Hello from Limerick, Ireland where the sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and everything is beautiful. We had a slightly eventful trip here. We boarded the bus at Kickapoo yesterday and pulled out at 9:30 am. Arriving at the Kansas City airport for our 3:30 flight to Philadelphia we had plenty of time to check in, go through security, and have a bite to eat. That's when it got interesting. Our flight was delayed until 5:00 due to weather in Philadelphia. Considering we originally only had a 90 minute lay over, we were sweating if we were going to make it on time. Our flight was to land at 9:14 at Concourse C and our Dublin flight was scheduled to leave at 9:05 from Concourse A. We must have had some strong vibes, prayers and hopes going out, they held our plane for us and took us right across the hall from our new boarding gate. That was a little too close for comfort.
We arrived in Dublin 30 minutes later than scheduled (about 9:00 am Thursday morning, which was 3:00 am Springfield time), got through customs, and baggage claim. I'm happy to report ALL bags, and people, were accounted for! We boarded our charter bus and off to Limerick we went.
Stopping for lunch, we ate at the Barack Obama Rest Stop just outside of Limerick. It was named after him after he stopped there in 2011 and Michelle has ancestors from a small town near by. Burgers, subs, pizza, nothing to "Irish" about the food this time around.
Off to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. This castle was constructed in the 1400's and we were able to explore everything from the dungeon to the roof top winding our way through tiny little staircases and doorways. Everyone had a good time finding new pathways throughout the castle. We spent a little time wandering about looking at the old buildings, servants quarters, farmhouse, and more for a short time before heading onward.
We have checked into our dorm rooms where we will stay for the next several nights. Each person has their own room and attached bathroom and a common's area for the 6 rooms per apartment.
Tonight we went to a concert by "The Real Group", an acapella group from Sweden. Singing everything from old Swedish folk songs to George Michael, they entertained us with their music and personalities.
From there we went to another location on campus for a BBQ dinner. Hamburgers, chicken, ribs, sausage and plenty of sides to keep us stuffed for days were served. Sitting outside listening to the Irish trio accompanied by an Irish dancer was great entertainment while we ate and some even got in on some singing and dancing when they were done.
It has been a huge couple of days and we are all exhausted. I'm sure everyone will fall into bed tonight with a grateful heart and memories that have already been made. We are so lucky to get to experience this and I am so fortunate to be able to also go with this group each time they travel and get to know your kids even more.
For now, good night from Limerick. More tomorrow.
Just an FYI, The Kickapoo Choir performs tomorrow night at the Gala concert. I will try to stream live for the concert on Facebook live on The Kickapoo High School Choir homepage. The concert begins at 8:15 (2:15 am Springfield time). We think we are the second to last choir to perform so I will try to go live when they begin. Stay tuned....
Kristin Cornelius
We arrived in Dublin 30 minutes later than scheduled (about 9:00 am Thursday morning, which was 3:00 am Springfield time), got through customs, and baggage claim. I'm happy to report ALL bags, and people, were accounted for! We boarded our charter bus and off to Limerick we went.
Stopping for lunch, we ate at the Barack Obama Rest Stop just outside of Limerick. It was named after him after he stopped there in 2011 and Michelle has ancestors from a small town near by. Burgers, subs, pizza, nothing to "Irish" about the food this time around.
Off to Bunratty Castle and Folk Park. This castle was constructed in the 1400's and we were able to explore everything from the dungeon to the roof top winding our way through tiny little staircases and doorways. Everyone had a good time finding new pathways throughout the castle. We spent a little time wandering about looking at the old buildings, servants quarters, farmhouse, and more for a short time before heading onward.
We have checked into our dorm rooms where we will stay for the next several nights. Each person has their own room and attached bathroom and a common's area for the 6 rooms per apartment.
Tonight we went to a concert by "The Real Group", an acapella group from Sweden. Singing everything from old Swedish folk songs to George Michael, they entertained us with their music and personalities.
From there we went to another location on campus for a BBQ dinner. Hamburgers, chicken, ribs, sausage and plenty of sides to keep us stuffed for days were served. Sitting outside listening to the Irish trio accompanied by an Irish dancer was great entertainment while we ate and some even got in on some singing and dancing when they were done.
It has been a huge couple of days and we are all exhausted. I'm sure everyone will fall into bed tonight with a grateful heart and memories that have already been made. We are so lucky to get to experience this and I am so fortunate to be able to also go with this group each time they travel and get to know your kids even more.
For now, good night from Limerick. More tomorrow.
Just an FYI, The Kickapoo Choir performs tomorrow night at the Gala concert. I will try to stream live for the concert on Facebook live on The Kickapoo High School Choir homepage. The concert begins at 8:15 (2:15 am Springfield time). We think we are the second to last choir to perform so I will try to go live when they begin. Stay tuned....
Kristin Cornelius
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