Happy 4th of July!

While there were no fireworks or sparklers, the Irish Life Experience had an exceptional 4th of July in Ireland! We were able to have a lie-in yesterday and catch up on much needed beauty sleep. It was glorious. A few students attended an Irish Mass at the local church and said it was very similar to a US service, except the Priest spoke much faster. After our relaxing morning, we were treated to a traditional Irish breakfast/brunch at Newtown Boarding School. Students sampled Irish pancakes, rashers, sausages, and even black pudding. A lot of them devoured the black pudding, so I didn't dare tell them what was in it;). Shhh! The morning was a little dreary with a few scattered showers. However, by the time we departed Newtown for Tramore-a popular seaside town in Co. Waterford-the clouds pushed away. We were graced with sunshine once again. It was perfect weather for a beach day. We got to Tramore and there were a few brave souls who decided to go swimming. Burrr! Maureen dunked her head in almost immediately and swam for a few minutes. What a thrill. Many just waded out into the blustery waves-feeling the cold temperature of the water was enough for them. Katie said she loved the sand run through her feet for the first time. Others walked along the beach, while a handful played a game of volleyball with the Staff. Shortly thereafter, a group decided to go on the amusement park rides. Between the Twister and the Whirly Twirly, there were plenty of screams and yelps from the Irish Life Experience. It was very exhilarating. We ended the rides with 99's-scrumptious ice-cream in Ireland. A lot of students relaxed on the beach soaking in Ireland. Before we knew it, we had to leave Tramore with quite a few sunburns in tow. We got back to Newtown Boarding School and an American barbeque awaited us. Hamburgers and french fries galore. Afterwards, Pete-Counselor Extraordinaire-arranged an activity for the students. Everyone participated in his Counselor Olympics, which included dizzy bat, egg and spoon, and wheelbarrow relays, along with a water balloon toss. The Yeats' group was successful and managed to pull out a win. The night concluded with an American movie and a pizza party- complete with candy, soda, and popcorn. A little taste of home away from home. Caitlyn said it was a perfect way to celebrate the 4th of July. The incredible Counselor, Siobhan, said, "there was plenty of red, white, and blue amidst the green, white, and orange yesterday. However, after the gorgeous weather, many students came back with even more red." We will have to remember sunscreen the next beautiful day at the beach. Looking back, Saturday was a typical class day. Students finished up learning about Joyce and did readings from Ulysses in Angie's literature class. Dan taught the students how to ask each other out on dates in Gaelic, which he said was highly entertaining. In Irish history, the students learned about Cromwell and plantations. From around 1200 to 1700. Taryn focused on genealogy with the students and how to trace their roots back to Ireland. They also learned about their families Coat of Arms, which Piper said she really enjoyed. In the last class of Irish American history, Dan spoke about the Scott's Irish and what they did in America. In the afternoon, students had the option of doing a St. Brigid's Cross Workshop and a Celtic Picture Frame Workshop. Brigid's crosses are associated with Brigid of Kildare, who is venerated as one of the patron saints of Ireland. The crosses are traditionally made on February 1st-on St. Brigid's Feast Day. This Feast coincides with the more ancient one of her pagan namesake, one of pagan Ireland's most important Goddesses, Brigid, who is associated with fire, healing and holy wells; it celebrates the earliest stirrings of Spring, and is called Imbolc. Many rituals are associated with the making of the crosses. It was traditionally believed that a Brigid's Cross protects the house from fire and evil. It is hung in many Irish and Irish-American kitchens for this purpose, so I'm sure a few students will bring their crosses home to hang up in their kitchens. Saturday was busy day and we ended the evening with a venture into town to check out a local festival, followed by a mandatory movie of Michael Collins. All is wonderful with the Irish Life Experience. The students are happy as clams and are doing well. The Staff adores them all. They are such a great bunch of kids! Families and friends, feel free to comment. Students are following along and would love to hear from you all.

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