Today we went with the host students by train to Titanic Belfast. This is where Titanic was built. Everyone enjoyed themselves and it was nice to have a day out with the host students. We then went to the city center and was able to do a lot of shopping. The shops here are vey nice!
Many of the students will definitely say that today was their favorite day so far. We met at the school and they sat in on house assembly. This school has houses just like Hogwarts! Then we took a small bus 2 hours away to Giant's Causeway which is amazing. It is a series of geometric basalt rocks that were once inside of a volcano. After the volcano became dormant, 60 million years of weathering has left just the rocks that were inside the lava column. And it is right on the shore! So amazing! Then we went to Carrick-a-rede rope bridge that is this super high bridge that takes you over to a small island that is still use for fishing. It is pretty intimidating to cross. We then had dinner as a group and everyone went back to their host families.
What a crazy busy day today. We met with the mayor of Bangor today. Then we went on a beach survey at Groomsport Beach when the tide was out. Then the students shadowed their host the rest of the day.
What an amazing day! We started off in the school and I finally was able to talk to all of the students and everyone was having a fantastic time so far! I still don't know all the details of what they did over the weekend but I am sure I will find out soon! We went on a business field trip to Tayto Castle, which is a very old castle that was converted into a potato chip factory 60 years ago. Very impressive. We at tons of crisps (chips) and the tour was fun and we got to wear some funny aprons and the boys had to wear face nets because of their facial hair. If only I could have taken pictures! We then went back to the school and shadowed the students for the last two blocks. I got to stay and help judge a house buns (cupcake) competition. I could not believe how amazing and creative those cupcakes were. Students were at their host families tonight. I had dinner with the Principal, Mr. Thompson and then went to see a primary school play that was amazing. Today was very busy and tomorrow will be even busier! Today is day 2 and Sunday of our Northern Ireland Trip. I have not heard anything from the students (which is good because they all have my contact info if they need it) which means they must be having a good time. I will see them tomorrow! I did hear that some were headed to Dublin for the day because their host families had arranged for the visit before we left. I can't wait to hear what they have been up to. Today my host family, took me all around Strangford Lough, through Castle Ward and across the ferry to Portaferry and back around to Belfast and Bangor. We went to the Belfast Market in the morning. I finished the evening by having dinner with the other Vice Principal of Glenlola Collegiate School and his family. The weather was fantastic today and the scenery is so beautiful, it is like we are in a movie. Castle Ward is a location where many scenes for Game of Thrones has been filmed. I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!
We have arrived in Northern Ireland! We had a couple hour delay leaving Norfolk heading to Newark due to not having a plane yet. We made it to Newark, everyone was scrambling to charge their phones and devices. We all got something to ate and we sat, slept and played Uno (even with the Costa Rica rules) while we waited and waited and waited for our flight that was also delayed and didn't end up leaving until after midnight (it was supposed to leave at 9:20pm). Mostly everyone slept on the flight and we had a smooth trip through the border and met our screaming with excitement host families. I haven't heard any complaints via email or text from students so everything must be fantastic! My host family has been fantastic and took me on a quick sight seeing trip through Belfast, where I took many videos from the passenger seat of the car. Some students will be visiting Belfast tomorrow or even visiting Dublin. I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!!!
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The GSWLA
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