Who are they:The Stoy family arrived in Ireland yesterday for a two-week holiday. During their visit, they will share their impressions of the country with 'Irish Times' readers.
Where are they from:The family are originally, from Germany, where Maria and Guido got married in 1993. They have lived in Switzerland since 1996, and for more than 10 years have lived in Malters, a village close to Lucerne. In 2000/2001, they spent a year in Orlando, Florida.
Where are they going:The family plan to visit Dublin and Cork followed by rural west Cork, then Galway and its surroundings.
ENYA (16)
Who am I:I am a student at the Kantonsschule Reussbühl (high school) and will study there for two more years. I like to play the piano and sing. I hope to hear some Irish music during our holiday. I also love to travel, draw and sometimes paint. I watch all kinds of movies. What makes them good is mostly who I'm watching them with. During school time, I mostly just read the books we have to read for school. But aside from that, my favourite writer is Lynn Austin.
What I expect from Ireland:I expect Ireland to be cold and rainy, but very green. I've also often heard that people here are very kind and friendly. I hope I can catch some of that Irish accent in my English, because I've heard it before and I just love it.
GUIDO (50)
Who am I:Currently I work as an IT manager for a health- insurance company in Lucerne, but after the holidays I will change job and become head of IT at a production company near Berne, the capital of Switzerland. My hobbies are travelling, reading and photography. I hope I can pursue those hobbies on our holidays in Ireland.
What I expect from Ireland:I expect to see a lot of the nature and culture of Ireland. I am also interested in learning about the history of the country. Irish people have a reputation for being open and friendly. I hope to hear some live Irish music. And after so many years of driving on the wrong side of the road, I look forward to having the opportunity to drive on the right (that is, left) side.
BEA (13)
Who am I:I just finished seventh grade in secondary school and have two more years to go. I now have to think about what profession I want to choose after school because I have to apply for an apprenticeship in the next year. I love to play the flute and sing, and also listen to pop music. I like to watch romantic movies and read a lot.
What I expect from Ireland:Currently, I'm reading a serial novel called Eanna, which is partly set in Ireland. I expect to see a lot of green nature in Ireland.
ANDREJ (17)
Who am I:I have one more year left at high school and will have my final exams next summer. Afterwards, I plan to do my military service (10 months). After this I think I will go to a technical university to study engineering. My favourite movie is The Lord of the Rings. I like all kinds of music and play bass guitar in a band. I also love playing football and computer games.
What I expect from Ireland: I expect a beautiful, rainy landscape in Ireland. I would also like to try a Guinness.
MARIA (44)
Who am I:I work part time as a psychologist in a home for women with psychological disorders or addictions and their children. I like music, reading, swimming, cycling and meeting with friends and family. I am also active in our church, where I play the keyboard in the worship band. My favourite book is the Bible.
When I find time (especially during holidays) I love reading novels set in other centuries or countries. The last novel I read told the story of a young woman who lived in Ireland during the Famine in the 19th century and emigrated to the US.
What I expect from Ireland:After I finished school I spent a year in London and got to see a lot of England and Scotland, but unfortunately I never made it to Ireland. I've always wanted to come here and finally I convinced my family to join me.
I am looking forward to seeing the beautiful countryside and also meeting and getting to know the Irish people, who are supposed to be very friendly. I like Irish folk music and hope to get a chance to listen to some live music while we are in Ireland.
