Christmas...

Considering I went to bed after 3am last night, I should probably still be sleeping...but bad dreams woke me up. So I thought I may as well use this time to catch up (and catch breakfast for the first time in a few days!!)

Ok....

Well having told Sarah I wasn't really sure that I was up for a big night on Tuesday...Suddenly it was about 3am and I was going,"Come on, lets go clubbing!!"

We arrived at a great drum and bass club at about 4am with Max, one of the guys who works at the hostel. Bless him he even produced tickets so that we didn't have to pay! I danced my arse off for a good couple of hours! When we left the club the sun was rising over Buenos Aires and it looked beautiful.

At about 7.15am on Christmas eve we stumbled into bed. To be woken up again just after 12pm to go to a meeting about Christmas dinner.

To be honest I was more interested in my coffee than the meeting. However it was lovely that some of the guys in the hostel wanted to cook for everyone. We paid our contribution and I studiously avoided getting involved with any sort of preparations. (A very important role I think).

In the afternoon I went a wandering and did partake of one of my favourite pastimes...shopping! I now have a new hat and a beautiful silk skirt. I also danced on the streets to two brilliant and entirely different bands. The first was a rhythmic kinda thang, and the second was the ska band that I saw the day before.

In the evening of Christmas eve there was a party in the hostel...Sarah and I joined it at about 11pm after a bit more sleep and shower, etc. It was great fun and I chatted to lots of different people...and, well danced of course!

As the party ended here, lots of us went on to Pacha and had an awesome time.

I danced on the bus. I danced inside. I danced outside. I danced with and without people. I talked to lots of people, much to Sarah's amazement each time I was with her when I introduced her to more people! I have so missed being able to do this...to just get talking to random people because they're dancing with you, or smile at you as you go past, or they're wearing something lovely that you compliment. Random banter...reminded me of the old days at Planet Yes parties. Also the club felt very much like a club in Ibiza feels. I think it's to do with being able to go outside and it being warm!

I saw the sunrise which was beautiful and made us realise we were by the river.

At about 8am the club was closing and Sarah and I headed back to a smallish after party in Palermo. This was with some guys that she'd met in Peru, some of their friends and Con...our new Irish room mate! We'd had such a laugh with them in the club, so it was great to continue for a bit longer.

We all sat on their balcony...there was an amazing view of rooftops and blue sky. Unfortunately one of the guys was being a bit of a pratt...he was in my personal space and made me feel quite uncomfortable after a while. He reminded me of kids when they want to get your attention, but don't understand the concept of different types of attention. Stupid drunken behavior. It was a shame because all the other lads were lovely. However by about 10am the wall of tiredness was heading towards me...we got a taxi a bit later and were home to the hostel by about 11am.* I also really wanted to speak to my family and bluntly there was no way I was going to fuck it up.

Back at the hostel I opened my pressies from Mum and Dad and gave Sarah and Kate their gifts. They were very shocked that I'd got them something and both went into a bit of a weird headstate for about 10mins. I had to explain that I hadn't expected anything from them and had just wanted them to both have a present to open - it felt wrong that they might not. Opening one of my pressies made me cry...it's a beautiful ring.

Afer pressies I went to call everyone at home...my family that is, the people that really count. We chatted for about 15mins...I did the whole bunch (conveniently they're all staying at Nic's in the peak district). They were all highly amused by my lack of voice...seems to have disappeared quite a bit over the last couple of days...hmm too much partying maybe?

After talking to them I headed for bed and much needed sleep...around 12pm(ish).

The evening of Christmas Day was quite chilled and mostly spent in the hostel. I was pleased to be told by one of the guy's that works here that he thought I was the best dancer from the night before!!

Christmas dinner was eventually served at about 11pm...but it was worth it...the roast potatoes were amazing!

I had planned quite an early night, but with chatting to people and having a few drinks it ended up being about 3am! Ooops!

So here I am at Boxing Day...what will it bring? Hopefully some more sleep and then maybe some exploring with the girls.

We have decided to stay in Buenos Aires until the 2nd of January...I'm really glad, I like it here a lot - although the shopping possibilities may leave a serious dent in my pocket!

I hope all you lovelies out there had brilliant Christmas too!

*All times are approximate, due to lack of sleep and not paying much attention!

Perfect timing...

I surprised myself this morning by sleeping in until about 10am!

