Hello Again from Dublin!
I had mixed emotions coming into my final full week here in Ireland. I am sad that my time in this amazing country is coming to an end, but I am full of an excited feeling about graduating and return to my life that I left behind.
Rathdown School had several surprises in store for me this week. The KG students in our school (ages 3, 4, and 5) were going on their winter trip to the Gaiety Theater in Dublin City Center, and I was asked to help chaperone. I was honored to go, but I had no idea what to expect. The Gaiety Theater was much how I would imagine Broadway to look, with elaboarate decorations and crystal chandeliers. We went to see The much-loved traditional pantomime Jack and the Beanstalk. The show was full of singing and dancing, with a full orchestra performing the music. However, there was nothing 'traditional' about the show. A man dressed in drag was one of the main chatacters, and frequently the performers broke out in songs and dances such as 'Single Ladies' by Beyonce, or 'Party in the U.S.A.' After loading the children back onto the bus, I decided to stay in Dublin for the afternoon. I walked to Pheonix Park, where the Dublin Zoo is located, as well as the President's home. I then made my way to St. Patrick's Cathedril to attend a traditional Choral Evensong. There was only a hand full of people attending the service, so I was invited to sit in the choir chambers behind the choir. I turned around to check out the elaboarate chair I was seated in, when I noticed that my family crest was above me. I just happened to sit in the chair of one of the origional founders of the church, who was also a Cunningham. There was something wonderful and moving about being in a cathedral listening to a boy#s chior sing psalms. The next day I was invited by the school to go Ice Skating with the upper grades. Much to my suprise, I was actually good at skating, and believe it or not, I didn't fall a single time. I left feeling very blessed to have been placed in such a wonderful school.
My host mom and the principal of my school arranged for myself and the other students from ASU to go to the world famous Johnny Fox's, the 'highest pub in Ireland ,' which is located in the beautiful Wicklow Mountains. This traditional Irish pub doesn't look like much from the outside - or the inside (with sawdust floors), but was the most amazing experience. We were served a 3 course meal, followed by an amazing show. A four piece band played traditional music and sang songs about Molly Malone, Dublin Summers, and Galway Girls. My favorite part came next with the traditional Irish dancing. One of the men on stage was also a dancer for the world famous Riverdance.
As the week is coming to a close, I have planned to go to Northern Ireland for my final trip. Myself and three other girls from the states will travel into Belfast where we will take a Paddywagon tour to the Giant's Causeway and Derry.
Slan!
Grace