This is my last post on the blog.....We get up at 2 a.m., catch the bus at 3 a.m. for our three-hour ride to Shannon Airport. Our flight leaves at 9 a.m., "Irish time". As promised, we had one of our busiest days yet: Games at the Community Center, Gaelic football drills, leaving chocolate at the site of the "Fairies", throwing a penny over the bridge to satisfy the trolls, cutting peet in the bogs, dinner (of, what else? FISH - Brayden even told us how good it was!) We are returning your children to you tired - and changed.
I asked a few of the delegates who actually enjoy expressing themselves in written form, to leave final thoughts. Here they are:
CHRISTIAN - In the beginning of the trip, in my opinion, we were all a bit immature. Lines took forever, count offs were impossible, and everyone was a stranger. But now, as the trip comes to a close, we make straight lines, count offs are fast. But the most important part is that we are more than strangers or friends. We are a family.
CARA - Probably one of the biggest aftermath advantages of our trip is the emotional experience. A lot of us became older, stronger, more mature. Others remained stubborn....Dynamic and Static characters.
Three weeks ago, we were practically strangers, Now, after traversing through Northern Europe with these nutcases, I've grown much closer to them. It was a necessity: we needed some stability in this foreign land. Cliques and clans were formed amost intantaneously. Drama and rivalries sprang up behind the scenes. Scandals whispered between roommates in the dead of night. Harsh remarks hissed between clenched teeth in the breakfast room at daybreak.
Despite this irritating-teenagerness-fueled drama battle, deep attachments have drawn us all closer together. It's wierd; I feel like it's been years since I stood in the line at airport security wishing people would go faster....Just another surreal aspect of our Whirlwind Tour of Europe.
TINHNY - You are walking down the street, when suddenly a beggar stands in front of you; clothes torn and filthy. They hold their shaking hands out, cupped together, pleading for any amount of money that you can spare.
Have you been in this situation before? Have you seen unfortunate men and women on the streets, begging for money to make their unfortunate lives better, only to have their pleas rejected and ignored?
Humans have a tendency to create what we call a "First Impression". The impression of dirt and scum is placed upon us when we see these people traversing the streets. Upon seeing these people, we create our first impressions.
From fairly recent experiences, I have learned that first impressions are inaccurate. The act of creating a first impression of someone is the same as judging someone without knowing who they are. Who are we to judge others without knowledge of who they are, what they've been through or where they're from? Creating that inaccurate first impression is a misunderstanding of another's position in life.
There is only one way to eliminate the first impression , and that is to open your mind to understanding. Open your own mind to understand others and who they are. Open your mind to compassion, so that you can see the truth in others' character, emotions and actions.
MORGAN - As we pulled out of the first hotel in Amsterdam, I noticed a common theme. Everyone jumped around from group to group, never really establishing a best friend or place we fit into more than the rest. This let us get to know everyone, but that and the short time we have together kept us from getting close and making the lifelong friends that were promised in the meetings.
But over the course of the trip, we have warmed up to each other, showing the beginnings of a family. Of course, with teenagers there is eternal drama. and hurt feelings. I'm sure every one of us has felt sad or left out over the last three weeks. But through living so up close and personal, we've gotten closer. Helping each other through homesickness and upset simply comes with the territory.
At the beginning, I was uneasy and nervous about making friends. Now our delegation is a home.
CAMERON - Towards the beginning of our trip, at the aiport I just thought of all the others to be fellow travelers and nothing else. I had no idea that some of them would turn out to be my closest friends.
Something else that has changed is our perspective of different countries. \Before the trip, we may have thought of other countries as strange or wrong. But at the end, we have matured so much, and now we feel that this different lifestyle is a part of us.
I feel that I will remember this trip for my entire life. The things that we've done will be stuff that many of my friends never have done and possibly never will. This trip has given me so much, and I am so thankful for that.
Ms. Mary - Well said. Good Night from Ireland.
Sunday, July 1, 2012
The Final Five
TRE'VON - Yesterday I had lots of fun. The bus ride was very long (*from Limerick). But the boat ride was awesome! The rain was off and on, but the views were amazing! Also our home stay family is cool. It's a man and two boys and one girl. They are fun, and I got the best shower, sleep, and breakfast of the trip.