Had breakfast then went to check out the spa. I booked myself in for massage at 1pm!

Spent the next hour and a bit chilling and enjoying the novelty of TV. (Hilariously, last night I watched Little Britain!).

At 12pm I went for a Turkish bath, Sauna and Finnish bath (steam room), it was lovely. Then headed off for my massage, where I was introduced to a man. Hadn´t expected that! Felt rather shy when it was time to remove my dressing gown...

However I thought bugger it I may as well enjoy myself and it was a bloody good, full body massage, for an hour!

Afterwards I made my way to the hostel and met Kate who happened to be in the reception, a few moments later Sarah walked in. It was perfect timing!!

Sarah and I have caught up, drunk a few beers, shopped a little, had food - all is well! It´s very good to know I´m gonna spend the next couple of weeks with this lovely girl!

Blimey I´m in Buenos Aires...

And sitting in an internet place...hmm! Well (to justify my actions), sitting on your own in a hotel room is no fun and kinda lonely and I was not tempted by the price of the drinks in the hotel bar - not just yet anyway. Might go back for a beer in a bit.

I had a lovely night chatting with James and Tam. However poor Amy is ill and so had to go to bed early. I got up just after 5am and bless Tam and James, they got up too. Tam kindly made me coffee and James walked with me to find a taxi.

At Quito airport I treated myself to a 15min chair massage - which was rather lovely. I also bumped in to a kid who´s been in school over the past week - travelling on his own back to Buenos Aires (he´s about 13/14). That made me think and any nervousness I had, pretty much disappeared. I mean christ, if a kid that age can do it, what have I got to be worried about! It was all very uneventful anyway.

Spent most of the flight reading ´The Gringo Trail´. A great book about travelling around South America. I´ve finished it now, but luckily I brought two books with me and there´s always my Argentina guidebook.

Hilariously on the flight from Lima, the male ´trolley dolly´ assumed that I was in a couple with the guy sitting next to me. (This was when he was handing out forms). He stated that you only needed one per family...I put him straight...we´re not family....

´Oh...hasn´t he proposed to you yet?`

´Um no...we´ve only just met!´

I arrived in Buenos Aires and was greeted by a beautiful summer evening (hurray it´s not dark just after 6pm here!). Got in a rather expensive taxi and got taken to my hotel.

My room is nice, if a little small, the shower is awesome. I´m looking forward to checking out breakfast and the spa in the morning!

Had a few moments of weirdness today, but I´m doing a pretty good job of talking myself out of them; trying not to let my head go down particular routes of thought.

So looking forward to meeting up with Sarah again tomorrow (although I have no idea exactly when!)

Heading off soon...

In less than an hour I shall be heading up to Quito to meet Amy, Tam, James - looking forward to seeing them and swapping stories. I'm staying with them tonight and then onwards to Quito airport in the morning and then...Argentina!!!!! Woohoo!

When I can I will tell you all about my adventures.

Perfect Antidote...

Rather than sitting at home feeling crap, I got in touch with Yvette and went to meet her in Quito.

I've had a lovely afternoon and evening laughing with her and her husband Lazaro. We watched Mamma Mia - I loved every single minute of it from start to finish! It was a great way to take my mind off things. I also got the story of how Yvette and Lazaro got together; I think Yvette could easily have a book written about her - I would certainly buy it. (Actually I'd really like to write it!)

I've had quite a bit of thinking time too...more reflection I guess. I know that I am learning more and more everyday. Every experience has something that can be learnt from it. Although it hurt like hell to receive the news earlier today, it's made me consider how I may have made people feel in the past when I have ended relationships and then moved on. In the past I have dealt with bitterness and anger towards me - but I don't feel this in my current situation. All I hope is that Pete is happy.

I think when some of my girlies read this they will wonder why I'm not angry. I do feel sad, I cannot deny that. But anger is not where I wish to put my energy - I've felt enough anger this week over the situation at school. Now I'm on holiday and it's time to let go. Time to focus on my own impending adventure in Argentina. It is not a time to dwell on situations that I have absolutely no control over.*

*I'll put my faith in karma with regards to the school stuff (and hope that Claire makes a phone call over the Christmas hols).

News...

Today I heard the news I've been expecting and suspecting for some time. I'm glad that I know and I'm glad that I've been told.

But I'm gutted.

The holiday begins...

The last kid was picked up just after 1pm and my holiday officially began.

