1. St. Augustine's College
The day began with a stop at St. Augustine's College in Dungarvan. The faculty here were so generous and gave us the traditional Irish welcome! We were all treated to a cup of tea with scones and fruit. They explained to us how the school system works in Ireland while a few of the students had breakfast with us. No matter how long I live here, I will still always be amazed by the hospitality we have received!
2. Waterford Crystal Factory
Next was the crystal factory! We took a tour and learned how the glass is made there- from blowing to cutting to the finishing. It was so interesting! I even get to hold a fireman's helmet that is being made custom for Mariano Rivera! All of the glass made here is beautiful... it is giving me motivation to somehow get rich so I can actually afford it
3. Waterford Museum of Treasures
A short walk across the street is the Museum of Treasures. This museum focused on medieval Waterford and had many artifacts from that time period. My favorite part was going into an underground wine cellar that was built in 1440! They also had an exhibit which held vestments from medieval times.
4. Dunbrody Famine Ship
The Dunbroady Famine Ship is a recreated ship of one used during the famine in Ireland. We were able to walk on it to see what life would have been like sailing across the Atlantic. The ship was much smaller than I would have imagined, and the living conditions were awful It was extremely tight under the deck where the passengers would sleep and eat. There was also no bathrooms! I cannot even imagine the smell and disease that would have been in there. This tour was definitely an eye-opener.
Before we even got onto the boat, we were all given a "ticket" with a passengers name, I practically got chills when I saw that my surname was Rodgers, the same as my Grandpa! It was very strange!
5. Good Council College
The afternoon was spent at another College in New Ross. This school has very close ties with Mercyhurst because a lot of our international students attended. We were told we would be having dinner there, so I was expecting small sandwiches and a quick tour of the school. Instead, we walked into a cafeteria and we're served a three course meal! I was absolutely in shock at all the school did for us! In addition to the soup, chicken, and cake, they also gave each table two bottles of wine. The school went so out of their way for us and I am so appreciative of it!
We all had a very interesting experience, however, before we had our dinner. This is an all boys high school, so you can only imagine all the looks we got when 30 American girls stepped off a bus and walked across the campus! We were laughing so hard while these boys were standing up in classrooms to get a look and try and figure out who we were / why we were there!
6. John F. Kennedy Arboretum
The last stop of the day was the JFK Memorial in New Ross. This statue was set up in honor of JFK and to remember the speech he gave there only shortly before he was shot.
No comments:
Post a Comment