Safe and Sound!

Hello to all parents, family and friends! The New Jersey Youth Symphony did indeed arrive in Ireland safe and sound this morning. Though plans did not go exactly as planned…

We left the Symphony Building at approximately 4:00 pm on Tuesday, after a delay due to a coffee craving conductor, but we managed to miss most of the rush hour traffic and arrived in Philadelphia just after 6pm. I’m pretty sure we terrified the ticket clerks at the check in desks, or, at very least, the other passengers who arrived after us and faced quite an impressive line.

We all got through security and our bags checked without any problems, and only a few confused looks, but it’s not every day that an entire symphony orchestra comes through the Philly airport. Once we got through security we all grabbed some dinner. I had the pleasure of having dinner with the “cello girls” (Jane, Erica, Faith, Katie, Megan and Lara) and had some great conversations.



Unfortunately, wait to board was a bit longer than anticipated. But everyone seemed to smile through:











We didn’t actually get into the air until around 10:00pm, about an hour delayed. Most of us zonked out and slept at least some, if not most, of the way. The final descent, at 9:00 a.m. Ireland time (which was approximately 4 am Eastern Time) was astonishing – I’m sorry I had my camera stowed away in the overhead compartment and didn’t get any pictures to share. The green patchwork of the countryside, dotted with farm animals and hay bales, was always the Ireland I’ve seen in postcards and movies – but I didn’t think it existed in such perfect form.

Our passports were stamped, we collected our bags, all of which arrived and were unharmed. We were greeted by very enthusiastic bus drivers:




After loading the busses, we were on our way! We spent about 2 hours traveling through beautiful countryside from the airport to Cork proper, where we dropped off our bags and ate a full lunch.


We had a lot of time before we could check into the hotel, so we headed out again to see some sights. First to the Cork City Gaol (Jail). I was able to get a pretty shot of the countryside from the hill the jail sits on:




In the jail we heard some pretty horrific history and even got to try out some of the fun furniture!














Off again, then, to St. Fin Barre’s Cathedral, hear more history and take pictures of beautiful architecture.






We were finally able to return to our rooms at the Imperial Hotel at Cork. After being on the go for well over 24 hours and all in desire of a shower and fresh set of clothes, the accommodations seemed to be less than satisfactory.



(Sorry – just more fun with furniture at the jail… The actual accommodations are beautiful.)

I will be sure to put up some photos of the hotel soon, but no worries parents – the rooms are at very least furnished and heated. We had a quick shower then a very satifying dinner before heading out to explore the city a bit.

Even though it is just about 10:00 pm here, it is still very bright out. I suppose that’s one more thing added to the list of “things to get used to” including people driving on the opposite side of the road and the pervasive hospitality that is hard to find around NYC.

I will do my best to post pictures and fun stories each day, but I cannot be promised consistant internet access, so we'll take it as it comes. For the moment, I think I will head out to explore for a bit before heading to bed - we have another full day tomorrow!

Hooray for Ireland!