We had a big Christmas lunch with all the staff at school...lunches were given out in alphabetical order...so I was one of the last to get mine. I wasn't too bothered it gave time for the pannetone and other munchies to go down a little. If I'm absolutely honest I was quite full already...but somehow I managed to squeeze in some more. I soon had the full up and sleepy feeling!

We received our last secret Santa present too - handed out by Santa (Justin - looking hilarious) and his two little pixie helpers (Paul and Tom). I got a beautiful pendant and discovered that my secret Santa was Natalia.

Natalia is great - she's the science technician in Secondary. She's helping me with my Spanish...by chatting with me on facebook - it's much easier that way, I have time to use my dictionary!

I have been secret Santa to Jim, which has been really funny. Unfortunately he guessed it was me last Friday when I put an aubergine in his pigeon hole (Jim is allergic to aubergine). I had planned to be out of the staffroom before he arrived but didn't quite manage it and couldn't contain my hysterics as he commented, 'Hmmm something I'm allergic too!' Apart from the aubergine I have given him:

• a cd with all the songs containing wild in the title apart from one which was a Kim Wilde number (Jim's surname is Wild)
• a note of apology because secret Santa forgot on Monday
  
• a blow up dinosaur
• a toy dinosaur that squeaks
• a Spiderman pencil tin
• Batman stationery (Jim loves Batman and was most chuffed to receive this today!)

After the Santa shennanigans, people started to depart. There were lots of goodbyes and then I headed off to my classroom to pack my stuff up before coming home.

Once home I had long chats with my Mum and Dad. Whilst chatting to them it struck me that usually at the end of term I'd head off to the Barrel to catch up with everyone. It's felt quite weird to not be going out to meet friends - I have got lots of friends here but they're all connected to school. Going to the pub is part of the ritual that starts the holidays for me.

Feeling quite chilled I started to look at where I might stay in Buenos Aires on Monday night. The friends I'm meeting don't arrive until Tuesday and had forgotten I'd be there a day earlier when they booked our hostel. So I have decided to treat myself to a night of luxury somewhere.

Suddenly, I got a text on my mobile from Claire, it read, 'She's fucking cancelled my ticket! Ben's is fine but mine has been refunded. They're saying it's too late to buy another. Fuck fuck.'

To explain this situation: One of the girls who left borrowed money from Claire to buy her car, buying flight tickets paid back some of the loan (the rest was done by transfer). However 'the girl' obviously changed her flight ticket and by error, ignorance or just downright wickedness cancelled Claire's flight too. Whatever the reason it demonstrates the utter stupidity and selfishness of the person involved.

I have been in contact with Claire on and off all evening. She managed to get a ticket as far as Madrid (the same as Ben's, with a connection in Bogata). However, they have missed the connection in Bogata and are now in a hotel for the night. This means that neither of them will be able to meet her parents tomorrow or her friend's on Sunday. They are considering coming back to Ecuador.

It is so unfair because Claire has been so excited about going home - it's her first Christmas there for 6 years. Also Claire is the sweetest, loveliest, kindest person - she helped these 3 witches out so much. She does not deserve this.

I'm not sure what to do to help - I'd like to ring the bitch up and give her an earful. Or maybe explain to her parents exactly what they're darling daughter has done.

Wasting time...

Waiting for the end of the morning.

I don't want to be here, the kids don't want to be here, Carolina doesn't want to be here - so why are we here?

End of termitis! I should use the time while the children play productively - get some planning done; tidy up; mark the homework they brought in on Wednesday....

What have I achieved:

• eaten quite a lot of pannetone
• a modicum of tidying
• found tiny reasons to escape from the classroom and go wandering

I'm shattered - even overslept this morning.

Fifteen more minutes...then no children till the 12th of January. I've reached saturation point, I've had enough...I NEED A HOLIDAY!!

Nice to be appreciated!

I just received this email from the director of the school (my big boss):

Dear All,

I wanted to say to all of you just how impressed and grateful I have been this week to know that the primary school is in such capable hands. The way in which everyone pulled together right from Monday morning was terrific and, whether it was in terms of trying to supervise and sort out the classes of, in many cases, somewhat distressed children (not to mention parents), staging a full scale production involving absolutely everyone, or just in terms of supporting each other, I want to congratulate and thank you for everything you have achieved this week.

