Sad to be leaving Dublin but excited for our next adventures, today we bid a happy farewell to King’s Hospital. Our Dublin accommodations full of fun, discos and vending machines. Starting in Killarney, the students begin to experience what we fondly call “vacation” which means no more classes, slightly later wake-up times and a relaxed schedule.
To recap our last day in Dublin, the students were given a free day to explore the city at their own leisure. The only stipulations being, no pubs, drinking, or tattoos. The kids seem to have an amazing day of museums, shopping and lunch in the town. They met us back on the bus at 4:30 and we headed back to King’s Hospital for a barbecue dinner.
After dinner, the kids delighted us with their final drama presentations. The presentations were based off of an iconic historical figure in Ireland. One team did a spin off of the show, Drunk History, and they covered the life of Patrick Pearse. The second group to present their skit told the story of Eamon De Valera’s life by remastering an episode of the Office. The final group, who happened to be the winning presentation, told the story of Michael Collins. They portrayed his life story with a sock puppet play. They were all brilliant but we had to choose a winner, as a boat ride to meet fungi the Dolphin was on the line.
An early bedtime followed the presentations. We wanted to ensure that the kids were packed up and ready for our departure to Killarny in the morning.
To begin the next segment of our trip (and the days are going faster and faster), we stopped off at Blarney Castle. Goodness knows our kids don’t need the gift of gab as they are already appropriately blessed. But that didn’t stop some of them from trying to kiss the stone! We spent a good deal of our day exploring the grounds and gardens and paths of Blarney, then the Blarney Woolen Mills. The day was sunny and bright, perfect weather.
From Blarney we headed into Killarney. Before we stopped at the Gleneagle Apartments, grocery shopping was next on the agenda. There were four apartments for the kids and each apartment got €100 for food for the next few days. Students are now responsible for cooking or ordering themselves breakfast, lunch and dinner!
Before we knew it, we found ourselves at the apartment complex, the place we will call home for the next few days. The students are so excited for their newfound freedom and responsibilities. They are currently in the process of getting situated in their new apartments!
