Holland Day 4

Day 4: The children were up bright and breezy this morning for the 1½ hour journey to Europe’s largest Theme Park called ‘Efteling’. The bus driver was happy to leave early to allow the children to have the maximum time available at the park. Efteling is a fantasy themed amusement park in Kaatsheuvel where all the attractions are based on elements from ancient myths and legends, fairy tales, fables and folklore. Needless to say, they all had an absolutely amazing time! Another cool day, however the park wasn’t too busy which meant that the queues for the rides were approx. 10-15 mins long which was perfect for the group. Many of the children displayed amazing feats of bravery as they attempted rides on rollercoasters for the very first time! A lot of them stepped out of their comfort zone and all were willing to give the rides ‘a go’ and even enjoyed them. Every single child managed at least one rollercoaster- well done everyone! One of the rides 20 brave CPS pupils embarked on was the brand new roller coaster called ‘The Baron’, which incorporates a vertical drop! The children took a spin on The Teacups, The Flying Dutchman, The Python and The Pirate Ship (not one of my favourites). You’ll be pleased to know they tackled The Pirate Ship before they had their lunch of sausages and chips. The teachers weren’t too keen on seeing the lunches again. A firm favourite for all was The Piranha which the teachers cleverly left for the children towards the end of their day. You sit in a rubber ring and end up getting soaked as you plummet into the lake at the end. Mr Bradley had tricked the children by telling them that the water was luke warm, however due to the slightly overcast weather, the water was entirely the opposite. Mr Bradley said that various of the children’s faces were a treat as they got soaked at the end. Lots of photos of their experiences were purchased today along with souvenirs. After a thrilling day, it was back to the hotel for dinner. The hotel staff had left bubbles on each of the children’s place settings for their dinner so a bubble fight took place outside after dinner. The children are being exceptionally well behaved (like we ever doubted that) and they are all sleeping well.....hopefully they'll do this when they return also! They are off to bed shortly following their diary writing for a good rest before hitting the bobsleigh tomorrow (fingers crossed for good weather or it won’t run).