The production, under any circumstances, would have been hailed as a great success... and I was delighted to see this kind of production with everyone involved. Under these particular circumstances, it was even more magnificent. Thank you very much to all of you, and all those who helped with the children and in preparation, on Tuesday and on Wednesday evening.

Whatever problems face us, the truly positive shines through... and that is what happened this week. Our strength is in you. Thank you. I hope you have a super holiday. You deserve it!

Hugs...

Had a bit of a funny ol' day today. A combination of tiredness and hormones have made me feel not far from tears on more than one occasion. I really wanted hugs today...great big lovely bear hugs. I got a number of virtual hugs on facebook...but that made me miss people and want hugs even more.

However needing hugs may have also given me a clue to my Secret Santa...in my pigeon hole today was a cute picture of cuddly toy type things having a hug, with 'Big hugs for you', written on it and a little note saying that Secret Santa had heard I needed some hugs. (So Secret Santa is on facebook!).

Lovely Monica (the school psychologist) gave me a great big hug this afternoon - she didn't say anything...just walked up to me and hugged me. I told her I'd been waiting for that hug all day. (She's a facebook gal....hmm....is she my Secreta Santa?)

This evening we had our final performance of the Christmas production and it all went brilliantly - even though at times during the day it was looking a little iffy! I decided to stay with the ol' positive thought! While others were stressing about the lack of lights, then lights being there but not working, then the lights blowing up the sound system (briefly), I stuck with positive thought and it was all fine. There was also the possibility of rain - there were some fairly threatening clouds for a while - but I told a few people that I hadn't given the rain permission to fall so it would be okay and guess what...no rain!

We all got thanked at the end...I got thanked for the singing and my encouraging yells (yesterday it was for shouting at everyone).

I know it's a bit daft, and I know that it's true I did shout, but this kind of upset me a little (please also bear in mind the fact I've been a bit fragile today). It got me to wondering if maybe I am too loud...I mentioned it to an Ecuadorian teacher and she said, 'Well we shouldn't advertise it - we don't want parents to complain.'

I cannot deny that I use my voice...it's not always shouting, I can project my voice and to be honest when I am working with a whole school I am going to get them all to be quiet and listen. I am not prepared to have kids not listening to me - it's to do with respect. I also use my voice in silly ways - different accents/voices in the classroom.

But, maybe I do need to tone it down...I don't know.

But then again, yesterday I was complimented by both a member of staff and a parent for the way I make sure the children pay attention. The staff member (who is a parent too) gave me a big thumbs up for not being afraid of telling kids off. The mum told me that I would be a great parent when I eventually have kids of my own.

Hmmm I suppose this is what they call 'having time to reflect'.

10 years on...

After 10 years with very little contact I am now back in touch with an old boyfriend (the guy I was with for most of my degree). He contacted me about 6 weeks after I arrived in Ecuador because he had a job in Cambridgeshire and wondered if I was still about in Norfolk.

Every now and again we send emails and y'know, it's really lovely. I remembered that it had been his birthday on Sunday and sent him belated birthday wishes yesterday.

So it seems that maybe it takes 10 years before you can truly be friends with an ex again...if this is the case then in 8 years time me and Ritchie may be back on speaking terms again; 9 years for me and Ian; 10 years for me and Pete.*

On a different note, coz I'm sure you're all wondering...today secret Santa brought me a cute photo holder which was a plant pot with a tortoise on it!

Lastly, this evening I had a musical treat! I was invited by one of my colleagues (Aurelia) to watch her daughter singing with her school choir. It was beautiful and has inspired me to start a choir at BSQ (I've missed my choir!). I actually feel really pleased to know that I can take a role in the music in school now that Alex and Sarah have left. I love music and told my big boss (Daryl) today that I would be interested in teaching music across the whole primary school (this was when we were discussing my new role as curriculum coordinator - oh yes, forgot to mention, I'm being promoted!).

*Have to be honest, I hope that it takes less time than this.

Angry, Hurt, Sad, but mostly Angry!

We've had an interesting day at school today.

We were due to have a staff meeting at 8am to discuss everyone's roles in the production (who's sitting where, etc). At about 7.50am, I got the news that Alex, Sarah and Jeanne hadn't arrived at school. This is highly unusual, they're normally there by 7.30am, I started trying to ring them...but got no answer.

In the meantime, Justin sent a message to get people to go and check their houses (Jeanne and Sarah lived quite close to the school - did you notice my use of the past tense there?).

