Touching the Void

Below is the PDF version of a student's review of the book.

Ireland

 by Sylvie With (level A2)

A trip to Mexico

 by Christian Deumirdjian (level A2)

 

Roman Ramparts

 by Chantal Carlioz (level B2)

A trip to South Africa

 

A group of UIAD English students went on a 12-day trip to South Africa in February/March 2025 on the first of three South Africa trips planned for UIAD English students. 

We travelled many miles and experienced many wonderful sights and sounds. 

Several students presented the trip in their English class.  

Others are presenting their own special moment here, on the blog.  Wildlife appears often, of course, but not only…

Melanie Brumberg

We appeared in the Zululand Observer, a local newspaper!

Christine Barbetta

I chose this photo which represents for me a strong and intense moment. The first contact with the history of South Africa: the visit of the Apartheid Museum. It is an emotional visit. This photo represents the essentials of the tragic human history of South Africa.

Unfortunately, i think that I couldn’t make the most of the photos, explanations and films of this magnificent  museum due to the long night spent on the plane.

 

Minouche Jonqueres

The South African national flower: the Protea, seen at Kirstenbosch in Cape Town. 

Aline Vincent

BONKÉ, a 22-year-old African who works for the company ‘Fannas Hippo&Croc tours’ that took us by boat on the ST LUCIA estuary in ISIMANGALISO WETLAND PARK.

He was very interested in improving his pronunciation of French words to become the best guide for the French tourists! So, for a few minutes, I was a bit of a French teacher!!

A friendly and unusual moment of sharing in the splendid South African countryside!

Elisabeth Allix 

The photo I have chosen is of The Cape of Good Hope.

In 2007 I was in Patagonia in Ushia near CAPE HORN at the extreme southern tip of the American continent, between the Atlantic Ocean  and the Pacific Ocean and last Thursday I was at the extreme southern  tip of the African ocean between the Atlantic and Indian Ocean. 

Both times I really felt I was at the end of the world.

So I have seen the two southern ends of the Atlantic Ocean . It was both strange and exciting.

I’ll remember from this wonderful journey, of course lots of wild animals, beautiful landscapes, but also warm smiles and kindness from all the people we met and, in particular, Nelly a top-of-the-top guide.

 

Helene Minier 

This photo was taken in the HLUHLUWE-UMFOLOZI Reserve.

It's one of the oldest animal reserves of South Africa and has existed since 1895. 

We went on a safari in the afternoon and the light was so beautiful. As far as the eyes can see, we can admire the green, beautiful landscape. In this reserve, we saw one of the "big five" animals: the white rhinoceros.

Katja Bonnefous

It's not my best photo but it was an important moment.

The photo is blurry, I took it behind the windscreen of the jeep.

When we were in the Kruger Park, an elephant crossed the track in front of us. The ranger stopped the car and then stopped the engine. He asked us to be silent so as not to be charged by the elephant! After several seconds, the elephant continued on his way. I think he did not pay attention to us!

Christiane Glass

The Foreshore Freeway Bridge, also known as Cape Town's Unfinished Bridge, is an incomplete section of what was intended to be the Eastern Boulevard Highway.

In 1977, the construction was halted without much explanation. The one side of the bridge has since been transformed into a public parking space, but the other side remains empty and unused. 

The semi-built structure has fascinated the public for half a century, being the site of Hollywood blockbusters and high fashion photoshoots owing to its scenic location and post-apocalyptic look.

 

Michele Chauviere 

We saw a Stapelia Gigantea, near the Voortrekker Monument in the region of Pretoria. It is a very strange plant, a species in the genus Stapelia of the family Apocynaceae. Its common name is Zulu Giant. The plant is native to the desert regions of South Africa and Tanzania. 

They bloom in autumn, when the daylight hours become shorter.

Near the Cape of Good Hope, we saw the lovely African penguin, one of four species in the genus Spheniscus.  It is confined to the regions of South Africa and Namibia. Its population is steadily declining. 

But it is not really a penguin, it is an auk. During evolution, auks (penguins) became good at swimming. Then, they lost their ability to fly.  Penguins can still fly, although it requires a lot of energy.

 

Aurélie Callier

My first photo is of the very angry elephant chasing our vehicle, in the Kruger Park.

 

My second is of a strange butterfly (its name: Actias luna)  discovered during a nighttime outing in the grounds of our  magnificent accommodation.

