Monday again!

A considerably better one than last week! Although I had managed to remember all the unimportant things for school, I seemed to have forgotten all the slightly more important ones - like the book I planned to use in Literacy this morning! (Luckily I had some extracts on my laptop - phew!) It's been a day of improvising and adapting!

I've felt quite excited today because I have booked myself a weekend away in Cuenca. I'm looking forward to exploring and spending some time by myself. Also the photographic opportunities look awesome!

I came home from school quite quickly today so that I could speak to Mum and Dad, who have been on holiday for the last two weeks. Normally, if I'd been in Norfolk, it wouldn't have bothered me that they were away. However I really have felt them not being there and I think they felt the same. It was so lovely to catch up and to see them over the webcam.

At the moment I should be marking books that have been sitting around my house for the past week. I hate marking, where are the marking fairies when you need them?

Lumbisi

Yesterday I went to a small town called Lumbisi, about ten minutes away from where I live. Lumbisi is quite a fascinating place because it has it's own government and laws. The reason for my visit was to help plant some trees in an ecological park that the community are developing. I got picked up by Nicki, Tom and Yvette (who had organised the volunteers from school) and we headed for the town square in Lumbisi, where we would be meeting everyone else. As soon as we stepped out of the car, both Nicki and I grabbed our cameras and started taking pictures.

I felt like I was in real Ecuador. This may seem like a strange thing to say because obviously I'm living in Euador, but the area I live in is very modern, so you could really be anywhere in the world. (Well, maybe not Norfolk, what with the view of the mountains and everything!)

Lumbisi Ecological Park is an area of about 600 hectares. The local community have been working to improve it for a couple of years now so that it can be enjoyed by many people. It was a really beautiful area - apart from the large amounts of rubbish that people have dumped.



One of our tasks was to pick up as much of the plastic as possible. We also planted trees in front of the dumping area so that people wouldn't be able to just back their vehicles in. Quite a few of the kids from Secondary came and helped which was really cool (Yvette is form teacher to a lot of them). It was interesting to see who got stuck in and who enjoyed messing around. I soon discovered that I wasn't much cop with a pickaxe, but I did make a few holes. I took photos, collected rubbish, cleared areas of ground and put trees in holes! I certainly didn't do as much as some of the others, but it was a really good experience to do something that does make a difference. In teaching we hope to make a difference to the children we teach and their families, by planting trees you know, without doubt, it is making a difference.

Reasons to be cheerful...

1. My new camera lens has arrived! (Oh how I've missed taking pictures.)
2. I've discovered Canastrato cheese - made with sheep's milk (although it will always be castrated cheese for me, as that is what Kay told me to help me remember the name).
3. The local health food type shop sells tofu!
4. I went out for sushi last night and it was yum!
5. Tomorrow I'm going to help plant trees in a local ecological park.
6. It's Friday!
   

Okay, so I know it should be 1, 2, 3, but I found more than 3!

It's been quite a week at school for quite a lot of people, not just me. There are politics of a different kind to the ones I'm used to! This morning we had an emergency staff meeting because the director of the school is actually at The British Embassy, indefinitely! There is an issue with a family who haven't paid their fees and are very influential. I can't really say very much but lets just say, 'We're living in interesting times!'

Moving Forwards

There have been times in the past week when I have struggled. Those of you who know me well enough will know why, I don't feel I need to go in to the details. However in the past 24 hours I have felt like I am now able to move forwards again. I'm starting to plan adventures, some people are saying that I should go with other people but my instinct tells me I need some time alone. I have a long weekend coming up in a few weeks time and I think I'm going to get an internal flight to a town called Cuenca. It is apparently very beautiful and full of culture. I hope my new camera lens arrives by then!

The people I work with have shown me a lot of support during this difficult time. I told one colleague today (an Ecuadorian colleague), that I have had a hard few days but I'm coming out the other side; that I am missing the people that I love. She told me that there are already many people here who love me. It was wonderful. I have been here for six weeks and already people love me.

