Carlingford

Last Monday we went to Carlingford.  We all had to be in Esso at 7 o'clock so I had to get up at half 5 so that I could get ready.  I left my house at 20 to 7 with my 2 bags that I had packed the night before.  We all got onto the bus and it left Celbridge at around quarter past 7.  It took about 2 hours before we reached Carlingford.  When we got off the bus we went to the Volleyball court and the instructors came out and talked to us about what we would be doing during our stay.  Then they organised us into rooms and gave us our keys.  I was in a room with 8 of my friends so i was really happy with that.  Then we were told we had to go back down to the volleyball court and from there they brought us down to the sea where we got changed into our wet suits and put on body protectors and helmets.  The instructor then brought us down to the water where we got into these rowing boats.  We slowly pushed the boats into the water and we began to paddle. Then we got thrown freezing water over our heads.  It was really fun and I enjoyed it.  We also got to jump on this trampoline which was in the middle of the water which was really fun.  Then when we got back to the center we had lunch.  The food was horrible.  Then we went back to our rooms for a bit and then we all met up again to do this kind of course which involved several challenges in which we all had to work as a team.  We all found it very frustrating and annoying and ended up fighting rather than bonding together.  Then we had dinner and then went back to our rooms for the evening.  Most of us went out into the village and walked around.  At around 7 o'clock we went on a really long walk up a hill and when we reached the top we all put on blindfolds and formed a line.  We had our left hand on the person in front of us and our right hand on a rope and we all had to walk in a line.  It was kind of boring but really funny at the same time.  When we took off our blindfolds it was dark and we started to head back to the center.  We then went and got a Chinese which was disgusting.  Then we went upstairs to where there was a disco on.  There was another school there who were really rude but it was still kind of fun.  Then we went back to our rooms.  We were all so tired after the long day so most of us went to sleep early enough.  The next morning they woke us up at 8 o'clock with this really annoying music over the intercom.  After we got up we got changed and then headed down to breakfast.  After we finished we went back to the rooms to pack our bags and fix the beds.  Then we all met up in the sports hall where we left our bags and then headed back down to the sea.  We got into our wet suits and carried canoes down to the water.  We all had our separate canoes which was really fun.  When we got to the other side we had to play these really boring and annoying games .  Most people were fed up and cold at this stage.  When it was over we went back to the center and had lunch.  Then we met up after for laser tag which was by far the funnest activity we did.  We were on 2 teams, red and blue.  I was on the blue team and we played about 5 games.  I was the first person out in the first game because I was terrible at using the gun.  But I got better as it went on.  We all had so much fun and in the end our team won!!  We all had a laugh and then went back to the center to collect our bags.  Before we headed over to our buses we all met in the volleyball court where we thanked our instructors and they asked us lots of questions about what we liked and what we didn't like about our stay.  On the way home everyone was so tired.  A few people went to sleep on the bus.  It was a long journey home but we all had an amazing time in Carlingford. 

Yesterday we got our junior cert results.  We all had to be in school for 11:50 and our results were given to us at 12.  We all stood in a line and the teachers handed each one of us a brown envelope.  We were all very nervous.  After we were given our results we all went outside.  Some opened theirs as soon as they got them, others opened theirs when they got home.  I opened mine at the school.  I was a bit disappointed with my results but there was nothing I could do.  So I went home and showed my parents my results.  They were both very proud of me.  I packed my bag and got ready for the night ahead.  I was very excited as we were going to Wrights in Swords.  I got my make-up done at Benefit and then we all went to Tesco at half 5 to get the bus.  Most people were happy with their results so everyone was excited to go out.  The bus was almost an hour late but it finally came and everyone rushed to get on.  We all had a great night and celebrated till very late.  We all had to be in school at 9 o'clock the next day so everyone was wrecked but it was well worth it!

My first week in Ty was very long.  At first I questioned whether I had made the right choice choosing transition year or not but as the week progressed I became quite happy with my choice. I really like my tutor because many of my friends are in my tutor with me. Our class name is Aurora.  In most of our classes we have started projects which I like because I find it easier working in a team rather than on my own.  We also have double p.e on Fridays which I think is great. We also have a double of music and art which I have never done before so I think this year is a good opportunity for me to develop other interests.
In many of our classes we are mixed with other tutors so I have been talking to lots of new people this week and I have made some new friends that I have never talked to before. I'm really nervous about work experience because I haven't yet organised a placement but I'm hoping to soon. I think this year will be very good for me and I'm looking forward to next week.