Monday, July 28, 2008

By Lucia Weston and Claire Jenkins

Hello from Ireland!

Here we are in Waterford after a day of packing, driving, exploring and...kissing! Don't worry parents, it was just the old Blarney Stone.

After we left Cork we drove on the bus to the Blarney Castle where, despite the heavy rain, the choir explored the green lands and rocky ruins. We are all very proud of Erin who made it up and down the tiny winding staircase made of rock (on crutches)- the staircase by then slippery from the rain - to the very top of the castle. It was here that we lined up (very nervously) to lie on our back on the rock floor, lean out over the edge, and with our head upside down and eyes seeing the grass waaaayyy below us, kissed the Blarney Stone. The stone appeared to be not much different than any other stone along the wall, so many of us have questioned whether or not we did in fact kiss the correct stone. (If you think this blog is sounding good then perhaps we did kiss the correct stone, as it is supposed to give you the gift of eloquence.) Also, while at Blarney Castle, we explored the grounds which included the caves, dungeons, gardens and wishing steps. The Blarney lands not only have a rock which gives you eloquence, but their wishing steps are supposed to grant you your wish in a year if you go up and down them with your eyes closed while thinking of your wish. Hmmm....that would be nice!

Amidst the ancient ruins were also some newer gift shops where some of our choristers 'twacked' around. Then we headed to the buses, ate our lunches and drove all the way to Waterford. We love our rooms here! They are like mini-apartments with our own rooms and a little kitchen for every three of four people. After supper our room bought some groceries and we cooked up a meal for ourslves and a few of our neighbours. We even washed dishes! If only you could get us to cook and clean at home.

Well tomorrow we have our last two performances of Ann and Seamus, so now we better go forth with our 'gift of eloquence' and sleep. Good night.