Last Pictures Uploaded

I was able to upload the last of my pictures to the Picasa site. This includes pictures from Edinburgh, the students pictures in groups of 2-3, as well as delegation shots. If anyone else wants to start a free Picasa site and upload their pictures, let me know and I'll add the link to the site. You can make it a public album (which means family and friends would not need to link to access the album) or you can make it restricted so only people with the link can view the album. Either way, send me the link if you would like it added to the blog. :)
On behalf of all the leaders, we all enjoyed spending time with your students and getting to know each of them. We know they will all do well in school and continue being the ambassador we saw while we were in the U.K. and Ireland!

Coming home...

Tomorrow we are getting up early to start our homeward travels. First we are traveling to the airport in Scotland, which is about an hour away. Then we fly from Scotland to Heathrow. From there our two delegations will say good bye and fly to their two coasts. We had a great time in the U.K. Our favorite countries were Scotland and Ireland. Our favorite activities were the ferry, gorge walking, and Warwick castle. We want to send a special thank you to all our family and friends who helped make the trip possible. Thanks for all your support, thoughts, and prayers.

We Saw Nessie!!!

Today we had a great day. First we went to a sheep farm and saw border collies hard at work. We learned about the commands and whistles herders use to direct the dogs. We got to help shear a sheep, feed lambs, and even hold some puppies!

Then we went to a folk park where we learned about schools and early homes in Scotland. Did you know it was legal to use the leather strap as punishments in Scottish schools until 1984? We saw a video about life in early Scottish farming townships before we left for lunch.

Lastly, we went Nessie hunting. We saw a video about evidence for and against the possibility of Nessie. Then we took a boat ride on the lake and carefully searched for Nessie. While we searched for Nessie, we enjoyed the beautiful sights around the lake. In our boat, a huge wave came pouring over the side of the boat and got some ambassadors wet...we are claiming it was Nessie (and not our boat driver). :)

Adventure Time

This morning we learned about kilts and Scottish weaponry. We learned how kilts are folded and worn. We also leaned about the history and uses of the weapons. Right now we are at an adventure park with rope courses, water slides, and tree top trails.

Tomorrow we are going to a farm (complete with sheep dog puppies) and then we are going to find Nessie. We should have WiFi access the rest of the trip so I can get the pictures loaded correctly.

Please remember to pick us up from the airport in a few days!! We will start emailing and sending in our meal requests in soon. I think I can speak for many students and leaders when I say no chicken, chips (fries) or peas for the next couple weeks. :-)

Farewell Ireland!

Today we are packing up to get on the ferry to travel to Scotland. We have all enjoyed our time here. Our Ireland driver, Mr. John, was a great addition to our delegation during our time here. At Scotland we are looking forward to many new adventures. I heard we will get to see sheep dog puppies, a farm, and an adventure park.

The time has gone by fast and its hard to believe that we will be coming home in 5 days. We have many souveniers and stories to share with all of you!! Please enjoy the new pictures on the Picasa site.

Now in Dublin

Today we traveled to Dublin. On the way we stopped at an old monastery and learned about their history. We had the opportunity to get some great shots in the valley. The hotel we are at let us use a conference room to hang out, check emails, play cards, and listen to music after dinner. We shoud get some pictures up soon from the last couple days.

We heard the weather has been warmer in some places in the U.S.A. so we are sending some cooler weather from Ireland to help you all out! :)

Take care!!!

Limerick Ireland

We are now connected again to free Wi-Fi! As I type, more pictures are being uploaded. We spent two nights at an Equestrian Centre. While we were there, we went to a local B&B and learned to bake soda bread. While at the B&B, the leaders were treated to tea and coffee but we told the students we had to clean stables. That can be our little secret! When we went back to the Equestrian Centre, we learned about horse riding and jumping and got to groom some of the horses.

Yesterday we took a boat ride on the Lakes of Killarney and then rode jaunty cars back down threw the Gap of Dunloe. I must say that Ms. Deitre is quite a rider! She rode a horse that followed the jaunty cars down through the gap. When we got back to the Equestrian Centre, we were treated to Ceili music and we were taught how to dance some Irish jig.

Today we spent time at Bunratty and learned about a castle and Victorian home in the area. Students got to spend time looking up their name history, explore the buildings in a traditional Irish village, and enjoy a traditional Irish meal.

The weather has been great! We have not had any rain which means we have been able to fully enjoy all of the outdoor activities. We love and miss you all!!