P2P Day 14: They Arrive in Wales After a Simply Splendid Four-Hour Ferry Ride. Cheers!

They are in Wales!

Katie said the ferry ride was fabulous. Apparently she's reading some book of poetry (who is she?!) and she and her friends were discussing the poetry and drinking coffee on the ferry ride - "Mom, I'm drinking so much coffee now, I just love it!" - and they were being all smart and discussy.

"Katie, you're in England, you're supposed to drink tea," I told her.

"Geez mom, we haven't even gotten to England yet. What's wrong with you, they drink coffee in Ireland and Scotland."

And there you have it. I guess I might have to get a coffee pot. Lord knows I don't drink the stuff and I'm not ready to buy stock in Starbucks. But, I do like the smell and if it helps her get up in the morning....

The ferry ride was about four hours long. Then the got to Wales and spent time learning history and doing some touring. She and her roommate were the only girls on the boys floor ("in the dungeon with spiders everywhere") but the part of the hotel I could see looked nice.

Once again the leaders to the rescue with great shots of the day's events. Tomorrow they have a Full-On experience - she got to do one in New Zealand (repelling) and in Canada they did something similar called Tree-Go. Basically they are team building, personal challenge experiences that are fun but push you to try new things. Can't wait to find out what they will be doing!

Noswaith dda - which is to say, good evening, in Welsh. [OMG I love this video!]

From the People to People Itinerary

This morning you will say goodbye to the "Emerald Isle" and make your way to the ferry port where your ferry will take you over to Wales.

Be welcomed by the Welsh Country Manager, and receive an introduction to Wales, local sights and activities. Crossing over GeorgeStephenson's magnificent iron bridge with the beautiful Menai Straits below, you will then arrive onto the Welsh mainland.

Encounter the village that boasts one of the world's longest station names: Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwyllllantysiliogogogoch! [Why?]

During your time in Wales, you may notice the distinct Welshlanguage. In some areas, it is still the primary language and today you will learn some basic phrases in this Celtic language.

Diane "Golden" Miller - this is all I know!

The bridge they talk about above.

Larry called this: Zap Game in Wales.

P2P Day 13: The Lakes of Killarney and the Gap of Dunloe (It Sounds So Musical)

I'm driving to my client's office when the phone rings.

It's a FaceTime call. Katie is in a candy shop in Ireland dying to show me all the cool candies. Only I'm on one of the busiest freeways of the commute. Needless to say, I didn't get to see the candy. I told her to take pictures.

I talked to her a little later in the day (sometime during the US Soccer game, I could hear the cheering in the cafeteria) and she was in the tub drinking something that looked eerily like wine - but I think I was projecting. She said they really enjoyed the hike in the Gap of Dunloe and it was about seven miles. I'm not sure if that's round trip or not but she said it wasn't that bad because they took a boat ride back so it went fast.

Larry, one of the leaders, had photos posted by the time I woke up this morning (which was about 3pm their time) and it looks like an incredible place. I have links and photos below. Tonight they are in Dublin and then tomorrow then head by ferry to Wales.

From the People to People Itinerary

Today you will experience the natural beauty of Ireland as you travel the Gap of Dunloe in a horse-drawn jaunty cart. The Gap of Dunloe is a narrow mountain pass carved by glaciers millions of years ago.

At Lord Brandon's Cottage, which was formerly a hunting lodge, you will stop for lunch and to admire the views at the bottom of the gorge, before embarking on a breath-taking cruise across one of the tranquil lakes.

During your time at the Gap you will travel across the Lakes of Killarney by boat which during this hour long trip you will enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains. This will be a day to remember.

Following this wonderful day experiencing Ireland, you will welcome a small journey to Dublin.

  

P2P Day 12: Cutting Peat, Helping the Elderly and Hurling Before an Irish Meal

Boggy good day it seems!

I heard from Katie today. She looked great and was tired after a busy day.

Harvesting.

History.

They did some historical study about the area and then they learned how to cut peat. This has me intrigued so I went and found a video to help me understand what was really going on here.

Turns out turf is a solid fossil fuel so it's like cutting wood but instead it's ground! I gotta get me a peat bog. Sounds kind of cool - I really want to know how it smells. Maybe really rich and loamy? It's nice to have a bog nice family. (If you listen to the video, that accent is so great - you can hear his teeth all tight while he talks.)

Katie FINALLY touches the
Atlantic ocean and it's on the
opposite side.

Not sure Katie and Jessie
really needed a Pub...

The leaders posted some photos of the kids working with the elderly. I didn't get a chance to talk to Katie about it but there are smiles in the pictures so I bet they made a good impression.

There are also some photos of the kids learning to play Hurling or Gaelic Football. I have no idea what they were doing but I bet we get some good stories when they get home.

What Katie did tell me is they were all meeting at the pub and that sounded so cool. I've always wanted to say, "Meet me at the pub!".

I guess they have one more day in Ireland; they will be making their way back to Dublin tomorrow with plenty of activities along the way.

From the People to People Itinerary

Welcome to Cahersiveen, famous for Daniel O'Connell the 19th Century Irish Politician and campaigner for both Catholic emancipation and for Repeal of the 1801 Act of Union between Ireland and Great Britain.

Our morning will start with a stroll through the town learning about local history, political and economic issues as well as the flora and fauna that is to be found in these wonderful hills overlooking the Atlantic.

