Phew, what a day we had today!!!
Before I forget, please visit the photo gallery on the website to see pictures from our trip:
https://sites.google.com/a/saugus.k12.ma.us/lavoietravel/photo-gallery
Today started at 9am. We boarded our coach (Irish slang for Bus) and headed off to the Ring of Kerry. The plan was to be on the road for most of the day and to stop at some photogenic spots. We left Killarney and headed south. As we gradually inclined, we came to a rest stop for pictures. It was unreal. Straight out of a movie. As we all posed for pictures, and the wind whipped through our hair, we noticed some kayakers preparing to tackle some of the white water below. [The river did not even compare to the ones in Maine, but, hey...you gotta do what you gotta do] Right before we left, a horse approached the fence. A couple of students posed for pictures and Annalise found out that Irish horses have a hankering for scarves. A brief struggle ensued, but Annalise got her scarf back. When I asked the horse for a comment, he replied, "Neigh."
Our next stop was the Bog Village. This was a really cool spot along the highway. It showcased the typical dwelling of an Irish country farmer from around 1800 through the potato famine. The folks in these houses would use peat harvested from the nearby bogs to help build their homes and as a replacement for non-existent firewood. The aroma of the burning peat was pleasant to some of us, but turned others away. I couldn't help but notice how eerily similar their blacksmith house was to something we might see at the Iron Works. There were musicians and animals galore at the village. Irish Wolfhounds, Ponies, and goats lived in pens and were very willing to pose for some pictures.
After the Bog Village, and a few more photo-ops, we arrived at the Thatch Restaurant. It was a nice little place that accommodates tourist groups. Many of us ordered the Shepard's Pie and found it to be delicious. We were unsure if it was made of beef or lamb, but regardless, it was tasty. Others ordered a cheese sandwich!!! How very Irish of you; Ms. Topham, lol.
Shortly after lunch we entered Waterville. This is a really nice coastal city. We pulled over for a bit and walked along the Atlantic Ocean. Some peered over the horizon looking for a glimpse of home, but alas, it was too far. There was also a statue of Charlie Chaplin on the beach, Apparently, the silent film star loved visiting Waterville and so they honor him still today. Speaking of honoring people, we also drove by the birthplace of Daniel O'Connor. His efforts led to suffrage rights for Irish Catholics but his house has fallen into disrepair.
After climbing back up a mountain, we came to another rest stop and photo-op. There was an ice cream van there, but we graciously passed on frozen treats so we wouldn't spill anything inside our coach. We did, however, come across a old Irish man with three unique pets: a baby deer, a lamb, and a puppy. Some of our kids played frisbee with another dog, but the younglings were the hit of the day. Don't worry...everybody used Purell afterwards.
We began our trip back to Killarney, but we also passed some famine houses. These were the old stone structures of farmers' homes from 1845-1851. The houses were mostly falling apart or overgrown, but it gave us a sense of how tough life was. We were shocked to hear that over 1 million Irish died in the famine while another million fled to the US and other nations. We were appalled to hear how Queen Victoria dealth with the issue as well.
Upon returning to the Glena Hotel, we were treated with a beef dinner. The highlight, however, was the ice cream. It's a good thing we passed on the ice cream earlier, otherwise it might have spoiled the dessert. For our evening activity, Chris took most of us to a place called McSorelys. It says it was a nightclub, but there were two septuagenarians playing traditional Irish music. After a while, some of our travelers began singing and playing instruments. It really felt like we owned that place. What made it most special for me was when the gentlemen started playing Sweet Caroline. Our whole group formed as one and belted out those tunes. We've got a video and I will try to find a way to upload it when our wifi situation improves.
We'll, it's off to the Blarney Stone and Dublin tomorrow. It is 1am here and it seems like the kids are all asleep. I can hear an occasional car drive by, but not much else...even when I did my last room check it was all quiet on the Killarney front.
Honestly, I count myself lucky...the kids have been punctual and respectful to all they meet. They have listened to Chris' historic discussions and to the directions of their chaperons. I am constantly reminded of the good things we've got going for us because of their actions and attitudes. For any parents reading this blog...Thank you for raising wonderful kids. It is making this trip so enjoyable.
Mr. Lavoie currently in the hotel lobby finishing the blog post and hoping to remember where the hotel employee said the light switch was so I can turn them off when I am done...Good Night, all.
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