April 14

Today, the Grade 11's and other travelers left the Earl of Desmond Hotel at 8:30 AM. As we were driving, we passed through some small, but interesting villages. Before too long, we took a bathroom break at a little store that sold coffee with Bailey's cream (for the adults) and some good hot chocolate. 

Down the road, a surprise awaited us. Infront of a beautiful scenery, were Daisy the dog sitting ontop of Betsy the donkey. Their owner was making St. Brigids cross. We saw a side of Braedan that we may never see again.

Ofcourse while we were traveling, we spotted some extremely small and fluffy little lambs.

Stopped for a photoshoot of the Dingle Pennisula that we could see across the water.

A happy surprise! We "met" Charlie Chaplain.

We saw the two Skellig Islands jutting out from the ocean.

Our stomachs started rumbling, so we stopped at Molls Gap for lunch. There, we ate the most amazing food ever and Sarah and Kaitlyn had the most scrumptious cheesecake in the universe.

Jill scared us by making us think Jimmy had run over a Leprechaun.

As we were traveling down the mountain, we were stopped by a "Garda," (Police man) who told us about a fire that was started on-purpose. Everything was fine, and we continued on our adventure.

We arrived in Killarney around 2:30PM.

During the 2 hours, Jayde, Kamryn, Kaitlyn, and Jolissa went for a Carriage ride around the park while the others did some great shopping.

Our group arrived back at the hotel around 5PM and we had supper at 7PM.

We spent the rest of our evening relaxing.

April 13

Dingle Peninsula! Made famous by David Lean's movie, "Ryan's Daughter".  Absolutely breathtaking!

April 11 and 12

Sight seeing in Ireland…

Knock Shrine is one of the world's leading places of pilgrimage where the Virgin Mary appeared to 15 people on August 21, 1879. We had an opportunity to see the gable of the church where the apparition occurred.

Some one got a little nap time on the bus ride!

April 10

Breakfast today started at 7am sharp. Most of us got down at 7:30am. For breakfast, there was a big buffet set out and you could pick what you wanted. 

At 9 we boarded our bus and drove down the the Dublin Castle for a tour. 

After that, we were on our way to Trinity College when we stopped for ice cream. It was the most delicious ice cream I have ever had. 

When we got to Trinity College, we explored the book of kells and the long room. After that we had free time until 4:45.

During our free time, some of us walked the streets of Dublin and encountered a band group called Cezar playing along the street. They were so cute we took a picture with them and all got a copy of their CD.

Supper was at 5 pm, at a restaurant called Nancy Hands. The food was very good and we got back to our hotel at around 7pm. It was free time after that. 

April 9

So, today a couple of us decided to go for a run at 5 in the morning. The people who originally wanted to come did not. The 2 of us who did go, walked down the stairs to find all the lights shut off and the doors locked. So we tried opening them and we were scared an alarm would go off but we ended up opening it and it locked behind us, and we were locked outside in the cold for 2 hours. We walked back to try and open the door again, it's still locked. So we just sat in the foyer until Ben saved us.  Thank you Ben!

@ 8:30 ish we boarded this really awesome bus, it was so comfortable! 2 hours later we ended up in Lyon, France at the airport where we would be flying Aer Lingus out to Ireland!! 🍀 

PS... The security in France is like full on military. Guns, camouflage, the whole bit. It was pretty new to see.

Upon arriving at the airport, Sr. Mary was encountered by some dude that said we have to wait another 2 hours before we could even get our luggage checked. 

Another 1 hour delay and we are finally on board the aircraft to Ireland. 

We got to the Dublin airport and we were greeted by the Trafalgar tour guide, Jill and the chauffeur, Jimmy.  

A half hour bus ride later and we arrived at our hotel. 

Everyone got settled into their rooms and went back down for supper at 8pm. Showers and bedtime followed. 

April 8

Today we spent the day in Bourg. We sifted through the market wares of the winding city center streets. The girls made some purchases of the bargain priced clothing and then sampled some of the fresh strawberries and flaky pastries. In the meantime Mr.Sander was already enjoying the traditional purchases of shrimp and radishes.

After having lunch with the sisters at the house Sr.Mary gave us a tour of the building and grounds. We ended up at the chapel where we were extremely priveledged to view the bones of Marie Rivier encased in a container under the altar.

We then made our way to the ruins of the Roman bath house and Mr.Sander gave us some information about the bas relief of the god Mithra.

Before it was time to go we were treated to ice cream and a pop. Then onto the bus we went to drive back to Vivier. But along the way we made a lengthy stop to explore a recent excavation of a Roman settlement. The students were allowed to actually walk among the ruins. It was a great way to end a beautiful sunny day in France.

Bourg

April 7:

Our 7th day in France was blessed with beautiful sunny weather. After breakfast we hopped on a bus and headed for Montpezat, in Mother Rivier country.  The roads here are narrow, windy and eratic. The tunnels, bridges and endless traffic circles, turn abouts, keep you on the edge of your seats and knuckles white. However, we have been blessed with very skillful drivers. Thankfully, the view is spectacular. There is a seemingly endless number. Of castles, churches and quaint towns that adorn the mountain sides. Reminders of the past Roman presence is everywhere.

At our first stop, Montpezat, we visited places where Mother Rivier was born and raised; the roads she walked; the mountains she climbed and he places she prayed at as a child. These places would come to be reflected in the rest of her life.

In Thuyets we explored the first house Mother Rivier established. Several Sisters live there and a small elementary school is still run on the grounds. It was a very intimate experience to walk in the footsteps of our dear Mother Rivier and to see first hand some of the difficulties she faced and the love she handled everything with.

On our way back to Vivier we stopped at some Roman ruins. It was a city that had been buried for 1500 years. It was found when removing an old vineyard. It was very interesting, however, I think the geckos got more of our attention than the old foundations!!

From all of us here we hope this post finds you all in good health and spirits. We send our love and good wishes to all on the moon.