Phew Monday again!!

I have had an excellent weekend! Much socialisng!!

Saturday:

I watched some of the NZ rugby match round at Andy's house - although this mostly consisted of sitting outside with Kay and Christine and chatting, whilst the boys watched the rugby!

In the evening I went for a meal with the girls, Claire and Barbara. This was at a tiny Italian place in Cumbaya. It was a really sweet place. However there was a bit of a weird vibe so I decided to go out with Lani and Katt after the meal. (Tried to persuade Claire to come too...but she stayed with the others coz she's a good girl!)

After I'd finished eating I rang Lani to let her know that I was ready - I sang 'Rescue Me' down the phone, much to the horror of Keanna (Katt's daughter), and the amusement of Katt! The girls came to pick me up and we headed off into the night - singing along to 80s cheese! Hurray!

As we were driving I thought about the fact I'd left the others...in the past I probably would have stayed because I felt that it was the right thing to do (like Claire), but it felt really good to have decided that I could have a better night and just gone and done it! Thinking purely about what I want to do, regardless of what others think! It felt so liberating!

We ended up at a club called 'The Next Level' in the Mariscal. We'd met up with a couple of Katt's friends and had to endure some random wandering before we found a place where they wouldn't have to pay.

I danced and danced and laughed and laughed! My dance partner for the evening was a guy called Esteban. It was interesting because I thought it would be a laugh to have a bit of a dance with him...then discovered there was no escape! It seems once an Ecuadorian guy has decided that you're dancing, that's that! Luckily he was a good dancer! We moved on to a Salsateca which was conveniently situated next door.

At the end of the evening (well, about 2.30-3.00am), the guys walked us back to Katt's car - and seemed very surprised when they weren't invited back! Big sulks ensued...oh well, tough!

I went back to Katt and Lani's which was fun. LAni and I stayed up chatting till about 4am!

Sunday:

Lani made me a really good breakfast and then I headed off to get a taxi (feeling slightly hungover...this has been happening of late!). Luckily there was one just down the road!

I got home and was there for about an hour and a half before heading out again to meet Yvette in Quito.

Yvette had a couple of lovely Irish girls 'couchsurfing' with her. (For those not in the know - www.couchsurfing.com).

We went up into the old town and had a typical Ecuadorian lunch - a three course meal costing $2.25! I really enjoyed being back in the old town. I haven't been there since my birthday when I got really weird vibes. I didn't have any weirdnesses this time. It really is beautiful up there, so different to the new town. It was good too to suss out public transport to get there and back! Yvette was a great guide and I really enjoyed the company of the girls.

Back at Yvette's, she made Cuban style coffee and we had chocolate too - mmmm!

Eventually I decided I really should go home and do some preparation for this week. (Got home about 6pm).

Today I've led a school assembly on bullying because it is anti-bullying week. This is a week that I have introduced to the school to tie in with the week back in the UK. Assembly went well - even though I didn't really decide what I was doing till this morning!! I spent a lot of yesterday evening finding resources and thinking about what I want to do.

Mid Week Update!

Life is feeling good - if a little sleepy!

I have decided that in the work/life balance, life is definitely on the up!

On Monday night I went out with Lani for sushi because it was her birthday. Katt came too, which was fun! I've wanted to get to know Katt better for ages, so it was really cool to see her outside of work!

Last night, I was a dirty stop out again! I went up to Quito after school to meet up with Pete and Maija from the Surf Shak! Yay! It was brilliant to see them again so quickly and also to be out on a Tuesday night! I also spoke to Frans last night which was cool too...the Fi circle of people in Ecuador is starting to widen and I love it!

Pete and Maija are a great couple - they are realizing a dream by being here in Ecuador!

We checked out Finn McCools (the inevitable Irish bar) and Zocalo (a cool lounge sort of a bar, which had a live salsa band).

Today I'm tired which probably won't help my Spanish lesson later, but I really don't care. I'm enjoying life again!

Big thanks to all of you who have helped me through some darker times in the past few weeks. I'm happy to report that I'm back!

Canoa...

I have had a brillliant few days away with Lani in Canoa.