TINHNY - Ireland, like many European countries, is often misrepresented by stereotypes that have spread around the world. From wearing green to crocks of gold, the Irish culture is often seen incorrectly. The Irish scenery is beautiful. One thing about Ireland that is often overlooked is its great mountains, vast countryside and fresh, cool air. Our delegation was able to see this for ourselves with the jaunty ride we took. Similar to a horse-drawn carriage, we toured the Irish countryside in groups of four, enjoying the ride through rain and sun, experiencing sites and smells that warmed our hearts. We discovered sites and smells that we will forever remember.
TITO - Yesterday was really fun. The best part was the jaunting car. We got to ride around the hills and mountains. We also rode through the Gap of Dunvel. It was very magnificent. I loved the view. We also went on a boat ride for one hour. It was also fun because we were all ducking under the tarp.
PAIGE - Yesterday was fun but sad, because I didn't feel well. I have had two painful bruises (elbow/knee), but other than that it was amazing to watch my delegation. I loved the talent show. I loved the 15-year old Eleanor song.
HANNAH - After a great, warm breakfast, we had to go out on a boat while it was raining. The ride might have been miserable, but the view was beautiful. When we got off of the cold, wet boat, we got to eat a warm lunch. They even gave us hot chocolate. Ever thought about going to the top of an Irish mountain? Well, we got to. We even got to ride in a horse and carriage up there. The waterfalls were outstanding. We also learned how to Irish dance. It was so fun. Getting to know the other delegation (* high schoolers from California) was interesting, because they were quite shy. There was a talent show, and the things people could do was fun to watch. We all had a great time.
Ms. Mary - BTW, our delegation dominated the talent show! TJ started off with his deep voice and his chipmunk voice - which cracked everyone up! Morgan followed by singing (acapella - sp?) "We Are Young", which everyone joined in on the chorus. Sam, Malik and Isaac brought down the house with their version of "Bacon and Cheese". We will request encore performances at the reunion party!
TINHNY - Ireland, like many European countries, is often misrepresented by stereotypes that have spread around the world. From wearing green to crocks of gold, the Irish culture is often seen incorrectly. The Irish scenery is beautiful. One thing about Ireland that is often overlooked is its great mountains, vast countryside and fresh, cool air. Our delegation was able to see this for ourselves with the jaunty ride we took. Similar to a horse-drawn carriage, we toured the Irish countryside in groups of four, enjoying the ride through rain and sun, experiencing sites and smells that warmed our hearts. We discovered sites and smells that we will forever remember.
TITO - Yesterday was really fun. The best part was the jaunting car. We got to ride around the hills and mountains. We also rode through the Gap of Dunvel. It was very magnificent. I loved the view. We also went on a boat ride for one hour. It was also fun because we were all ducking under the tarp.
PAIGE - Yesterday was fun but sad, because I didn't feel well. I have had two painful bruises (elbow/knee), but other than that it was amazing to watch my delegation. I loved the talent show. I loved the 15-year old Eleanor song.
HANNAH - After a great, warm breakfast, we had to go out on a boat while it was raining. The ride might have been miserable, but the view was beautiful. When we got off of the cold, wet boat, we got to eat a warm lunch. They even gave us hot chocolate. Ever thought about going to the top of an Irish mountain? Well, we got to. We even got to ride in a horse and carriage up there. The waterfalls were outstanding. We also learned how to Irish dance. It was so fun. Getting to know the other delegation (* high schoolers from California) was interesting, because they were quite shy. There was a talent show, and the things people could do was fun to watch. We all had a great time.
Ms. Mary - BTW, our delegation dominated the talent show! TJ started off with his deep voice and his chipmunk voice - which cracked everyone up! Morgan followed by singing (acapella - sp?) "We Are Young", which everyone joined in on the chorus. Sam, Malik and Isaac brought down the house with their version of "Bacon and Cheese". We will request encore performances at the reunion party!
Saturday, June 30, 2012
We've made it to County Kerry!
Greetings! We are now at the last stop on our travels. All of the delegates are safe and sound at four beautiful bed and breakfast "home stays". I will have the delegates report/reflect on today's activities and post those tomorrow. Just a hint: Boating, Buggy Rides, Hiking, Irish Dancing and Talent Show!!!! We have a very full itinerary for our final day: A scavenger hunt around the town, visiting a senior center, working with local teens on cutting peet, trying our hand at Gaelic sports with the teens, and packing for our very early departure! While the delegates are looking forward to going home and "resting", they are sad about leaving the friends - family, really - they have made. The leaders hope everyone will make every effort to attend the reunion party in August.
