Happy 4th of July!

Hello from Waterford and Happy 4th of July from the ILE! The students woke up bright and early for breakfast and to start their first day of classes. A few of them have discovered the delicious Irish brown bread and tea, which will most likely become a staple in their daily diets. They all seem a bit more awake today and recovered from their jet leg, after getting a good night's sleep. They had an introduction to Gaelic, Irish American History, Irish History, and Literature with their Irish teachers this morning and a detailed orientation about what to expect on campus in Waterford and throughout the trip. After lunch, the students were free to wander around and explore Waterford City on their own for a few hours. A few went to check their e-mail at an internet cafe, shop, take pictures and enjoy a local music festival. The students returned home for a special 4th of July BBQ. They were serenaded by Counselor Pete on his guitar, while chatting and eating American flag cookies from Jamie's mom. Thank you Melissa! Dinner was followed by Drama and Dance. In Drama, they were broken into groups of important Irish literary figures and assigned to write limericks about them. In Dance, they learned the Seige of Ennis. Kendall, their Irish dance teacher was very impressed, as they learned their 3's and 7's very quickly, while Irish dancers, Cailin, Eileen, Grace, and Kelsey demonstrated their amazing dancing talents to the rest of the group. The evening activities included ultimate frisbee with Conor being the MVP and winning the game for his team, a movie, and some comfort American food-Domino's pizza, Coke, and chocolate. Even though there were no fireworks, the celebration was good and everyone was happy. Off to bed now to get some sleep before our first tour of the program tomorrow-the Waterford Crystal Store and the seaside town of Tramore. If the weather permits, the brave at heart might go swimming in the frigid water. More tomorrow...

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