The three of them had done a bunk. It seems like one, possibly all of them have left the country. This news left the rest of us reeling - myself and Claire in particular. All three of them had handed in their notice and were due to leave at the end of term - I wasn't particularly impressed with the way that they went about this, but had accepted that they had their reasons and they weren't happy, so it was better for everybody that they left. I also continued to give them my friendship - not as closely as before, but it was still there.

However to leave without telling anyone, in a way that felt like they meant to cause as much disruption to the school as possible...this has made me so angry. I cannot believe how dishonourably they have behaved - the worst thing is the way they have let down the kids. We are all meant to do this job because of our love for the kids - they have shown that they care for no-one but themselves. I now also understand why they didn't seem that bothered at the rehearsal on Friday.

It all feels so calculating...they must have planned this. There are little clues - for example their removal from facebook of anyone connected to school - I decided to check this morning to see if I could find anything out and discovered I was no longer their friend. Damn right I'm not!

This perhaps explains why they didn't stay long at the party on Friday.

Well girls if any of you ever read this...I have news for you - the Christmas production will be fine because I'm in charge of it now. I also hope that karma comes back to bite you all in the arse. I hope you can live with yourselves because only really horrible people would do this kind of a thing.

The good thing that has come from this is that the rest of the primary team have really pulled together - we are a really strong team and this has a made us stronger.

I'm sad that I was fooled by these people into thinking that they were decent human beings. I guess this is another lesson for me to learn...maybe I shouldn't trust people so easily. It's hard though, because I have always believed in people and their possibilities above all else. I do take this personally (and I know Claire does too). I'm also pissed off that I didn't put pictures up of the Christmas party on Saturday...I thought it would be unkind for them to see us all having fun without them!

So that was Monday, what will the rest of the week bring?

On a happier note, my secret Santa at school brought me four delicious chocolates and I also received Christmas presents from my Mum and Dad today.

Things & Stuff

Time to catch up on a few things!

I celebrated Ted in a way he would have approved of on Wednesday night - I got drunk! (I can hear him laughing about it now!) I also danced a bit in the pub and sang 'Hey Big Spender' at the top of my voice. I was accompanied by my good friend Jim, who understood my need to celebrate my friend's life.

Thursday started after about 4 hours sleep. In addition to this I had a hangover (worst so far!). Shower, coffee and some breakfast helped - then off to school!

I amazed myself and actually managed to teach both Literacy and Numeracy! By the afternoon I was struggling to stay awake, but more coffee and a good lunch helped! I watched a 'How we used to live' video with the kids, about the Second World War.

During the course of the day I did explain my sorry state to people - I have nothing to hide. Getting drunk on a Wednesday night is not something I would usually do (let's face it, it doesn't happen often at weekends!), but these were exceptional circumstances!

On Friday we had the first full run through of the Christmas production - it was a shambles! However the people running it gave the kids lots of compliments and told them how proud they were of them - I know people do things differently but I didn't think this was the right thing to do. They also seemed happy to go from one shambolic rehearsal straight to the dress rehearsal on Monday - some of us disagreed! We insisted on a second run through - which was much better! The kids needed another go to get into they're heads what they would need for Monday.

During the rehearsals I was trying to decide whether it really was as bad as I thought or whether it was perhaps because I am usually so used to being right in the middle of it that I don't see what others see. It's hard when you are used to being the one in charge of productions to take a backseat...especially when you're opinion is being asked by other people. I've tried to be diplomatic...but it's hard when you know that you're right (hahahahahaha!). Oh well I've learnt more for when I am back in control of thin gs next year - delegation is the key (and making sure that everyone feels involved).

After school on Friday there was a bit of a do for the girls that are leaving - organised by one of the classroom assistants. I wasn't sure about going, but decided I would after I'd sent my final box of Christmas pressies home. I arrived just after the girls at about 5pm.

Martha had gone to a lot of trouble, helped by her mum to make this a special occasion - there was food laid out on the table, drinks - considerable effort had been made. It felt quite awkward - the girls didn't make lots of effort (apart from with each other) and they left about 45mins after they'd arrived. I felt that this was really rude - I know that they were tired, but we all were. They could have asked for a coffee and stayed a bit longer.

Friday evening was spent chatting to people online; playing guitar; attempting to make pavlova (not easy at altitude), giving up and making brandy butter instead!