Here are yesterday's reflections:
KAITLIN - The GAA was amazing! I had alot of fun seeing the stadium. I really enjoyed learning about the history of the stadium (*Croke Park) like that one of the players for Ireland got shot by a British soldier. Now there is a section in the stadium named after him. Also because of that day, they have Bloody Sunday. We also got to tour the city and see their monument, which was a 300 foot tall needle thingy. Then we saw the University of Ireland (*Trinity University). They had an arch and the tale is, if you go under it, you will have bad luck in school, so I didn't go under it. I had a great time.
BRIANNA - We went to a stadium today. They play like five different sports in one stadium. It was really interesting. Hurling sounded dangerous. I wouldn't want to play that. The stadium was huge (*seats 82,500), and the guide said you could play two football games on the field. It was amazing! The people in Ireland saw that their sports are a part of their culture, and that's why the tickets aren't that much money. I wish people in America cared that much about their culture. Well, I guess we don't think like that because we have so many different cultures. It's spectacular how much people treasure their culture.
KRYSTAL - Yesterday at the university, we walked through a place that no one walks in because it was built on a graveyard. So hopefully I don't die! I felt cool! The spier was amazing - 10 feet wide at the bottom and 15 inches at the top. It looks like a giant needle. I loved Croke Park Stadium. It was so pretty and the grass was so green. I like how no matter who you are, the ticket prices were the same. We ended the day with shopping and yummy burgers! YAY!
VIDA - Yesterday we went to Croke Park Stadium and learned about Gaelic Football. It was really amazing that the width of their stadium was the same as the length of our football stadiums. We got to try some skills or techniques that would be needed to play hurling. I think you had to be born with the skills for that, because it seemed like it would be very hard to play. I wouldn't mind trying it for real, because I love sports, and it seems fun.
PENNY - Yesterday was heavenly for me! We walked the busy streets of Dublin, where we were allowed to roam and shop in groups. I, personally, had been scouting fashion boutiques and did a little research before we came. Seeing as how we'd spent the first half of the day getting into Dublin, I was in need for some exploration and shopping. However, I pittied the boys we'd be grouped with. After a little over an hour of roaming, scattered with bits of hopping, we boarded the coach and, once again, headed to yet another hotel.
Here are yesterday's reflections:
KAITLIN - The GAA was amazing! I had alot of fun seeing the stadium. I really enjoyed learning about the history of the stadium (*Croke Park) like that one of the players for Ireland got shot by a British soldier. Now there is a section in the stadium named after him. Also because of that day, they have Bloody Sunday. We also got to tour the city and see their monument, which was a 300 foot tall needle thingy. Then we saw the University of Ireland (*Trinity University). They had an arch and the tale is, if you go under it, you will have bad luck in school, so I didn't go under it. I had a great time.
BRIANNA - We went to a stadium today. They play like five different sports in one stadium. It was really interesting. Hurling sounded dangerous. I wouldn't want to play that. The stadium was huge (*seats 82,500), and the guide said you could play two football games on the field. It was amazing! The people in Ireland saw that their sports are a part of their culture, and that's why the tickets aren't that much money. I wish people in America cared that much about their culture. Well, I guess we don't think like that because we have so many different cultures. It's spectacular how much people treasure their culture.
KRYSTAL - Yesterday at the university, we walked through a place that no one walks in because it was built on a graveyard. So hopefully I don't die! I felt cool! The spier was amazing - 10 feet wide at the bottom and 15 inches at the top. It looks like a giant needle. I loved Croke Park Stadium. It was so pretty and the grass was so green. I like how no matter who you are, the ticket prices were the same. We ended the day with shopping and yummy burgers! YAY!
VIDA - Yesterday we went to Croke Park Stadium and learned about Gaelic Football. It was really amazing that the width of their stadium was the same as the length of our football stadiums. We got to try some skills or techniques that would be needed to play hurling. I think you had to be born with the skills for that, because it seemed like it would be very hard to play. I wouldn't mind trying it for real, because I love sports, and it seems fun.
