Sorry to have to use the above picture to start off this passage for Day 7, the last full day of the tour. Who would have expected a solar eclipse to swipe through Europe while we were travelling around the shadowed lands? We noticed its coming last night and the moon-shaped sun did show itself through the clouds while we were on the coach. We cheered and wowed as the eclipsed sun became comfortably visible through the layers of mist and clouds. I took this picture with a stray bird in view.
And so, the extraordinary day started. We went visiting Knocknacarra National School which is a popular primary school at Galway. As soon as we entered, lines of students had been waiting for us. We enjoyed a one-to-one guided tour and had a chance to join their Friday assembly. The children performed music, dance, and choral speaking. We particularly enjoyed their chiming of a passage on bananas, so much joy! I have seen our YWPS student ambassadors working, but never have I been served this way. I really felt warm and important. Our school has been doing a very right thing training ambassadors for our guests!
We dropped by the Galway City Council to chat with the Mayor before visiting a hotel and catering school. The business of the latter is directed by a Chinese and we were glad to see and speak to a few Chinese students there.
National University of Ireland Galway was the final school we visited. The strong sense of history and natural colours around the campus were not as impressive as the words from the speaker. He pointed out that Ireland welcomes people from different nations to study and work there - they give opportunities rather than setting barriers to overseas people, unlike some countries. This makes the beautiful country even more attractive.
What also impressed me was a random shopkeeper from one of the many gift shops in the city centre of Galway. We chatted and he pointed out that Irish people are curious and sociable, and he found Chinese people humourous and easy to get along. He had friends from Hong Kong too! I wish everybody in Hong Kong could have his wisdom, politeness, professionalism and patriotism.
Tomorrow is the end of the tour. The last update might come after my arrival, depending on whether my phone could get charged on the way. See you all really soon!
Dr H C Lee
Panel Chair
And so, the extraordinary day started. We went visiting Knocknacarra National School which is a popular primary school at Galway. As soon as we entered, lines of students had been waiting for us. We enjoyed a one-to-one guided tour and had a chance to join their Friday assembly. The children performed music, dance, and choral speaking. We particularly enjoyed their chiming of a passage on bananas, so much joy! I have seen our YWPS student ambassadors working, but never have I been served this way. I really felt warm and important. Our school has been doing a very right thing training ambassadors for our guests!
We dropped by the Galway City Council to chat with the Mayor before visiting a hotel and catering school. The business of the latter is directed by a Chinese and we were glad to see and speak to a few Chinese students there.
National University of Ireland Galway was the final school we visited. The strong sense of history and natural colours around the campus were not as impressive as the words from the speaker. He pointed out that Ireland welcomes people from different nations to study and work there - they give opportunities rather than setting barriers to overseas people, unlike some countries. This makes the beautiful country even more attractive.
What also impressed me was a random shopkeeper from one of the many gift shops in the city centre of Galway. We chatted and he pointed out that Irish people are curious and sociable, and he found Chinese people humourous and easy to get along. He had friends from Hong Kong too! I wish everybody in Hong Kong could have his wisdom, politeness, professionalism and patriotism.
Tomorrow is the end of the tour. The last update might come after my arrival, depending on whether my phone could get charged on the way. See you all really soon!
Dr H C Lee
Panel Chair