Saturday dawned...quite late for me actually! I was amazed and impressed to see that my watch said 11.10am when I finally decided to drag myself from my pit! That is the new Ecuador lie-in record for me!

I faffed about; did a bit of shopping and then got ready to go for Christmas dinner at Roy & Kay's. (It may seem a little soon for Christmas dinner - but most of us will be away over the Christmas holidays).

It was lovely - we had cocktails; canapes; an amazing Christmas dinner (including a fab nut roast for the vegetarians amongst us!); yummy puds (I indulged in quite a few of Kay's mince pies with brandy butter!); cheese and biccies; lots of laughter and fun.

The highlights:
The Christmas present game - names out of a hat to see who picks a present; but each person has the opportunity to steal someone else's present rather than unwrap a new one! Lots and lots of fun - especially Justin in his 'Mr T' bling! (Doing really dodgy 'gangsta' accents).

I got a snowstorm - but Katt wanted it so I gave it to her.

The 'Guess Who' game - everyone suspected it was me who was going around wearing no underwear...but I actually decided to go for the much more innocent fact - my first pet's name was Rory. (Hmmm what does this say of the impression I have made on people that they think I'm one for not wearing knickers........).

Singing the 'Fairytale of New York' with Jim.

Another highlight - another game - Charades! Jean was particularly dramatic; Justin confusing; Andy was a bit of a dark horse (actually rather good!); Kay was hilarious.

It was all really good fun and felt more like being with family...these people are my friends and I'm glad to have met them.

I had a few brief moments of sadness - purely because it made me think of my family who I'm missing a great deal...particularly at this time of year.

Dancing Ted

Ted was an amazing friend. He died unexpectedly a year ago today.

He was always there with a smile; a kind word; a hug; the need to dance.

He is someone who I will never forget and who brings a smile to my face when he pops into my head.

So tonight I'm going out for a drink to remember him. If I had more energy I would go for a dance - for this he would surely approve of, as he had his own particular dancing style.

So Ted, my friend, keep on dancing.

Steak!

Today has been a day full of tiredness and some decadence!

School has been fairly standard for this time of year - managed to teach Literacy and Numeracy and then got the kids working on their DT projects and artwork for the Christmas production. I've been tired which makes it that little bit harder in some respects, but also adds the intriguing element of bizarre sense of humour land.

Lunch was a little different today - I had to get some bits and pieces for the hamster, so suggested to Christine that we met for lunch. It was a very nice excursion in the middle of the day - made even better by that slightly naughty 'sneaking out of school' feeling.

The staff meeting after school seemed interminably long - although no longer than usual!

The after school taxi seemed to take forever to arrive. However once it did, I found Lani and we went to La Esquina for some food.

I tried some of Lani's steak, something I haven't eaten for over two years! It was...really good! (Well I have to get in preparation for Argentina!)

Once I got home, I devoured the chocolate in my fridge!

So in case you haven't worked it out, the decadence was the steak and the chocolate!

Fiestas de Quito

There seems to be quite a lot to catch up on over the past few days...

So, on Thursday we had an inset day in school to get reports finalised for our accreditation with CIS (International Schools) next March. There was a lot of work to be done. However if you hadn't been there last year and weren't on a committee (i.e. me!) then you got off fairly lightly! A few of us looked over a 'horizontal curriculum', whilst lying on the bean bags in Nicki's room - seemed appropriate somehow! We highlighted the areas that the committee had felt were poor, thought about they could be addressed and how the action plan could be achieved. It gave us time to think about how the school can improve and how we can help it.

So at 10:30 we met back with other members of staff, to find out:

'if it ain't on the action plan, it ain't going in!'

So we made suggestions for the action plan, and felt fairly frustrated. I know that people put a lot of work into this last year, but we're here now and some of us really want to make a difference to this school! It seems like the whole accreditation process is just another example of lots of pieces of paper that are for show and won't actually change anything. (Ho hum!)

After this highly riveting meeting, I looked at my Literacy subject folders and found the policy for Literacy. Well...the policy is like a book and seriously unnecessary and the folders are...okay. There's a lot of work to be done and I discussed having some staff meeting time with Justin to introduce the new primary framework for Literacy.

I then spent the rest of the day on the internet - bit of research and a lot of time spent chatting with my Mum, Dad, Caro and my good friend Gaylie.

