On Sunday, 10th April 2016, our adventure started. We were all very excited, especially because for some of us this was the first flight. After two hours, we arrived in Dublin – we were a bit exhausted but happy. Our host families picked us up and we got to know them better during the welcome dinner.
The first day in Ireland started with school. Our teacher, Niamh, was really nice and we had much fun during her lessons, especially while playing the game “Mafia”. The first afternoon we went on a treasure hunt in St. Stephan’s Green Park and Grafton Street. Unfortunately, like real Irish people do, we had to walk through the pouring rain while solving our tasks. On the way back home we experienced the challenges of getting home on busses driving on the left.
On Tuesday afternoon we went to Trinity College. We were really fascinated by the giant library and the book of Kells, and some of our classmates tried to translate bits of it from Latin. It is true that our enthusiasm was kept within limits when our teachers took us to the Oscar Wild Park. However, we did enjoy it eventually. In the evening we attended a course on traditional Irish music and dancing, which was an amazing experience even though most of us struggled with the steps.
The next day we visited Butler’s Chocolate Factory, where we could see how this unique chocolate is produced. Moreover, we could try different types of sweets which are produced in this factory. At the end of the exhibition we got to decorate an elephant with lots of chocolate. The way home was a bit difficult for many of us because we were feeling sick because of all the chocolate.
The next day a guide took us on a music tour. At first we saw the street where U2 had filmed their music video for the song “Sweetest thing”. Furthermore, we went to the little pharmacy that appears in James Joyce’s Ulysses. The owners sang for us and we read a story of Dubliners with them. The last stop was the Wall of fame and a hotel which belongs to Bono (the lead singer of U2). Later that evening we took part in a Pub Quiz but we had to leave too soon because we were not old enough.
On Friday we visited Howth, which is a little village on the coast. Even though it rained the whole day, the view was worth it. In addition, we saw a cemetery with an old abbey. Later we ate Fish and Chips. For the evening program we visited a greyhound race. Some of us placed a bet but only one person actually won.
On our last day we went to Glendalough, which is an old monastic settlement. Our guide took us to a glacial lake and we could take an optional hiking trip up to the top of the mountain. The view from the mountain was incredible. We spent the last evening with our host families.
The next day, we took our flight home, but everyone wanted to stay longer. The people in Ireland were so nice, but we definitely won’t miss the weather.
At last, we want to thank everyone who made this week such an unforgettable experience. Especially we would like to thank Ms Nuss and Ms Martinek-Atatah, who joined us for the whole week. We will never forget this incredible time.
Katharina Riffelsberger, 6c