Manic Monday

I'm having one of those days when you feel like banging your head against a brick wall. In fact I did during my maths lesson. The kids didn't have a clue about what I was trying to teach them. Then I decided to show them the most wonderful film 'The man who planted trees', but because it was through the internet it kept stopping and starting. I gave up and got them to read - silently!

I'm looking forward to the end of the day.

Mango Mojitos!

Last night I had a revelation...an alcoholic drink that I really enjoyed. Jim and Amber introduced me to the concept of Mango Mojitos.

A few of us went up to Quito again last night. Having gone out last weekend, I was damn sure I didn't want to stay in last night. Me , Alex and Sarah met Jim and Amber in the Mariscal for a few drinks and then went on to a club.

The name of the club escapes me at the moment, but I know it meant 'The Sting' in English. My brain seems to be slightly foggy this morning! The second tune to start playing was 'Clandestino' by Manu Chao. Most excellent! We had a really good giggle jumping around and dancing to a real mix of music. Unfortunately some of the local blokes thought it was rather nice to dance by us too. One took a particular shine to Amber and was dancing right up behind her. Thanks to the wise words of Haggis, I knew the phrase 'No tocca,' said bloke did look quite shocked when I stated this, but then left her alone.

At some point during the evening, I noticed the distinct lack of good looking men. When I mentioned this to Jim he laughed his head off. Y'know it's not that I'm really interested but it'd be nice to have some eye candy!

Found out more about Jim and Amber's story last night. They actually only spent two nights together in March, before Amber moved here at the end of August. I really think it's amazing. They are a great couple, although both have a tendency towards jealousy, I hope they both get a handle on that! I'm so glad to have met them, they're great!

It is funny talking to Jim, we were talking about being kids, playing at Nun's Bridges in Thetford last night. I have decided he's my little brother, how amusing to come to Ecuador and find a little brother from Bury!

Got home about 2.00am, saw my sis Caro online and found it very hilarious to say, 'Good Morning, I'm now off to bed!'

Anyway think that's enough brain work for a while, may need to go and lie down again!

'Chubby & his bids for freedom!'

Chubby is our class pet; he is a rather large and mostly lazy hamster! However in the first week of term, Chubby managed to escape from his cage, causing the kids and me large amounts of worry until we rediscovered him hiding beside the filing cabinet.

Over this week the kids have been pestering me to put Chubby into the ball type thing that was bought for him on Monday (by one of the boys - Esteban). Most of the time I have declined, knowing how much distraction Chubby can cause.

However today is Friday and I thought I'd give in today (all helps with the cool teacher image!). We placed Chubby in his ball and all laughed as he wandered about the classroom bumping in to things (in rather the same way as I laughed at Justin this morning when he walked into a post. Actually there are quite a few similarities between the two, now I come to think about it!).

Suddenly he was making a break for the open door...a large orange ball containing a hamster in a bid for freedom. We were quite surprised to see how quickly he can actually move, as in true hamster like fashion he usually sleeps and eats during the day. In absolute hysterics we rushed out of the door to see where he would go, disrupting the secondary Spanish class as we went. Chubby would have been away - an orange ball heading into the distance...except he started to nibble the grass. I told him he had been very naughty and that he had to go back to class.

Maria (the lovely Spanish teacher net door) was most impressed as Chubby seemed to listen and turned around.

We think Chubby has now developed a taste for freedom...we will be watching him like a hawk and I will report back at some point on the further adventures of 'Chubby the Hamster'.

Moments of stupidity

Thinking and worrying too much. Always been guilty of that. Being tired, a bit down and sad, thinking things that actually there is no need to worry about.

These times are harder here because I can feel so disconnected from everybody at home. You can't just pop round or pick up the phone to say how you're really feeling. I really miss my girlie friends, having a good ol chinwag and pouring out my heart. The girlies here are lovely and I can do that with them, but it's different with friends who've known you for a long time.

