Day 1 & 2: We're Here!!

We have arrived safely in Dublin, Ireland. The seven and a half hour flight gave us plenty of time to rest and talk. Some of us couldn't sleep with anticipation. We have a great itinerary for the next couple of days.

DAY 1 turned into DAY 2 quickly (ha!) while en route! Right after breakfast (in the middle of the ATL night, but 7AM in the Dublin morn), everyone was getting excited (or had passed out during Harry Potter). As we flew below the cloud line, we could see the lush green Irish countryside and then the outskirts of Dublin. Check out Lizzie's picture! How exciting to be landing for the first time here - first time for AYS, first time for almost every one of us.

Immigration took a while, but no worries. Our bus driver Robbie and Dublin city guide Gerry met us right outside Customs. After finding our bus and loading all the luggage, we started out on our first official tour of the City Centre. Our guide mentioned the Guinness Factory several times (!) with love. He told lots of good stories and sang many fun Irish songs to keep us awake for our long night's journey into day.
We visited Phoenix Park (yes, I mentioned the significance of this to the ATL), where we saw deer from afar and watched our Singers climb the hill, goof off, breathe the fresh air, and take several pictures of the Papal Cross.

We visited Trinity College - the alma mater of Tour Singer parent David C. and alum Karen R., btw - and saw the breathtaking Book of Kells and wonderful Long Room full of ancient books. After a lunch in one of the college's cafeterias, we headed to Kilmainham Gaol. We toured with a very good guide and sang Steal Away in the condemned room. After driving by St. Patrick's and Christ Church Cathedrals (can't wait to sing there tomorrow!) we checked into our hotel and willed ourselves to stay up until dinner. Our 3-course dinners include 3 options for each course, something for everyone. Time to crash in our rooms!