PENNY - Yesterday was heavenly for me! We walked the busy streets of Dublin, where we were allowed to roam and shop in groups. I, personally, had been scouting fashion boutiques and did a little research before we came. Seeing as how we'd spent the first half of the day getting into Dublin, I was in need for some exploration and shopping. However, I pittied the boys we'd be grouped with. After a little over an hour of roaming, scattered with bits of hopping, we boarded the coach and, once again, headed to yet another hotel.
Mas
HUNTER - Today we repelled over a castle wall. Repelling was scary, but the view was worth it, and I encouraged others to do it. The view was magnificent and you could see Wales. The castle is actually not a castle, but a house.
ISAAC - Yesterday, we repelled down a castle tower that was not actually a castle. It is a mansion, I think. I'm sure everyone was at least a little nervous. When each persoon went up to the tower, we always cheered them on! I was a little nervous at first, but once I started to go down, it was AWESOME!
ERIN - The repelling down the wall was absolutely amazing! The weather was a little rainy, but when I finally got up the 80-some steps, I got a little nervous. When I finally got to the top of the tower, and they told me to start leaning back, then my legs got a little shaky. However, as soon as I got started walking down the wall, it was extremely fun!
SAM - Repelling down the castle was only scary at first. I went up the stairs of the tower thinking, "This will be easy. I'm going to fly straight down that wall." Then the persoon holding my rope said, "Lean back........."
BRAYDEN - Repelling down the castle wall was so scary but fun. The scariest part was when I had to lean back and tip toe down the wall. I wan't confident at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was really fun, and I enjoyed it. After that, we rushed to the ferry ride to Ireland. That was fun, too. They had arcades, good food, and I even saw a whale!
ISAAC - Yesterday, we repelled down a castle tower that was not actually a castle. It is a mansion, I think. I'm sure everyone was at least a little nervous. When each persoon went up to the tower, we always cheered them on! I was a little nervous at first, but once I started to go down, it was AWESOME!
ERIN - The repelling down the wall was absolutely amazing! The weather was a little rainy, but when I finally got up the 80-some steps, I got a little nervous. When I finally got to the top of the tower, and they told me to start leaning back, then my legs got a little shaky. However, as soon as I got started walking down the wall, it was extremely fun!
SAM - Repelling down the castle was only scary at first. I went up the stairs of the tower thinking, "This will be easy. I'm going to fly straight down that wall." Then the persoon holding my rope said, "Lean back........."
BRAYDEN - Repelling down the castle wall was so scary but fun. The scariest part was when I had to lean back and tip toe down the wall. I wan't confident at first, but once I got the hang of it, it was really fun, and I enjoyed it. After that, we rushed to the ferry ride to Ireland. That was fun, too. They had arcades, good food, and I even saw a whale!
The FULL ON Experience
Good Morning to yee. Keep in mind as you read these entries, that most delegates had never repelled before, but they took to it like ducks to water. Good thing, because the weather presented its own challenges. As one guide told me, "There's no such thing as bad weather - only inappropriate clothing choices."
BTW - My computer is acting up - AGAIN! I have entered this blog three times this morning, only to lose the information before I could complete it and send. I will probably have to send a few entries at a time. ARGH!
KENNEY - (*He was the first one over the wall!) Repelling off the wall of the castle was scary at first. It was the first part of repelling off the tower where you were standing on the ledge that scared everyone. Howeer, once you started going down the wall, it turned into a lot of fun. Unfortunately for some people, they were still scared. I thought the whole experience waas really cool. But my favorite part was at the top of the tower before you started repelling when you could look around and see out t the sea and to the mountains.
ISABELLE - When i went repelling down the wall it was so much fun. It was really scary at the top when you had to go over the ledge, but I wanted to do it really badly and go out of my comfort zone. I wish I could do it again, and the idea of the FULL ON Experience is really cool, and the cheering really helped me do go over the ledge and do it!
BTW - My computer is acting up - AGAIN! I have entered this blog three times this morning, only to lose the information before I could complete it and send. I will probably have to send a few entries at a time. ARGH!
KENNEY - (*He was the first one over the wall!) Repelling off the wall of the castle was scary at first. It was the first part of repelling off the tower where you were standing on the ledge that scared everyone. Howeer, once you started going down the wall, it turned into a lot of fun. Unfortunately for some people, they were still scared. I thought the whole experience waas really cool. But my favorite part was at the top of the tower before you started repelling when you could look around and see out t the sea and to the mountains.
