Day 6 - Chester and Lake District - U.K.

Well today was just another day in paradise! We woke up a little earlier than usual; about 15 minutes past five in the morns. The “California Girls” (as our tour director, Paul, likes to call us) were out to the coach for a small ride to the Dublin Port. From there we all boarded the Irish Ferry, which took us from Ireland to Northern Wales, while sailing across the Irish Sea. While we were on the boat for a good three hours, many of us spent the time soaking up some sleep lost from the previous night. . . including the teachers and chaperones. As we neared the shore of North Wales, many awoke to explore on the top deck and were dumbfounded by the incredible views of the foreign lands. We had officially entered the United Kingdom.
Today was one of the warmest and clearest days we have had yet. Aside from the day that we traveled through the streets of Dublin, this day was one of the first that the sun gave us a visit. It was relatively warm, as a cool breeze followed us about.
After we got off the boat, we met our new coach driver, who took us through the country side of Wales. As we got further and further, we neared a small town that was surrounded by the walls of the Conwy Castle. This town was once part of the empire ruled by Edward I. We explored through the little town for lunch and walked along the shores of the Irish Sea before we entered the Conwy Castle itself. As we toured through, all were amazed at the intricate architecture and the many high towers that looked over the seas, forests, and Sedona Mountains of the UK. After an unforgettable trip through Wales, our bus headed into a small English town called Stockport. We soon discovered our quaint hotel and made ourselves at home. Many of us enjoyed the pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, steam room, and the gym. After a full day of excitement we were all tired and went in to get ready for another day in England. - Emily Greenwood ‘10



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We awoke on Day 6 at the ridiculous hour of 5:15. We grudgingly rolled ourselves out of bed and started to pack away our belongings, getting ready for the leave to Wales. Leaving our amazing Dublin apartment was sad but underneath lay the excitement for what would be in store next on our European journey. A short ride took us to a port where we were to ferry off to the unknown territory (at least to us) of Wales. As we waited to board we tiredly munched through our bagged breakfast, which wasn’t the most tasteful snack but of course, better than nothing.
Once inside the ship we settled ourselves on the several cushiony benches. Promptly then almost everyone in the tour including teachers and chaperones fell one by one asleep. Unusually peppy at the early hour I challenged my sleepy friends to different card games. An hour later, seeing their glazed over stares I knew I had to let them catch some shut eye.
Wondering the boat I found myself on the top deck gazing out over the large span of Irish Sea. I watched the bright blue water splash and stared out at the clear sky (yes, it was a beautifully clear and sunny day). Pretty soon, land started to line the horizon and we wound our way back into the hull of the ship to grab our things and head out.
From there we drove through beautiful vast countryside of Wales. As usual, everything was incredibly green and quaint little homes dotted the hills as we made our way to the city of Conwy. Here the houses and buildings looked older and more rustic then we’d seen so far. Bordering the city itself was a tall stone wall. Once we caught sight of the large castle cameras started flashing. Before we toured through it though we were let loose to wonder the small city. Shops were tucked into old stone buildings and the cobblestone streets coiled themselves throughout the mass of old architecture.
The castle itself was incredibly breathtaking. It stood perched at the top of a hill where it overlooked the bay and the surrounding mountains. Bright pink flowers curled from cracks and fat pigeons crouched in little nooks within the walls. It was preserved extremely well and narrow steps wound their way to the tops of tall turrets. Sometimes inside tiny rooms led off these steps and you could find rooms like the King’s personal chapel and bed chamber. Even here you could distinguish the intricate details of the design built so long ago. From the towers, you could see the inside the castle and the remnants of walls and rooms. The view was indescribable and absolutely amazing.
I was reluctant to leave but having climbed hundreds of steps in one day I was relieved to sit down and sleep on the bus on the way to the hotel. Today was one of the best days yet and I will remember it for the rest of my life.
- Jennifer Eneriz ‘10