Today we had a really long bus ride to the Cliffs of Moher and eventually we met our host families in Dublin. At 8:30 a.m. we left the Dawson Hostel and took a two hour bus ride to the Cliffs of Moher. As we got off the bus we immediately were impressed by the height of the cliffs. Unfortunately there were many tourists but nevertheless it was a beautiful place. There they also had a small movie theater and you were able to watch a short film that told you a bit about the cliffs. In Shannonbridge, a place in the middle of Ireland, we visited an old monastery where we had a tour guide who explained the history of the buildings and cemeteries very detailed. Then we took a three hour bus ride to Dublin where we met our host families for the first time. For us the host family is perfect and we didn’t have any problems. They were very helpful and immediately showed us how to get to the train station so that we can get to school. Right when we arrived at the house we got something to eat and the family was really surprised by the gifts we brought for them.

All in all it was a long but exciting day. We really like our host family, they’re really nice and friendly and hope the other families are as well.

Lorenz, Felix and Simon

Landing in Ireland as two Austrians was really magical. We came into Dublin and took a bus ride afterwards, a very long but stunning bus ride through the nation to Galway. The green rolling fields and stone walls, and all the sheep, made the trip feel like a film.Some things never seemed quite right from the start. The cars are on the opposite side of the road, and we still glance the other way before we cross the street. It is something that you have to get used to.What we were most amazed at was how nice everyone is. Everyone wants to talk. Everyone on the street greets us and smiles. Store owners want to know where we are from and they share a lot about themselves. It’s as if all the Irish people like to talk and share. The conversations are loose and funny. We feel like we’re always included.Another difference is how slow and serene life is here. At home, if we have to wait ten minutes at the checkout because the cashier is chatting with the customer, people get frustrated. But here, no one is in a hurry. Everyone waits patiently and enjoys the moment. It is very refreshing.Galway is a great city. The houses are painted in bright colors, music is coming from the pubs, and the people have a very strong sense of community. They are proud of their culture, and they want to share it with everyone. There is something generous and creative in the air.We are only staying here for a short time, but already we feel at home. Ireland is a friendly country, and we are eager to learn more about it.

By Rocco and Sebastian

RamonG NikoS

On a recent school trip, a guy from my grade had a little travel drama—his suitcase didn’t show up at baggage claim. For several minutes, he just stood there while the rest of us collected our bags. Thankfully, his suitcase finally appeared, but it got all of us thinking: what if it hadn’t?Since then, I’ve learned a few simple tips. Always pack some basics in your carry-on: underwear, a clean T-shirt, travel-size toiletries, and your charger. That way, even if your suitcase is delayed or lost, you won’t be totally stuck.Also, make sure your suitcase has a label with your name, phone number, and email. Put a copy of your travel plans inside too—it helps the airline return your bag more quickly. One more tip: take a photo of your suitcase before the flight. If you need to describe it, that picture will help a lot more than saying, “It’s black.”It only took a few minutes of panic to remind us how easily things can go wrong when you travel. But a little preparation goes a long way! What would you do if your luggage wouldn’t arrive at the destination?