Yesterday I 'put on a brave face' to protect others from my feelings - how stupid is that! At the end of the day the people who love me will accept me however I'm feeling. Then spent the next 24 hours worrying unnecessarily.

Sometimes it's easier to protect others than yourself. However I need to remember to look after myself and say what I'm really thinking. I'm not very good at being selfish, but do need to think about number one a bit more! Being honest with yourself by being honest with others.

After the late night of yesterday, I decided to give myself an easy day at school today. Mostly the kids have been working on a WWII display. I did literacy and numeracy, but didn't generate any marking. The kids also experienced maths in a variety of different accents - seemed to go down well.

After school I treated myself to a new dress, pain au chocolat and hot chocolate. Nothing like a bit of retail therapy and chocolate to cheer a girl up!

Last few minutes...

Of my birthday.

Can highly recommend 'The Ballad of Lee Cotton', which I've just finished reading.

Really ought to head back to bed shortly; alarm will be going off in six hours time!

Always been more of a night person, but not really a good idea when you get picked up for work at 7am!

Oh well should make for an amusing day tomorrow.

Right thoughts...get back in to your filing cabinets, I need to sleep.

Damn!

Didn't want to get emotional on the conversation I'd been looking forward to all day. Inevitably it happened. It's a nightmare because I don't want to make things harder or more difficult for anyone else. Don't want to put any pressure on anyone. Don't want my emotions to be a burden to anyone else. But want things to be said, hope for things to be said. Wanting and hoping that certain things might happen.

Damn! Damn! Damn!

I'm not gonna stop hoping. I'm not gonna give up on my positivity. It's not going to stop me from doing things here. I'd just like to be able to share them in more than words and thoughts.

Birthday adventures

I've spent this weekend in Quito, which has been great! It's given me an opportunity to explore, go dancing and get to know Sarah better.

We headed into Quito yesterday afternoon, after meeting locally for lunch. It felt great to be actually going out, knowing that we were staying the night in Quito. We jumped on the bus and got to Quito just before 3pm.

After a coffee, we went to drop our bags off at the 'Magic Bean'. We then went exploring around the Mariscal. The Mariscal is in the newer part of Quito and is where a lot of the bars and restaurants are. Sarah and I were chuffed to rediscover our way back to the artesania market that we visited in the first week. Some new jewellery was purchased and we ambled back to our 'home' for the night for a cuppa and relax before going out.

We were due to meet people at 7pm, at a restaurant called Latitud (about 1 min from where we were staying). It was nice wondering who would come (I put a notice up at school during the week to invite everybody!). The girlies (Alex, Claire & Jeanne) turned up quite quickly, followed by Jim & Amber, Justin & Chrissy and later on Andy, then Barbara.

Latitud was suggested because it is an 'all you can eat and drink restaurant' (for $16 a head). However if you're vegetarian, lactose intolerant and don't drink a lot, it isn't really the best option! It was a good place to meet though and great for people watching. Also the company was great and we had a lot of fun.

About 10ish, we moved on to a salsa bar. This was actually what I really wanted to do for my birthday, go out dancing. The place had a great vibe, great music and lots of dancing. We got a free shot with our entrance fee, so I thought I ought to give it a go. It was truly disgusting - like very nasty cough medicine! Having had this and a couple of lagers earlier, I decided to stick to water for the rest of the night!

One of the lovely things about last night, was talking more to Jim & Amber. These two really took a leap of faith. Having only met at Easter and spending a little under two weeks together, they decided they wanted to be together and Amber (and her little girl Bella) moved to Ecuador a few weeks ago. I really like them a lot. It was lovely talking to Jim, who gave me the biggest hug, told me that he's a really good judge of character and that he really likes me. It's weird coz I feel like I've known Jim for ages, I told him that and he agreed that it felt like that too. Hurray for new friends!

Later on, Tom, Nicki, Sadie, Leo (and some of his friends) joined us too.

I danced pretty constantly for about 2 hours, sometimes on my own, with the guys & gals I was with and did accept a few dances with some other guys in the bar. (However these were strictly at arms length!)