ISABELLE - When i went repelling down the wall it was so much fun. It was really scary at the top when you had to go over the ledge, but I wanted to do it really badly and go out of my comfort zone. I wish I could do it again, and the idea of the FULL ON Experience is really cool, and the cheering really helped me do go over the ledge and do it!
Friday, June 29, 2012
Runo had something more to say.....
RUNO - Yesterday was such a long day. That morning we had a few problems with the bus; its tire popped out which means we had to change coach after coach, etc. (*Parents, it wasn't the tire - it was a hose issue.) Okay, the interesting part was when we went to some castle (*Warwick) and played many sorts of activities. My favorite was the sword play where we would act like we were in battle. It was fun, until one of those swords hit me in the you-know-what!
Ms. Mary here - Runo really wanted to write two entries, so he did!
Hopefully, internet will continue to be available during our stay on the Emerald Isle!
Ms. Mary here - Runo really wanted to write two entries, so he did!
Hopefully, internet will continue to be available during our stay on the Emerald Isle!
"R's" and and "A"
RACHEL WHITE (RAY RAY) - Yeesterday, at Full On, was amazing! When the instructor told us that we would be breaking boards, I panicked. I laughed so hard to stop from crying. When we got started, I just thought, "I CAN DO IT!" Many people were breaking boards on their first try, and I was like, "OK, I got this." Although on my first try, I messed up. I was so embarrassed, but I tried again and guess what?.......I broke it! The sting in my hand was definitely worth it! I just couldn't wait to rush home to show my mom and dad what a strong daughter they have raised. It was just an amazing and life-changing experience.
ROSE - Yesterday was one of the most scariest fun days ever! We were told at a Full On activity that they would pick a volunteer to break a board, and all I was thinking was, "Please don't pick me!"
But we soon found out that we would all be breaking boards. I was so nervous. But after 5 people, I went up and didn't break my arm! It was so fun!
ALASDAIR - The best part of yesterday was the castle and the tour that the lady gave us! The castle wasn't like super big, but still impressive. The view from there was spectacular! I wish my camera actually worked.....but I still used a camera, so, YAH! The weather really was in our favor so epicness all around!
RACHEL WALGENBACH - Yesterday we drove from London to WALES. We got to eat at an adorable restaurant, and go visit a castle. We checked in to the dorms of Bangor University. It was the first time we got to room alone, and it was awesome! Then we got to go to Full On, and they showed us that when we think, we can actually do it. We ended up breaking boards. It was really cool!
RUNO - Yesterday was quite a fun day. My friends and I spent only a day in Wales, where we went to some beautiful castle. My friends and I walked around the castle and met these outstanding birds, called peacocks. Okay, here comes the interesting facts about that day; we played some small activities where we would use our aplms to chop a piece of wood. It felt great having to test your emotions and using them for strength. After that, we spent the night in a university, which was pretty nice, though can't say that about the rooms.
ROSE - Yesterday was one of the most scariest fun days ever! We were told at a Full On activity that they would pick a volunteer to break a board, and all I was thinking was, "Please don't pick me!"
But we soon found out that we would all be breaking boards. I was so nervous. But after 5 people, I went up and didn't break my arm! It was so fun!
ALASDAIR - The best part of yesterday was the castle and the tour that the lady gave us! The castle wasn't like super big, but still impressive. The view from there was spectacular! I wish my camera actually worked.....but I still used a camera, so, YAH! The weather really was in our favor so epicness all around!
RACHEL WALGENBACH - Yesterday we drove from London to WALES. We got to eat at an adorable restaurant, and go visit a castle. We checked in to the dorms of Bangor University. It was the first time we got to room alone, and it was awesome! Then we got to go to Full On, and they showed us that when we think, we can actually do it. We ended up breaking boards. It was really cool!
RUNO - Yesterday was quite a fun day. My friends and I spent only a day in Wales, where we went to some beautiful castle. My friends and I walked around the castle and met these outstanding birds, called peacocks. Okay, here comes the interesting facts about that day; we played some small activities where we would use our aplms to chop a piece of wood. It felt great having to test your emotions and using them for strength. After that, we spent the night in a university, which was pretty nice, though can't say that about the rooms.
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