Monique Derouard

I discovered South Africa in the best conditions as we had a very nice group, a very good guide, Nelly, who was always concerned about our safety, good drivers, and we learned a lot of things about this big, miscellaneous country, with breathtaking landscapes.

The Apartheid Museum was very impressive, and sometimes troubling to see. The safaris were fantastic: the big five were almost all there, except the lions....a big moment was when the elephant charged our car!

We met very nice people: rangers , musicians, dancers, singers...the singers of the Zululand University made me cry!

I also appreciated the visit of Cape Town, Table Mountain and the Cape of Good Hope, which I visited 19 years ago!

And at the end, a very peaceful visit of Kirstenbosch, the Botanical Garden, before going to the airport. Thank you George!

I'm already jealous of the next group…

 

Dominique Mahaut

I chose this photo; it is not perhaps my best, but it is my favorite; you can see a male elephant wandering in the savannah; now he is old and useless, so all he can do is wait for death, sad and alone. 

 

Sylvie With

A country rich in history with colonization, Apartheid, Nelson Mandela. With colorful cultures and traditions and with varied landscapes between the cities, the countryside, the coasts, the Cape of Good Hope where two oceans meet.

A country that questions where townships and beautiful houses stand side by side.

And, of course, the reserves where many animals made our eyes shine.

A fabulous trip organized. My suitcases are already packed for a new adventure, Melanie!

Martine Fontes

The southernmost city of the African continent, just by its name, the Cape Peninsula makes you dream, with Table Mountain to the north and to the south, the mythical Cape of Good Hope.

This photo is of a district in Cape Town called the Bo-Kaap. It is one of the most picturesque; there live the descendants of Malay, Indonesian  and Indian slaves who came in the 17th century, to work on the sugar cane plantations.

Michele Garcia

While we were visiting the Kruger National Park,we saw many animals. The one that touched me the most, was the baby hyena. This species has a bad reputation: it is ugly, feeds on carrion and it seems to be sneering. It’s a famous scavenger that feeds on the remains of other predators. In the movie, the Lion King, it looks mean. However, it is useful because it prevents the spread of diseases. It has an ecological role and is the most sociable of animals. How can you not be moved by the sweet gaze of this baby spotted hyena?

After visiting Pretoria, we went to Corn and Cob, a large and beautiful property. We were welcomed in a reconstructed Ndebele village and discovered their culture. We were offered fresh drink and grilled caterpillars. In the photo we see one of us who looks with astonishment and curiosity at these insects. I tasted one: it was salty but its green colour reminded me of the box tree moth. Every year, I have to treat my boxwood otherwise it’s completely devoured by this caterpillar.  So you can understand my mistrust.

 

Anne-Marie Palomares 

Before travelling to South Africa, I knew about the meaning of its nickname ‘the Rainbow Nation’.

Now, after our complete journey inside this country, I have in my mind, in my eyes and in my heart this notion of rainbow with the different people we met, and with the landscapes and the wildlife we saw.

This bird, photographed at the Kruger Park, sums up my thoughts of the rainbow life in South Africa.

 

Finally, a text inspired by our trip….:

Philippe With 

I have a dream 

A long, long time ago, in the jungle, the mighty jungle, the lion cub said:

'Your Majesty, what's wrong? I didn't see you hunting today, I didn't hear your mighty roar.' 

'My proud heir, I have had a terrible nightmare. Our ancestors wanted to tell me that our worst enemies have arrived by sea.'

'From the sea? Storms will smash them on the rocks.' 

'No', replied the King Lion,.'They are weak but very clever. They sail on wooden boats and tomorrow they will navigate in the air, even though they walk on two legs. They trust in a god and they have never given up. They will rename the terrible point at the Cape of Good Hope.' 

In the air, the lion cub repeated: 'Are you tired or ill, Your Majesty? We know black people and I can't wait to eat some of them.' 

'Our ancestors told me that they'll take all the fields and forests for their enslaved animals, and then they'll catch black warriors to work for them. They'll find golden stones and fight among themselves, but more and more "white skins" will arrive. They'll get stronger and stronger and they'll never respect the life of animals or plants.' 

'It's so frightening,' sighed the cub,. 'Will there be a little hope?' 