I was feeling in a holiday kind of mood because we had Friday off work due to the 'Fiestas de Quito'. Plus the sun was shining and I was looking forward to going to Yvette's after school.

Once at Yvette's, the laughter started to flow fairly instantaneously!

The more I know Yvette, the more I like her! She is amazing and told me about her first teaching post overseas, in Namibia. The more I listened; the more I got to know her; the more I realised that she is an incredible woman - I'm so glad to know her. It's not really my story to tell, but basically she triumphed over huge adversity and made a difference to a school and community in ways that others of us can only dream of. Such a strong lady.

That evening I met some of Yvette and Lazaro's friends, a very lively and lovely bunch of Cubans (Lazaro is Cuban). I also caught up with my friend Adam, who I met in Canoa. He's a sweet guy and spent most of the night telling me about the girl he's met who he's falling for! ( I hope it works out for him!)

On Friday, I got up quite late for me...after a fitful sleep with strange dreams. Santiago (another friend) had arrived whilst I was sleeping, but was out with Lazaro when I got up. They reappeared fairly soon.

Yvette and I had a superb breakfast of choc chip muffins (made by Yvette) and tea - all most delicious! She told me more about her life - growing up in Austraila and her utter determination from the age of 12 to go to Africa and solve it's problems. She also told me the story of how she left home, aged 5, telling her parents that they'd be alright! I am yet to hear the full story of how her and Lazaro met - but I know for sure, I will be enthralled!

For lunch, we went to Santa Clara market - for real Ecuadorian food and not any other 'gringos' in sight. It was great! I took quite a few pics. Santiago was really sweet and went round the market with me. We all had quite a hilarious time - Lazaro was particularly amused by Santiago's efforts to speak to me in English.

We had a spot of bother in the taxi on the way back - a drunk driver pulled out of a side street and almost hit out cab, then wouldn't get out of the way so we could get past (it was our right of way). The taxi driver took control of the situation and moved the guys car off the road and took his keys. We thought he was calling the police, but it turned out he was calling his mechanic to inspect the tiniest of marks on his cab. It was really quite surreal, but we got into another taxi and headed back home.

In the evening we got ready to go out with Gunther and his wife, they were taking us to a club and we had no idea where - but assumed it would be salsa. Santiago gave me a salsa lesson, much to Lazaro's amusement (and mine).

How wrong we were, we ended up at a club called 'Go-Go's'. It was playing lots of 'gringo' music, yet Yvette and I were the only gringas in sight. It was lots of fun and just before midnight a band came out and we all cheered, 'Viva Quito'. They were giving out hats and us girlies both wanted one - Santiago was charged with this task. However he failed and I can't quite remember exactly how I did it, but I acquired two (I think they'd just been left on the side and I picked them up, but my memory is a little hazy, due to the affluence of incohol).

After lots of dancing; laughing; drinking and hat wearing, we headed home, where we watched Lazaro weave his way into the house. (He was also highly affluenced by incohol!)

Late Friday night/Saturday morning I was assailed by memories - this week and last hold quite a few significant dates for me.

Saturday morning was spent in recovery and waiting to catch up with Amy - we planned to go to Otavalo. Annoyingly just as we were about to make plans the phone networks went down. I spent a frustrating 15 or so mins trying to make contact. Luckily though it was only for that amount of time and Yvette and I went to meet her.

After a short while at Yvette's we decided it was too late for Otavalo and headed back to mine, where we lounged in bed watching DVDs. It was lovely and just what was needed.

On Saturday evening we went out for Mexican and then met up with a guy Amy liked and his cousin. This all felt a bit weird, we went to the pub, but Ricardo (Amy's friend) wanted to go to La Esquina because it might have music and be more lively. Well...there was music (provided by one of Lazaro's friends - nice to see him and another couple who I met on Thursday again), but it was dead. We then moved tables several times which kind of annoyed me a bit. However after an espresso to wake myself up, I did enjoy myself. Ricardo's cousin was very interesting and we enjoyed discussing all sorts of things.

Back at mine, Amy persuaded me to play my guitar and sing - think I'm getting a bit braver on this front. However I really need to extend my repertoire and strumming technique! I need to write more of my own and learn more of other people's!! I did play one of my songs and both her and Ricardo seemed to really like it.

