One person who is very important on a tour is the tour guide. In our case, our tour guide was also our driver, David Spalline. As mentioned on the main page, David safely drove roads that were much narrower than we are accustomed to. One of the evenings found him driving the narrow roads in heavy rain, he got us to our destination safely.

Although a self-proclaimed shy person, he told interesting jokes and encouraged us to do so and he bravely led us in Irish songs, helping us to learn the chorus of a couple so we could more fully enjoy our pub experiences (not to mention show up the Tourists in Bus Two). As he navigated the highways and byways of Ireland, he pointed out interesting sights as we passed them and filled us in on the history of places.

Being from an entirely different upbringing, we Americans may never be able to fully understand the problem in Northern Ireland but David provided us with some insight in its past and the current situation.

The following is a poem written by "Mother Superior" on our tour. Perhaps someday someone can set it to music and it will become an Irish classic.

Thank you Dave

He always had his eyes peeled, looking out for our happiness	Our bus driver, nicely named Dave, Was a man who could hardly behave, He told many stories, About Ireland's glories, And a few that proved he was brave. He taught us to sing a good song, He asked us to sing right along, He gave us the lead -- Entertained us, indeed! Due to him we never went wrong. At times the traffic was daunting As along, in our bus, we were jaunting. He squeezed right on by In the wink of an eye And the music he played was quite haunting. At a party, Dave knows what to do As he raises a pint (maybe two). He gathers the jokes From some other blokes And he shares them as if they were new. So, let's lift a glass to our hero! (Who didn't just fiddle like Nero.) He's a man without equal. We all want a sequel! Here's a cheer! Our complaints are at zero!	And sometimes he is just amazed by our talents and comments.
	Cindy Kulega