow, because I'm looking forward to the theme park, especially the water rides 

After Stacey's poem reading, Mr Vyle said a prayer for all the soldiers who were killed during the Great War, and then we laid flowers on the memorial.

Layla Mardghum: When we went to the Tyne Cot War Cemetery, I couldn't find my surname on any of the graves, but I did help Meghan find hers. She put her pebble on the top. This holiday has been so enjoyable! I'm going on the rides tomorrow - I hope there's going to be a really really fast ride. Missing everyone at home lots. Love you all xx

First of all, we'd all like to say congratulations to Mrs Jarvis on the birth of her son and daughter, Zac and Corinne - what lovely news. Can't wait for a cuddle...

What a busy day! Up at 7:15, breakfast at 8:00, then onto the coach at 9:00 sharp to Bruges.

Bruges is a lovely city, built on a series of canals, and full of very old buildings which escaped the ravages of both World Wars.

The children have written a few comments about their experiences so far, so read on to find out more!

Phew, managed to get the connection working!

So, I'll let the pictures do the talking..

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Oh, bless - overtired...

After a very long journey, we finally arived in Blankenberge at about 7pm Belgium time. The children were all superstars and behaved really well on the coach and ferry. The weather's been fantastic, and we were able to enjoy some of it on the ferry!

First things first - dinner, then up to the rooms and finally a wander down to the seafront. I'll keep it brief, as it's very late and we're up early tomorrow for our visit to Bruges.

Unfortunately, we're having a few problems with the internet connections, so I'll try to get the photos loaded tomorrow morning, but I'll try my best meanwhile. Thanks for all your lovely comments - the children will enjoy reading them when we get up

Everyone's had a great time so far; lots of excitement, especially when we landed on foreign soil. 

Bye for now - love to everyone!

Hi everyone,

hope you're all looking forward to the trip as much as I am. I'm just about packed and ready to go. I think I've remembered everything, but there's sure to be something I'll have left behind!

Don't forget your suncream, but you might also need a waterproof jacket, as we'll be out and about most of the time. If you're bringing anything that plugs in, remember that you'll need a plug socket adaptor, as the plugs are different in Belgium to ours in the UK.

See you soon!

Mr. S.

Just a little info about the place we will be staying at:

Blankenberge is a town in the Belgian province of West Flanders. It's a large seaside resort, with a sandy beach and a 350m-long pier, which was built in 1993.

We will be staying at the Hotel Sabot D'Or, which is only 9 minutes' walk from the beach.

A long time ago, Blankenberge was nothing more than a small fishing village, but in the 19th century that the small town became one of the first Belgian seaside-resorts visited by tourists. Around 1850 the first hotels were built, and now lots of people come to visit the town, where there are lots of shops and things to see...

However, the sandy beach is where most people like to head to. There is even a Sand Sculptures Festival, where teams of carvers from around the world spend five weeks building giant sculptures like this one!

We will also be taking a canal boat ride in the beautiful City of Bruges,12 miles south of Blankenberge, known as the Venice of the North, because of its many canals.

On Wednesday, we will spend the morning in Ypres at the Tyne Cot Cemetry, which is the biggest War Grave in the world. We will also visit the Menin Gate Memorial to learn more about World War One.

Thursday will be spent at a theme park; hold on to your hats!

You can find out more about Blankenberge by visiting their official website 

Thanks to Peter Bolger at CLC Gateshead for setting up our Belgium Blog!

So, the count down begins.  Keep an eye on the new posts appearing as you prepare for the trip. 

Mr Saddington