'I didn't understand the whole message of our ancestors. They told me that in a long time Mother Nature would return to Earth and she would speak to them:   I have given birth to all life, earth, water and animals, and you, animals with reason, you have poisoned all of them. You have to understand that you're not more than a part of this life. You have no choice. Respect all life or you will disappear and let's be sure that the little insect and the little plant will outlive you.'

.

 

A historical day for French rugby!

by Pierre Grange (level B2)

Saturday, March 8, 2025

A historical day for French rugby!

This Saturday March 8, I had the opportunity to go to DUBLIN with a group of friends to attend the rugby match of the 6 nations tournament: Ireland – France. 

But as a little warm-up to my report on my trip to Dublin, I would like to give a very brief reminder of geography and politics about Ireland.

Here is a map.

As you probably know, Ireland is divided in two. 

To simplify as much as possible: 

On the one hand, Northern Ireland (in purple) belongs to the United Kingdom with England, Scotland, Wales, and the British Isles.

The currency is the Pound sterling.

Northern Ireland is affected by Brexit.

The religion is mainly Protestant or Anglican.

Its capital is Belfast. 

On the other hand, to the south, the Republic of Ireland (in green) is part of the European Union.

Its currency is the euro.

The religion is mainly Catholic.

Its capital is Dublin. 

So, that said, this Saturday March 8, I was in DUBLIN, not in search of the ghosts of the many celebrities born in this town. 

Indeed, many famous people were born in Dublin. Here are some examples. 

Concerning literature :

 

 George Bernard Shaw                 Samuel Beckett

(both awarded the Nobel Prize of Literature)

James Joyce

 

 Bram Stoker (the author of Dracula)

 

Oscar Wilde whose colored statue is well known by the Dubliners

 

Concerning music:

 

The pop rock group U2

 

The singer Sinéad O'Connor

 

But of course, the main goal of our trip was above all to attend the rugby match of the 6 Nations Tournament: Ireland – France.

Before attending the match, we made the traditional city tour on foot, by bus or by taxi (very numerous and cheap) to have a look on the main points of interest. 

With our little free time available, it was impossible to visit all the attractions of this town.

We had to make a selection. Here are the most well-known ones. 

The Liffey and Ha’penny bridge 

The Liffey is the river that flows through the capital, Dublin.

The Liffey is crossed by a famous pedestrian bridge: Ha'Penny Bridge.

It’s the oldest pedestrian bridge in Dublin over the River Liffey.

Its nickname (Ha'penny bridge) is due to the halfpenny toll paid by all users of the bridge until 1919.

Ha'Penny Bridge is one of the most photographed spots in the city.

 

The Liffey and Ha’penny bridge

Temple Bar district

The famous Temple Bar

Temple Bar district is located in the center of Dublin.

It displays a surprising vitality, both day and night.

This district is always very crowded

It's a true Dublin postcard, with its many restaurants and pubs.

 

 The decorated facades of Temple Bar district

Guinness Storehouse 

A visit to the famous Guinness Brewery is a must. It’s one of Dublin's most popular tourist attractions.

 

Thanks to this visit, we learn a little more about the production of the Irish's favorite drink

(1 in 2 pints consumed in Ireland is a Guinness).

Cheers!

On the program for this guided tour: history of Guinnes, techniques used and of course, tasting at the Gravity Bar which offers you a 360° view of Dublin!

The Gravity Bar on the rooftop of Guinness Storehouse

Trinity college: 

It’s Ireland's oldest and most important university. It’s also one of the seven ancient universities of the United Kingdom and Ireland.

Entrance toTrinity College is very selective.

A must-see: the old library.

The impressive Old Library is a kind of cathedral dedicated to books (65 m long).

The Long Room, Trinity College

Shelves filled with precious books.

Many busts watch over them

 

The Old Library holds a treasure: the Book of Kells.

It’s one of the most sumptuous illuminated manuscripts of the Middle Ages.

It contains the four Gospels of the New Testament.

Richly calligraphed and decorated, it was created by monks in the 9th century.

It’s an exceptional item, certainly unique in the world.

The book of Kells

 

 An example of illustration

 

After this quick warm up about Dublin and its points of interest, let’s talk a little about rugby! 

By the way, do you know that rugby is not the national sport in Ireland ?

In fact, two other sports are more popular : Gaelic football and hurling: i.e a mix between football and rugby. You can use hands and feet.

