According To Jon

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Introducing Jon M., a very bright and humourous young man, Jon is the sole male student with us on this trip. He is likely overdosing on estrogen. Poor boy. He is one of my favourite students ever. This is his account of today. Carolyn

A recurring theme in the Republic of Ireland seems to be rebellion. In this case it would be less in the traditional sense of negative connotation, and instead in an effort to assert freedom, independence, and sovereignty. To quote our "informed travel companion", Lewis, "the rebels of yesterday are the politicians of tomorrow". This theme would be no more appropriate than today, Easter Sunday, the 101st anniversary of the Easter Rising of 1916, a critical and bittersweet moment in the history of Ireland.

While back home kids are looking for chocolate, and people are sleeping in, Easter is a much more meaningful event for the Irish. Be it in St. Patrick's Cathedral, where a special service was being held within the architecturally beautiful walls, or the ceremonies held in the quieted yet crowded streets of Dublin that we attended. The mentioned ceremonies included the attendance of the President, Prime Minister, and Lord Mayor, among other important figures in the country.

Other highlights of the day included an early morning driving overview of some of most notable points in Dublin, and touring of the Museum of Ireland's Archeology location. The museum featured numerous exhibits ranging from Irish themed, to Viking, to even Egyptian. Trinity College, home of the Book of Kells, a nearly 1500 years old artifact, and a massive library of antique books was also noteworthy.

I'm disappointed to be leaving the Republic of Ireland, as I've already learned so much, dare I say more in a single day than I did in an entire semester of Grade 12. That said, I know many more intriguing moments and experiences of a lifetime are in store for us in the coming days and locations.

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Photos

Inside St. Patrick's Cathedral
Amazing. Imagine this with a children's choir in the background. Heavenly.

Following The Irish Museum of Archeology
Jon and girls ham it up after we took in the peet bog man and other treasure.

Park of Remembrance
Memoial park for those who lost their lives in the pursuit of an independent republic.

Aero Salute
4 planes flew over the ceremony today.