There was one old guy in the bar who was really sleazy, kept watching us and danced with some of the other girlies. It made me think, 'God I'm glad I don't drink'. There was absolutely no way I was gonna dance with him. A girl has standards!

All in all it was a great night and we got back to the magic bean at about half 12ish. Sarah passed out pretty quickly, but unfortunately due to noise outside, a crap bed and a bad back, I didn't get to sleep till 4ish! Then guess what...yup you got it, my early morning internal alarm kicked in just before 7am.

Today has been interesting and a bit weird. We got a taxi into the old town and it made both of us feel quite strange. Can't put my finger on it really, because it was far more beautiful than the new town, yet there was a kind of oppressive feeling. We talked about it and decided that it was maybe because we both expected to feel an affinity with the place and didn't really. Also we were swindled by the taxi driver who took us the long way round and charged us $10. This was another time when not knowing very much Spanish really was a problem. We didn't have a clue what he was saying to us and because we didn't know much about the old town didn't really know where he was taking us. Maybe another time the place will feel different, but today it wasn't right.

We headed back to the mariscal. En route we went past a park where there were lots of paintings on show. We decided to stop and go for a wander. This made both of us feel a lot better. Needed a fix of trees I think! Some of the paintings were really beautiful; I am really loving seeing the artwork here.

Another taxi ride took us back to Plaza Foch for lunch. We decided to sit in a restaurant upstairs (ok have to admit, we were amused by the paintings of naked men on the sign for the restaurant, the fact that it was above street level was an added bonus!). We were served by a man dressed as a monk - strange but true!

After lunch we went for a manicure. Having never actually had a manicure before, I found this quite a strange experience and to be honest I'm not sure if I'd bother to repeat it. I was particularly concerned when the girl started to cut off my cuticles - they've been there a long time and I was quite attached to them! I decided that I really am a low maintenance kinda gal in this respect. I had a French manicure and within about a minute of leaving the shop, I'd already wrecked one finger. Within 5 minutes only about 4 fingers still looked respectable! Ah well never mind!

Got home just before 4pm. All in all a great adventure and one that will get repeated. I certainly need to go out and dance more often, or even just go out. I am not a staying in all weekend kinda person!

I've felt strange since getting home, writing this has helped though. I think the older you get, the stranger birthdays become. I was chuffed that I had pressies from Caro to open - thanks Caro, they're lovely, enjoying some chai at the mo! But this is the first time I've been away from the UK on my birthday. It's now 5.10pm and I feel a little lost and lonely. Get these feelings periodically. It's the moments when you realise how much you miss the people you love and how far away they are.

Based on a true story

There's something natural in the way you touch me,
it's a feeling that I can't describe,
something mystic in that soul connection,
something magic in your misty eyes.

(Lyrics by Fat Freddy's Drop)

Rainbow in the clouds

I don't think I'm ever going to get tired of the views from my window. I sat watching the play of light and shade this afternoon. It's beautiful, the clouds and the sun hide and reveal different things each day. Today I spotted this beautiful rainbow in the clouds.

I've felt really positive and happy today, much to the disgust of one of the secondary teachers who suggested that there might be a procedure to deal with it! Luckily I sussed this guy's humour very soon after meeting him and so I just laughed!

I'm over the moon that I now have internet access at home, it will make it so much easier to keep in touch with all the people that I love. It happened today, even though many people were pessimistic and said, 'Don't build your hopes up!' I decided to stay positive, and lo and behold, here I am able to write my blog at home on the day they told me it would happen.

Also this evening I had a salsa lesson, which I thoroughly enjoyed! I have missed dancing so much! It was at Nicki and Tom's house and was given by their friend Leo (who is married to one of Nicki's school friends!). He also happens to teach Spanish, so I'm going to organise lessons with him. They brought a few friends along so that we would have partners. Unfortunately the first guy I danced with didn't really have a clue. Of the four guys there, only two were really good dancers (one of these was obviously Leo). It was great, some of the moves were the same as things I did back in the UK. I have to say, 'Thanks Dad, for teaching me to jive!'

