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! 

Day 7: Attending School in New Zealand is Part of the Homestay

What they are feeling - wet in Picton!

Ha! The kids have to go to school today! 

At least that's the plan on the itinerary. They are still at their homestay in Picton until tomorrow. And it's raining! According to the Weather Channel, it poured last night and might hold steady today (and tomorrow). But then things should get better in Christchurch tomorrow. 

Before they left, the delegates (and parents) attended a series of meetings and the kids had to do reports on different aspects of life, culture and politics in the two countries. They learned about life in NZ and school so it will be interesting for them to actually experience it. 

Schooling is compulsory for all children in New Zealand aged 6 to 16. Children go to primary school from 5-13 years old, then secondary school (also known as college, high school or grammar school). There are also some intermediate schools for children in their final primary school years from 11-13 years old.

There's a chance the schools might be on break. I just found the schedule and the term ended in early July - not sure if that means this week or last week! (I love the last paragraph below. Everything in NZ sounds so chill!)

School usually starts at 9am and runs to 3pm or 3:30pm. There are four school terms running from late January to mid-December with two-week breaks between them and a six-week summer break at the end of the year. 

Term 1: February to mid-April - Two week break
Term 2: Late April to early July - Two week break
Term 3: Mid July to late September - Two week break
Term 4: Mid October to mid December - Six week summer holiday 

Like the rest of New Zealand, schools are peaceful, relaxed places and discipline is good. Pupils are made to feel comfortable in their learning environment and there’s less pressure. It’s an environment where young people can stress less and learn more.

They are out of Internet range until tomorrow. They are getting closer to the Antarctic and the weather is getting colder! Shelia, their leader, posted one quick pick (see below) as they boarded the ferry yesterday and commented on the temperature drop. 

An iconic landmark, Stirling Point at the southernmost tip of the South Island has this great sign that shows how far everything is from that tiny spec on the map. The Antarctic isn't that far! 

Sheila's photo from the boarding area at the ferry yesterday.

UDPATE: We got a note from late this day from Sheila and Colleen, the two leaders. Here's what she had to say:

Dear Parents, 

We are having a GREAT time...the delegates are AMAZING! Thank you so very much for preparing them so well...they are doing such a good job of representing their country. 

We appear to have brought good weather with us;-)

Auckland was sunshine and w/o wind with little chill as was Rotorua and Wellington...nicknamed their "WINDY CITY" the weather was so beautiful they took us to see some extra sights from atop Mount Victoria...from there we got to see the Byrd Expedition Monument which points the way to towards Antarctica and the South Pole.

The ferry crossing was almost as smooth as glass and our Delegation Manager, Sarah, had booked us a large area to ourselves at the front of the boat with great views and privacy to safely store our stuff as we explored and enjoyed the voyage...again, GORGEOUS weather...everyone was amazed.

We continued on our journey to Methven, South Island, on a 2 lane coastal highway (much like California's highway 1) for approx 3 hours arriving in snow flurries...Yeah! We had a terrific school visit today and all delegates seem thrilled with their homestays. 

Sheila & Colleen

From the People to People Itinerary: 

• Today, if school is in session, you will have the opportunity to attend school with local students and experience their academic and social life.
• Remember to thank your home stay family, as this will be your last night with them.

Day 6: Avoiding Things on Wheels and Off to the South Island, Picton and the Home Stay

Turns out my daughter truly knows me. I got this first text from her yesterday at lunchtime my time. Congrats to all you parents who can do this middle-of-the-night phone calls. I got my first one last night and it kicked my butt!


Katie called around 1:10 via Viber (the iPhone app that will supposedly save us big bucks because it uses the Internet instead of telephony - we'll see - the call was clunky; like talking on those first Cisco IP phones!). We talked for about 10 minutes and then she sent some photos.