On Sunday we got up and headed to Quito to get the bus to Otavalo. Unfortunately we went to the wrong bus terminal and then had to take a taxi to get to the right one - this set us back a bit on time. Once at Terminal Terrestre we got tickets and found a bus that was just about to leave - hurrah.

The journey took about 2 and a half hours - we got out at the main road and walked down into the town. This was lovely and I wish I had taken more photos, but it had started to rain and I really didn't want to get my camera wet. I didn't really know where we were going, but we found ourselves at the food market and then in a nice restaurant. After lunch we found the artesania market and started Christmas shopping!

The market is at it's largest on a Saturday, but I really enjoyed being there on a Sunday. It was really quiet and there were still lots of lovely things to see and buy. Also with considerably less people, it was much easier to see everything.

I was most impressed by Amy's haggling technique and we both bought quite a few bargains. (I now have to work out how to send them home and hope that they get there in time for Christmas!). I also got myself a gorgeous alpaca blanket, shawl and jumper. They are very snuggly!

About 5pm (ish) I introduced Amy to the pie shop - we had the most enormous pieces of lemon meringue pie I have ever had (and I am a bit of a pudding queen!).

A short taxi ride took us to the bus station where there was a bus just about to leave for Quito. Our timing was excellent!

We snoozed on the way home and were glad to finally get home at about 8pm (ish). We had a chilled evening, which ended watching another episode of 'The Office' on my laptop. Amy bless her fell asleep - not surprising as she hadn't had much sleep for a few nights. We curled up and went to sleep.

So here we are at today - Monday! Had a fairly easy day at school - the kids got on with their DT project and I surfed on the internet (I did do a bit of work, starting to research what I'm teaching next term, in addition to some facebook action!). We also had a play rehearsal - the first time we've actually run through the whole scene. The kids and staff seemed to enjoy watching me line dance! At the end of the day I lead a singing rehearsal.

I got home and enjoyed some more time with Aims, who was undecided as to whether to go to Cuenca tonight or in the morning. After learning that James and Tam were also arriving in Cuenca tonight she decided to get the night bus.

Not long before we left we had a bit of a heart to heart. Aims felt I'd been a bit distant over the weekend - I finally got to explaining about Christmas. A big part of me had wanted to spend it with Amy, Tam and James, but when they decided they wanted to stay in Quito, I thought that maybe I would be intruding on their time together. I hated the idea of possibly waking up on my own on Christmas morning and being reminded of how far I am from the many people I love. I had thought about going to Argentina before and felt that for me it really is the right thing to do. There are other things that have affected my mood this weekend too - mostly memories and tiredness.

I couldn't explain to Aims that I hadn't felt sure whether they really wanted me there. I couldn't say that although all the times we've spent together have been amazing, that I had wanted more. Couldn't explain that I'd wanted to be a bigger part of her adventure here, that I'd felt gutted at the times that she'd been in Quito and I hadn't known. She's been so near and yet it's been really difficult to be in contact - I've had to rely on sending messages through to her friend's phone, but haven't always been sure that Amy received them.

I didn't need to say these things, because very soon I was reassured that she was gutted that I wouldn't be with them at Christmas, although she fully understands my need for Argentina.

And now I'm sitting here and feeling sad that she's gone; annoyed with myself for letting stuff build up in my head and wishing we'd been able to speak about it sooner. But I didn't want her to feel bad - last thing I wanted. However I am glad that I still have one more weekend to spend with her before she leaves Ecuador and I know I have found another truly amazing friend, who I will cherish.

Idea nicked from Caro!

Apparently this is what my blog says about my personality:
(typealyzer)

ESFP - The Performers

The entertaining and friendly type. They are especially attuned to pleasure and beauty and like to fill their surroundings with soft fabrics, bright colors and sweet smells. They live in the present moment and don´t like to plan ahead - they are always in risk of exhausting themselves.

The enjoy work that makes them able to help other people in a concrete and visible way. They tend to avoid conflicts and rarely initiate confrontation - qualities that can make it hard for them in management positions.

I'll walk my path

As I sit and watch the world go by,
I often wonder about my own life.

Where will I wander? Where will I roam?
How long will it be till I find my home?

As I look back the memories raw,
I know I've been down some of these roads before.

So much time spent standing still.
It's not my curse no more, not my bitter pill.

I won't be tied to fears from the past,
I'm so much stronger now, have faith it will last.

Keep looking forwards and moving on,
I'll walk my path and I'll sing my song.