So I'm sitting on my sofa, it's just after 10pm (nearly time for bed) and I really do feel happy. Other people are getting bogged down by things, but I'm not, I'm staying positive and seeing the good in people. I am glad that I have made this move to Ecuador and really feel that there is only one thing that is missing from this new life, and that's the guy who I really wanted to be dancing with tonight.

Ways to amuse myself...

Or, antidotes to school!

1. Playing the 'where has my maid hidden things' game.
2. Dancing on my roof terrace, listening to my ipod.
3. Planning and thinking about places to visit.

Sunday Sauntering

Today I went walking with Claire, Ben, Roy and Kay. We walked along the cyclo via (cycle track), which has been created along the tracks where trains used to run. It was great to see more of the countryside – huge swallowtail butterflies, fruit trees, crops, cows (standing in the middle of the path!). We walked for about 9km to a place called Rio Chiche, where there is a rather good restaurant in a beautiful location!

Whilst waiting for lunch, I learnt a little more about the Ecuadorian way of doing things:

• Food arrives when a dish is ready, not when all the meals for the table have been prepared.
• Therefore some people have finished whilst the rest are still waiting to eat!
• You can’t guarantee that you will get what you order – we eventually found out that they didn’t have the ingredients for the salad that I wanted.
• Remember to check the ingredients of dishes – they might not always be what you expect. My putanesca pasta had ham in it – but by the time it arrived I was too hungry to care.

After eating we were asked to give our table up for some other people. We decided to sit outside whilst we waited for our bill. Here it was clear to see that the logistics of this restaurant meant that the staff stayed very fit! There is the ‘proper’ restaurant, and the pizza restaurant (where we ate), however both serve the same menu, so the waiters and waitresses were constantly running between the two depending on what had been ordered! (Strangely it reminded me a little of Fawlty Towers!)

We had thought we would get a taxi back, but it became apparent that this wasn’t going to be possible. Roy had already decided to walk home the way we came, but we decided to walk out of the canyon where the restaurant was and head to the nearest main road to find a taxi from there. I think we probably walked another 2-3km, before finding our lift home. So a good day, I’ve seen more of the countryside and I’ve also got quite a lot of work done. Feeling pretty prepared for the week ahead. Also knowing that after all that walking I should sleep well tonight!

Saturday night blues…

It’s 9pm Saturday night and I’m at home. I’m feeling bored. I know I have things that I could do, like play my guitar, write lesson plans, watch a film on my laptop, but none of them seem to appeal. I want to be chatting with friends really. I’m tired because I was awake by half past 6, but it’s Saturday night and I want to do something.

I shouldn’t really complain because I have had a great day really. Tom and Nicki gave me a lift to school for the ‘Welcome Back Picnic’. However, before going into school I went to Sarah’s to give her a birthday pressie and to have a cuppa. (Sarah lives about 2 minutes away from school, which is very useful, especially for cups of tea after school!) I really like Sarah and was really glad that she liked the pressie I got her.

Once we got to school, I said hello to a few people and then went and hid in my classroom to skype Pete. It is so lovely to be able to talk to him and see him too. He made me laugh a lot!

Outside the sun was shining and I rediscovered Sarah. We chatted with different people – staff, some children and parents. I felt I did particularly well because I didn’t actually see any of my parents, just a couple of kids!

I had a real urge to go to Quito today, but no-one else was up for it and I wanted to spend the day with Sarah. We went back to hers at about 2ish, with Alex and Jeanne, drank tea and coffee and had lots of teaching talk. I know we need to do this, I know I’m learning things from the others, and I know I’ve got things relatively easy with my class…BUT IT’S SATURDAY!!!! I think I may have to enforce a ban.

Eventually we decided to go to Cumbaya to get some food. I suggested La Esquina. When we got in the car, Alex asked if anyone else wanted to drive. I can’t remember my exact reply, but it went along the lines of, ‘Hell yes!’