Here's what I learned:

1. Even though I am an extrovert, I am not the best conversationalist in the middle of the night, especially after already being asleep.
2. I've been worrying about the wrong things. With the plane crash at SFO, I've been all "flight safety conscious". Clearly that's not the issue because apparently Katie was nearly hit by a bus, a car, a bike and a skateboard. Yeah, time to readjust my focus.
3. There is something on earth that has bigger feet than Katie: goblins! (see photo below)
4. Speaking of feet, it appears Katie's souvenir from New Zealand will be socks. Apparently she paid an arm and a leg for a pair of "cute socks with Kiwi's on them!" and then found cheap ones like five for $8.
5. The Farmstay was a little awkward when the hosts learned the three kids they had staying with them really didn't know each other and therefore the whole darn crowd was a bunch of strangers! 
6. A hotel lobby full of People to People Ambassadors all calling home at the same time sounds like a telemarketing sweat shop!

They had to get up early this morning (5:30) to get moving and make their way via ferry to the South Island. They have their home stays tonight and tomorrow night. On they itinerary, they mention their location is Mount Hutt College, which looks fantastic on its website. I wonder if they will really get to see the campus? 

Here are a few of the photos Katie sent along. There are also a few shots from her leader. I think you can click on any of them to see them larger.

             

          On an alligator at Weta.                                     Gandalf the Grey romance.                            Her feet are small! First time! 

 

                                            From Shelia McKell:  the Maori Meeting House.                              A goblin garden.

From the People to People Itinerary:

• This morning, board the Inter-islander Ferry for your journey across Cook Strait and through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sounds to Picton, located in the South Island.
• This afternoon meet with your home stay families and experience everyday life with a New Zealand family. 

This is the Interislander Ferry heading up the Strait.

Up by Ship Cove is where they come south from Wellington. 

The harbor at Picton. It looks stunning. 

Downtown Picton. How sweet! But they drive funny! 

Day 3: Lake Rotorua and Life on the Marae

When we wake up, they are still sound asleep (I hope) getting ready to live one day ahead of us. Looking at the clock, they are five hours behind us, so things really don't get moving for them until after lunch our time.

I heard briefly from Katie while she was at the Brisbane airport. She was sock shopping and not finding a darn thing. Now I'm really glad I slipped my pair into her bag. Viber seems to work pretty well too!

Other than that, I don't expect to hear from her for awhile. They are in Hobbit country and after their tour of the movie set, they spent the night on a farm and today are off to learn about the town they are in and the natural beauty surrounding it. Apparently Rotorua has hot springs a lot like Yellowstone so there should be some cool stuff to see (and smell - that sulfur smell is memorable).

They join the Maori people tonight for some dancing and singing and then sleep there on the Marae (links below). I found a photo of this cool Maori Meeting House - I wonder if they will see something like it there.


UPDATE: Katie sent a very short video of the guys doing their Maori Haka dance. You might have to watch it a couple time to get it. It should look something like this.

From the People to People Itinerary:

Located on the shores of Lake Rotorua, the city of Rotorua has a long tradition of Maori culture and history.th century by canoe from Polynesia. The area is a geothermal wonderland, much like Yellowstone Park, with spouting geysers, boiling mud pools, and warm hot springs.

The first Maori inhabitants arrived in the 14

• Say farewell to your farmstay hosts and exchange addresses and contact information so you can keep in touch!
• Experience an official civic welcome at the Rotorua Council Chambers by a member of the City Council, who will share insights about local government.
• Visit Mount Ngongotaha via a gondola and enjoy a bird’s eye view of Rotorua.
• Test your courage during an exciting luge ride to the bottom of the mountain!
• This evening, spend the night in a Marae – an authentic Maori meeting house and the focal point of the Maori culture.
• Learn about Maori culture through songs, stories and dances.

The gondolas going up Mount Ngongotaha.

Day 2: Long Flight But They Finally Arrive In Auckland, New Zealand

Getting her upbeat text last night helped me zonk out knowing she'd board the flight to Australia at midnight and hopefully sleep.

They are touching down as I write this. It's 12:50pm our time and nearly 6am, Friday, their time. If they slept, they should be in very good shape!

