First Day of School . . . . . Almost

Theo got all handsomed up this morning, but Scoil Chaitriona closed as soon as we arrived. No heat!! This doesn’t seem to be an issue in any of the other 542 under-heated buildings we’ve visited, so there must be an ordinance affecting schools. He got to meet his new teacher, Ms. Naughton, and it was love at first sight. Theo looks pretty snazzy in his uniform, including tie and Irish wool jumper.

Sam starts ‘second year’ on Tuesday at Colaiste Einde (St. Enda’s College). Most of his classmates will be a little older – the 13 to 14 crowd. No worries, though. His new buddy, Michael O’Connell, is going to be his shepherd this first week. Courses will be from the 'beggars can't be choosers' menu. Since Spanish class was full, Sam will be taking advanced Irish and second-year French during two of his nine periods. He's heard of both languages, and so figures it won't be a huge challenge. With Spanish at home, he’ll be marginal in four languages by June!

Sue braved the wee roads (sraid beag) of Ireland today, only bouncing off the curb once. In short order, she’ll be torching corners and tailgating dangerously just like she does at home. Paul, meanwhile, has found his driving mojo, and has gotten considerably more comfortable in the Chevy (nee Daewoo) Kallos (Callus? More like bunyon). Both drivers now know that Bono was singing of Galway in U2’s 1987 hit, “Where the Streets Have No Names.”

We spent time at Salthill strand today. It was calm, sunny and about 50 degrees. Theo and Sam collected shells and enjoyed the sea side before we headed home to play catch with what the locals think is a hurling ball.