Once we finished our breakfast we were off to take a jaunty ride (or horse and cart ) through the National Park in Killarney. John our driver and Thomas the horse took us through the gorgeous views of the 24,000 acre park where we saw mountains, beautiful landscape and Ross Castle which is also on the grounds
Our next stop was a visit with the people at the bus company. The busses are very similar
to our busses back home and we will be riding in style come next march. Everything is opposite on the bus. Driver on right at the bottom, Rob on the left.....for those of you on Bus 1!
Back in the car and we were headed to Limerick to meet with the Deputy Mayor and parade committee. We were greeted with a small recpetion of tea and scones and a a committee that just couldn't be more gracious and excited for us to attend next year. Once our meeting ended we walked to the parade route to see what awaits us next March.
Our next stop was Athlone and the Sheraton Hotel where we will be staying at the end of our tour. A very modern hotel with all the amenties... this hotel is sure to be a favouite. We settled in and headed for dinner, but our day was not done... one more meeting. Our host David took us to meet the local directors of the Ravens Drum Corp who the band will be marching with in the Athlone parade as well as performing with us. The parade will end a a little place called Seans Bar which is housed in a building the dates back to 900 A.D. We happened to meet one of the Bass Drummers Shannon. She was beside herself with excitement that we will be joining her band in a joint performance and that our drumline is bigger than her entire band.
I can't begin to tell you how excited everyone here is for the band to come to Ireland. Everyday is a new experience full of culture, beautiful scenery no matter what the weather and welcoming hosts.
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