It felt so good to drive, I’ve never driven on the other side of the road, but once you get used to changing gear with your right hand it’s fine! I’ve missed driving. I know if I did have a car I’d just go and explore some more. I live off the road that leads to San Juan, I’ve no idea what or where San Juan is, but if I had a car, I’d go and find out. But I also know that I can’t afford a car, they are so expensive to buy here, although the running costs are very cheap.

We had a fantastic meal, Claire joined us too. We laughed a lot, ate good food, etc, etc. Poor Jeanne has been quite shocked by some of our conversations today, which have included tampons and toilet habits. She certainly wasn’t impressed by our suggestion that the waiter went home with her!

I got a few groceries on the way home, got back here just after 8pm. Feels weird coming back and being on my own on a Saturday night.

I may well go out with Claire, Ben, Roy and Kay for a 10km walk tomorrow, ending at a restaurant for lunch. I’ll probably go mad if I stay in. They’ll find me rocking in a corner, staring out of the windows. Even if I don’t do that I definitely have to walk round here some more.

I am determined to go out next Saturday night. Sarah and I have talked about spending the night somewhere in Quito, so we can really make a night of it and explore the next day. That’s what I want to do. I might even book somewhere on Monday. I really want to have a good weekend because it’ll feel really strange not being anywhere near Pete, my family or my friends on my birthday.

Hmm, coming up for another birthday, it makes me think back to the previous two and how my life has changed in this last two years. Definitely for the better, I wouldn’t be here otherwise; wouldn’t have met Pete or realised how much I am really capable of. But it hasn’t been an easy journey, not all of the time. Parts of it have hurt like hell, and some parts still do.

So here I am, feeling a bit sad, a bit lonely and a bit lost. Raking through memories – not the best way to spend a Saturday night.

Running on four hours sleep and coffee...

But it doesn't matter because it's Friday and anything is possible on a Friday!

Hurray it's the end of the day, just my desk to tidy and then I'm out of here! I've had a great week, but I'm definitely ready for the weekend! I'm not quite sure what it'll bring. Well apart from the school picnic tomorrow organised by the PTA, and the planning I need to do for next week. Hopefully it will bring some adventures too!

I've just had a Spanish lesson with Rosa, who cleans my class! She wrote things on the board and I used my dictionary to find out what she meant - muy bien!

Weary Wednesday

I am so tired...I always am on a Wednesday but today it seems worse than normal! I must go to bed earlier!

I'm having a great time with the kids in my class though. I'm really enjoying getting to know them. I was really chuffed yesterday when the lad in my class who really is far too cool for school, said that my cheeky monkey is really cool! To explain, the 'cheeky monkey' was giving to me as a leaving present from one of the little girls at Winfarthing, who I called a cheeky monkey. He is now hanging from the data projector in my class and whenever one of the kids does something a little bit cheeky, I squeeze his tummy and he makes a kind of howler monkey sound!

I know that I have the kids respect, the girls are really happy and the boys are too, I think, but they're still not quite ready to admit it yet!

As with any school, there are frustrations. I'm still waiting for my class computers to be set up, but hopefully that will happen tomorrow. I've also realised today that I don't get quite as much holiday as I thought. I know I shouldn't complain, I'm well aware that the amount I do get is fantastic. However there isn't really a half term break in the spring or summer term (or 2nd and 3rd term - as it should be here!). The terms are short, 11 weeks and then 10 weeks, but I know that working for that stretch is going to be a killer! However I will then have 8 lovely weeks in the summer and I do get 3 at Christmas. Hopefully the random public holidays will help make up for it.

Trying to get things done here can be slow, I'm trying to get the internet organised at home, I'd really like it by my birthday so that I can skype people from home. That's my aim, but who knows. The guys were meant to come into school yesterday to talk to me and didn't turn up...hopefully they'll come tomorrow. Things run on 'Ecuadorian' time, I think it's a bit like Norfolk time really!