Step back in time and learn how to cut peat with John. Once dried, this will then be given back to the elderly of Cahersiveen to burn for winter fuel.

Join our Irish hosts in a day supporting the local community - preparing and delivering meals for the elderly, visiting the local hospital and working in the gardens of this community.

Be welcomed at St Mary's Gaelic Athletic Association to learn the Irish sports of hurling or Gaelic football.

This evening prepare for a ceili [oh this had to be totally worth it to watch them do this!] where you will learn the art of Irish music and dancing whilst enjoying a traditional Irish meal. If you have not already learnt about "the craic" you will have done before the end of the evening!

 

P2P Day 10 & 11: Last Days in Ireland - Dublin Homestay to the hills of Cahersiveen

That Irish mom is had her hands full!

You wonder why a two-fer? Because when the homestay happens, I never get any information!

I got one quick call from Katie on Saturday telling me she was fine, they were having a good time and she got to go shopping. Of course, that was nirvana for her so no wonder she was happy.

I knew they were staying up late (I could see late night "likes" on Instagram) and I finally suggested she get to bed (I think it was 1am their time) and she said even the 7-year old was still awake. That means some Irish poor mom is going to deal with very tired kids today!

Evelyn posted this great pic
of the Pride celebration in Dublin. 

The homestay included Saturday and then the leaders posted this shot of the mom dropping the kids off at the bus early Sunday morning. I sure hope Katie remembered to write a thank you note (she had Santa Cruz note cards) and give the family some of the gifts she brought with her. She's been pretty forgetful lately, I'm crossing my fingers she remembered!

On their way to Cahersiveen, they stopped at Bunratty Castle. The leaders have been great about sharing photos when they can. There are a few more below.

Cahersiveen is nearly on the west coast of Ireland. These kids have really been on the move! Take a look at the map below to get oriented.

At Cahersiveen, they will do their service project because it's the little things that one way or another will create moments that will keep them up all night. The folks there have a Facebook page where they post the kids pics. I hope they post some soon! This will be their last stop in Ireland with the next stop in Wales.

Day 10: From the People to People Itinerary

After breakfast with your homestay family you will meet up with your delegation for a day exploring. Do not worry, you will return to your home stay family in the afternoon. Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) Museum in Dublin explains the traditional Irish sports of Gaelic Football and Hurling. You will learn how the organization played a pivotal role in modern Irish history. Stroll through Dublin's central shopping area, which runs from O'Connell Street to Grafton Street.

Spend the evening with your Dublin homestay family and enjoy dinner with them. Take the opportunity to get to know more about family life in Ireland.

Day 11: From the People to People Itinerary

Today you will say goodbye to your host family so don’t forget to exchange address information, so you can keep in touch! Make sure you haven't left anything behind.

Bunratty Castle is one of Ireland's major historical sites. Built in the 15th Century and restored to its original condition in the 1950s, Bunratty was home to many Earls and important residents of County Clare.

Adjacent to the castle is Folk Park, a re-created rural village typical of Ireland at the turn of the century. The village boasts shops and a range of domestic architecture, including a labourers' cottage and an elegant Georgian residence.

Journey to Cahersiveen, a small coastal community.

Enjoy your time at a Cahersiveen Guest House, relaxing with your local family and sampling some typical Irish fayre!

These photos are all from the leaders - I haven't heard from Katie since Saturday at noon - very briefly!

First batch - Day 10 - the sports museum and shopping in Dublin. 

This batch, Day 11, at the Castle and arriving at Caherviseen. Wow! 

P2P Day 9: Dublin Scavenger Hunt That Ends at the Homestay

I know it's hard to see, but it looks like they saw one heck of an awesome sunset tonight. Based on how Dublin is oriented (it doesn't face west) they must have been at a harbor or something.

I'm sure Katie was just happy to see the sun still exists.

From what I can piece together from social media, they had a good day and ran around Dublin today. I guess they had a scavenger hunt and Katie did manage to text is was the best lunch ever. She's just loving the gang of kids and how fun they are.

Tonight they are at their homestays. I was hoping Katie might text me the address so I could stalk her on Google Earth but her homestay kid was already asleep so hopefully she'll send it later.

The leaders have been doing an amazing job of posting to Facebook. Unfortunately its a closed group so I can't share a link, but we are all grateful for the "fast breaking" photos so we can share in the coolness.

From the People to People Itinerary

Another SnapChat as
they pass St. Kenny
National School. 

Today we begin with a coach journey to Dublin, Ireland to meet your home stay family.

Spend some time exploring Ireland's capital city of Dublin. Receive a guided orientation of such famous landmarks as St Patrick'sCathedral, Phoenix Park, Trinity College and statue-lined O'Connell Street, before breaking into groups and exploring this historic city on your own.

Immerse yourself in Dublin's culture and tradition by completing the 'Famous Dubliners' interactive quiz. A great way to discover the city. (I'm pretty sure the quiz I linked to is not the same as the one they did!)

Meet your home stay family and be welcomed in your new Irish home. Spend the evening with your Dublin homestay family and enjoy dinner with them. Take the opportunity to get to know more about family life in Ireland.

Statue-lined O'Connell Street

Stolen from one of the leader's shots: The Dubliner. Let's eat!

It's 2:30 but I have no idea what this is!