This morning we were treated to a wonderful history lesson and tour of the ancient city of Waterford thanks to Erica’s teacher Jack Burchaell. 
By having members of our group take the part of several significant historical figures, he helped us all to remember the history of the area, and therefore to help us understand the basis for much of the conflict that has occurred in Ireland’s history. Then we walked for about an hour during which Jack pointed out various buildings and their historical significance. We learned about the leading architect of Waterford John Roberts,
the Georgian Architect who designed both the Catholic and 
Anglican Cathedrals along with numerous other buildings in the town. 
He lived well into his 80’s, and had 1 wife and 22 children. Jack described him as an OSIP. 
We then made our way to the Waterford Crystal Factory were we were given a very complete tour of the factory, and demonstrations on the
blowing,
cutting and engraving of the many pieces of fine crystal. We learned of the exacting standards that are kept by the factory, and the pressure the crafts people are under to create quality pieces of Crystal. Along with the various ‘normal’ pieces of crystal, we were also shown many of their special pieces
including trophies for various sporting events like tennis and golf. 
These trophies can sell for up to $40,000. We also learned that the factory is in some financial difficulty so that some of the craftsmen that have worked at the factory for over 25 years may loose these jobs within the next few months.
We then got into the bus and drove all the way to Blarney—about an hour and a half drive through
beautiful countryside. Arriving at Blarney we each decided on how to spend our next two and a half hours. Some made their way directly to the Blarney Castle, 
while others chose to have lunch before braving the 120 steps up the Blarney Castle towers to the Blarney stone. 
Still others went from lunch directly to the Blarney Mills Store—where as one person commented—”I kissed my credit card goodbye”.
We should expect a greater degree of eloquence from Ann, Carolyn, Kay, Olga P, Lenore, Harry,
Harry and Barb. Others, including Sumi made the trek but decided the boost to eloquence was not required. 
At about 3 we headed out for our next stop—Killarney. The sun was shining brightly, and the temperature a balmy 18 degrees, so Erica decided not to test fate and arranged for our Jaunting Car ride. With between 6 to 7 people per car,
we made our way through the Killarney National Park 
to the Roth Castle. 
The Jaunting cars 
took us to our new home for the next three nights. We are just on the outskirts of Killarney, and look forward to the next few day exploring this beautiful part of Ireland.
By having members of our group take the part of several significant historical figures, he helped us all to remember the history of the area, and therefore to help us understand the basis for much of the conflict that has occurred in Ireland’s history. Then we walked for about an hour during which Jack pointed out various buildings and their historical significance. We learned about the leading architect of Waterford John Roberts,
the Georgian Architect who designed both the Catholic and 
Anglican Cathedrals along with numerous other buildings in the town. 
He lived well into his 80’s, and had 1 wife and 22 children. Jack described him as an OSIP. 
We then made our way to the Waterford Crystal Factory were we were given a very complete tour of the factory, and demonstrations on the
blowing,
cutting and engraving of the many pieces of fine crystal. We learned of the exacting standards that are kept by the factory, and the pressure the crafts people are under to create quality pieces of Crystal. Along with the various ‘normal’ pieces of crystal, we were also shown many of their special pieces
including trophies for various sporting events like tennis and golf. 
These trophies can sell for up to $40,000. We also learned that the factory is in some financial difficulty so that some of the craftsmen that have worked at the factory for over 25 years may loose these jobs within the next few months.We then got into the bus and drove all the way to Blarney—about an hour and a half drive through
beautiful countryside. Arriving at Blarney we each decided on how to spend our next two and a half hours. Some made their way directly to the Blarney Castle, 
while others chose to have lunch before braving the 120 steps up the Blarney Castle towers to the Blarney stone. 
Still others went from lunch directly to the Blarney Mills Store—where as one person commented—”I kissed my credit card goodbye”.We should expect a greater degree of eloquence from Ann, Carolyn, Kay, Olga P, Lenore, Harry,
Harry and Barb. Others, including Sumi made the trek but decided the boost to eloquence was not required. 
At about 3 we headed out for our next stop—Killarney. The sun was shining brightly, and the temperature a balmy 18 degrees, so Erica decided not to test fate and arranged for our Jaunting Car ride. With between 6 to 7 people per car,
we made our way through the Killarney National Park 
to the Roth Castle. 
The Jaunting cars 
took us to our new home for the next three nights. We are just on the outskirts of Killarney, and look forward to the next few day exploring this beautiful part of Ireland.
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