They are played in the greatest stadium in Ireland : Croke Park (82,000 seats!).

Croke Park (82,000 seats!) 

But let's get back to rugby and the Aviva Stadium, where rugby and football matches are played. 

The Aviva Stadium was built on the site of the old stadium: Landsdowne Road.

Its name comes from a close street and from the rugby and football club (Landsdowne Football Club), one of the most prestigious clubs in Ireland. 

Lansdowne Road is considered the first stadium to host an international rugby match, between Ireland and England in 1878.

This old stadium was demolished in 2007. 

This stadium had a rare feature: a railway line ran under one of its stands and spectators could feel the trains passing under their seats!

        Photo on the left : the train passed under the stands of the old stadium (until 2007)

Photo on the right : the train now passes very close to the new stadium (but no longer below).

The Aviva Stadium now replaces the old Lansdowne Road on the same site.

The stadium is shaped a bit like a wave

Why this name?

The stadium is named Aviva Stadium following a sponsorship agreement with the company AVIVA.

This is a common practice these days, particularly with insurance and telephone companies.

Examples:

Orange Vélodrome in Marseille,

Groupama Stadium in Lyon,

Allianz Arena in Munich. 

Some numbers :

Aviva Stadium has a capacity of 51,700 seats. 

It’s the third largest stadium of the Six Nations Tournament behind Twickenham Stadium (82,000 seats) and the Stade de France (80,000 seats). 

By the way, you all know that the emblem of the French national team is a rooster.

But do you know what the emblem of the Irish national team is?

The shamrock, of course!

 

FFR = Fédération Française de Rugby

IRFU = Irish Rugby Football Union

The atmosphere :

Aviva Stadium was packed.

The French supporters were really numerous.

It seems there were almost 10,000! 

No violence with the Irish. Here it’s rugby, not football… 

And a very good atmosphere thanks to the smells emanating from the food trucks, the music, the songs of supporters and of course, the show on the pitch.

French supporters are very colorful…

 

…like the Irish!

We had a particularly good seat, as we were in the front row, surrounded by Irish fans! 

Here's a short video filmed from my seat before the match started.

Click on the photo to see the video

 

Matches at AVIAVA Stadium have a special feature. 

Indeed, the pre-match protocol is very long.

Three steps must be followed: 

1/ the players' presentation to the President of the Republic of Ireland,

2/ the visiting team's anthem,

3/ the two Irish anthems. 

The players' presentation

The current president of Ireland is Michael Daniel Higgins.

He is now 84 years old and walks slowly with two canes.

But he seems very popular, as he was very applauded upon his arrival at the stadium.

While watching his TV, our president Macron must have been jealous of such popularity!

The player presentation therefore takes a long time.

The players' presentation to the president of Ireland: Michael Daniel Higgins

Why are two anthems played for Ireland? 

As you know, Ireland is an island, and it's also two nations.

But rugby has the unique feature of bringing together the two Irish nations.

This sport is played all over the island, and the national team represents both Irelands.

So, how do you represent two nations on one team?

The solution: two anthems, of course! 

Initially, only the anthem of the Republic of Ireland was played: "The Soldier's Song."

It's very patriotic and speaks of the nation's history and its struggle for independence.

However, the players from Northern Ireland felt forgotten.

A second anthem was therefore composed in 1995 to properly represent the two Irelands.

It was "Ireland's Call." 

Here are all the anthems (French and Irish) that I filmed from my seat (we were well placed in the front row).

Click on the photo to see the video

 How can you not get chills when tens of thousands of Irish supporters sing their two national anthems: "The Soldier's Song" then "Ireland's Call". It was very impressive!

The game: 

The match was indecisive for all the beginning of the first half-time.

And unfortunately, France captain Antoine Dupont was injured by an Irish player after only half an hour of play. 

 Antoine Dupont injured

But little by little the French players took over to triumph on this Irish pitch.

 

 Thomas Ramos attempts his penalty

 

Struggle in the airs!

 

What a feeling!

At the end, many Irish fans came up to congratulate us.

Well done guys! Good game! Congratulations! 

I ask the question: Do you see that in France? 

After the match, a large majority of the spectators, Irish and French together, went to downtown area to drink a Guinness either to celebrate the victory or to forget a painful defeat.

Well done FRANCE for your victory.

And thank you, Irish public, for the chills and this moment of happiness.