Today was a very special day for our girls here in Ireland. It was the first Saturday we all came together since arriving, and the excitement in the air was palpable. Everyone was eager to reunite, share their experiences, and hear about what the others had been up to. Each student had something to tell about the previous day — who they had met, what surprised them about their new home, and the things they had noticed about the customs of their Irish families. It was clear that the girls were beginning to settle in and feel more comfortable, and they were eager to share these early discoveries.
We began the day at the old Carrigallen school, a charming building with views over a peaceful lake. The school’s charm and peaceful surroundings made it the perfect place to start our learning journey. The girls had their first English lesson here, and although they started with a bit of shyness, it was a great opportunity for them to ease into their language classes. They completed a short language activity that will help the teacher understand their individual levels, so she can plan the upcoming lessons in a way that works best for each of them. These morning classes aren’t just about academics, though — they also provide the students with a chance to connect with one another, build a positive group dynamic, and start forming the bonds that will make this experience even more meaningful.
After the class, we enjoyed a lunch break together before hopping on the bus to Longford for an afternoon full of fun activities. Our first stop was laser-tag, where the girls divided into two teams — green and red — and faced off in a maze filled with obstacles, hidden corners, and surprises. It was an exciting and energetic way for them to work together as a team, overcome challenges, and have fun. The excitement was contagious, and by the end of the game, everyone was smiling and ready for the next activity.
Once the laser-tag match was over, the girls refuelled with a well-earned meal of chicken nuggets and fries, and they tried a sweet, traditional Irish drink called Ravena. This bright red drink definitely caught everyone’s attention and sparked some fun conversations.
To wrap up the day, we headed to the bowling lanes for a few rounds of bowling. The girls played in two lanes, cheering each other on and celebrating every strike and spare. The friendly competition was full of laughter, and in the end, Danna Alejandra and Kinga came out as the winners, both walking away with big smiles.
The bus ride back to Carrigallen was filled with stories and laughter as the girls shared their favourite moments from the day. It was clear that not only had they enjoyed a fun day, but they had also started to bond as a group and creating friendships. Days like today are more than just fun activities — they are an essential part of building a strong sense of community within the group, where everyone feels supported, valued, and appreciated. This was a wonderful way to kick off our Saturday excursions, and we are all looking forward to the exciting adventures that lie ahead in the coming weeks.
When we returned to Carrigallen, the Irish host families were already waiting for the girls, eager to welcome them back. One by one, they left to spend the rest of the Saturday with their families, all excited and looking forward to the Family Day on Sunday and the start of classes on Monday. You could feel the excitement in the air, and it was clear that the girls were looking forward not only to their weekend activities but also to all the new experiences that the next part of their stay in Ireland will bring.
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