I got the text below while I was sleeping. The part I love most is the photo showing the top of someone's head! She absolutely sounds more excited.


After they change planes in Brisbane (to say it, keep your teeth together and say the last syllable as "bin"), they hop on a flight over the New Zealand arriving at 2:45pm their time. It looks like a three hour layover in Australia and then a nearly three hour flight to NZ. I hope they get something "Australian" to eat while they are bopping around waiting.

When they arrive in Auckland, they head off to do the Hobbitron Movie Tour, checking out the movie sets from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. That sounds awesome - Sheldon, Leonard and the guys would be SO jealous! They end the day with their first "home stay" which will be on a farm called Matamata. The whole thing looks pretty darn fantastic.

From the People to People Itinerary:

Welcome to Auckland, the largest city in New Zealand. Auckland is known for its unique blend of harbor, islands, Polynesian culture, and modern city environment.

• Greet your Kiwi Delegation Manager upon arrival at Auckland International Airport.
• Witness Auckland's amazing suburbs, which sprawl generously over a narrow isthmus between the Pacific Ocean and the Tasman Sea.
• Travel south through the beautiful farmlands of Waikato to Rotorua.
• Explore the Hobbiton Movie Set from The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit film sagas in a fascinating guided tour.
• Discover your inner hobbit acting out a scene from The Hobbit trilogy.
• Meet your farm stay family and experience a true taste of the rural community in “Middle Earth country”.

Day 10: Padua, (Last Day in) Italy

They will get to ride in a Gondola.

As we go to bed tonight, Katie will be waking up and reuniting with her fellow delegates! Whoopie!


I think I will sleep well tonight knowing she's surrounded by the energy of her old crew. I hope she finds other kids who had similar experiences since there's nothing better than, "me too!" to make it all feel okay.

Today they get to see the Murano glass blowers. I found an interesting brief history of glass and it's explains how Venice because a hot spot for production.

The Bridge of Sighs. 

They are staying in some nice digs tonight. The Vergilius Hotel Spa and Business Resort that has a pool so it could be very fun for the kids as they reunite, get loose and hopefully cool down! 

****

Murano Glass (looks like candy!)

Saturday Afternoon in California: Katie called before heading out to dinner. She thinks she has a sinus infection (I will spare you the details but I am convinced) and she doesn't know how to proceed. Neither do I! I am going to call P2P and see what happens next - if anything - maybe we can get something to her by Austria on Monday. Who knows! 

Considering her throat hurts and her ear hurts she's in pretty good spirits. She had an interesting day in the mountains. She couldn't explain why because she didn't have privacy but she said no one expected it to go the way it did. No idea what that means.

She was with Hanah today so that made it ever-so-much better. She also bought shorts and she said they are "cheap" and she's worried they might fail. I told her wear cool underwear and if they do, she'll just in Italian fashion showing lots of flesh (I guess at the house the mom and daughter wear bikinis all day and the dad some "tidy whitey" thing).

When we got off the phone, I sent her some translated text messages in Italian that she's going to convert into thank you notes. It's 8:30, she has to shower, go eat dinner, write thank you notes and completely repack her suitcase. I think this might be a late night. They have to be back with the delegates by 8:30 tomorrow so it's time to rock and roll and get outta there!

I tried the power of suggestion and told her she might start feeling a lot better when she gets back with her team. It's crap but it might help!

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People to People Itinerary: SUNDAY, JULY 8: Padua, Italy

• Enjoy one of life's greatest pleasures and prepare to ride in a Venetian gondola. While passing along the "Canale Grande" and narrow channels you will see the famous Guggenheim Museum, the "Fenice Theater," and Mozart's Venice Residence.
• During a guided orientation you will explore the bustling alleys, quaint bridges and narrow canals of Venice. See the Basilica San Marco and the Bridge of Sighs.
• Take part in an informative presentation about the art of Murano Glass blowing. You will learn about each step - from the composition to the polishing of the glass. You'll be fascinated by the live demonstration of the production process.