We got the night bus from Quito on Tuesday, which was a lot easier than I thought it would be. The trip itself was fairly uneventful, apart from being really cold near Quito, then waking up at some point during the night and be ridiculously hot!! I slept on and off and enjoyed catching glimpses of places as we passed through.

At about 5.30am I awoke and saw the sea as the sun rose - a great sense of excitement welled up inside me. We arrived in San Vicente and then got a taxi to Canoa. I could probably write pages about our adventure, but will try to stick to the highlights.

Wednesday was spent in a fairly chilled fashion - we met some people from another hostel called Coco Loco, had breakfast, then explored.

Canoa is not a big place, but it is very popular with surfers and has a very laidback atmosphere.

The beach at Canoa was windswept and the weather mostly overcast. It reminded me of beaches back home...until I turned around and looked at the buildings, roads, etc.

Lani is really into surfing and spent quite a bit of time pursuing this interest whilst I read, relaxed, slept, chatted with other people, etc.

On Wednesday evening I spoke to an English couple in the bar of Bambu (a lovely hostel which we moved to on Thursday). I felt an instant connection with Sarah (hey lovely girl - I know you're gonna read this soon!). She's a teacher too and is out here travelling for a few months.

Wednesday night was spent in the Surf Shak (www.canoathrills.com) and then The Shamrock. We had a salsa lesson and got talking to lots of people, a mixture of New Zealanders, Aussies, Americans, Canadians, Ecuadorians and not forgetting Frans (who's Dutch and owns The Surf Shak). There was a really great buzz and atmosphere, until unfortunately alcohol and testosterone got in the way at about 1.30am - Lani and I decided it was time for bed at that point!

On Thursday we upgraded to Bambu - because we're worth it! Breakfast was at Coco Loco again, then I watched Lani surf with some of the guys we met and read my book. ( I highly recommend it to all the girlies out there, it's called: 'Eat, Pray, Love'. It is resonating with me on many different levels.)

In the afternoon I was chilling out at Bambu and chatted more to Darcy who I'd met the night before. We decided to have a few games of pool and I shocked both myself and him by playing really well!!

In the evening we had dinner at a great seafood restaurant...mmm ceviche. Lani got chatting with the people there and before I knew it she was in the kitchen watching how the food was prepared and cooked. She has a desire to create a cookery book and so this was the beginning of her project!

Later I met up with Sarah and Anthony at the Surf Shak - Jenga wars commenced! Sarah and I also went dancing and ended up sitting on the beach till about 2.00am, putting the world to rights!

Friday...I spent a lot of time sleeping, which was wonderful because my sleep pattern of recent hasn't been that great! Friday evening...well, yes, you guessed it, I went back to the Surf Shak. I really like it there, all the people who work there are so lovely. Friday night was bin bag party night because it was Nick's birthday (lovely English guy who is travelling with his girlfriend and another couple who were also really cool). So we dressed up, laughed, dance on the bar and partied like good uns!

Later I went back to Coco Loco to catch up with Lani and spent a long time chatting to the owner - a great lady from Alaska. I leant about the difference in quality between wild Alaskan salmon and Norwegian farmed! Elizabeth also told me all about the school in Canoa. It's been built on good intentions and the right ideals, but sadly the actual running of the school isn't really working. I really want to find a way to help them out...I don't know how yet and part of me wished that I wasn't tied into a contract because I would have said there and then, 'Right I'm staying...where do I start?' Somehow I'm sure there is a way...

Another reason I liked Elizabeth was because she loved a good story, and those of you who know me, know I love to tell a great story. She was a fantastic audience and I was sad that I didn't see her again. I will find out how to contact her though.

All of a sudden it was Saturday and Lani and I had plans to get the night bus back to Quito. However as the day wore on, this idea appealed less and less. In the afternoon I sat down with Frans & Pete (Surf Shak dudes!) and some other folks for afternoon drinkies...I was really enjoying myself and didn't want to come home...luckily Lani felt the same way and there was a big cheer when they discovered we were staying. (Pete was also a bit gutted that he hadn't placed a bet on it) I was glad to discover that my silly head had over ruled my sensible head.

A big gang of us went out to dinner...Chris and Pete got a little competitive with the chilli sauce and were daring each other to eat more and more...I enjoyed encouraging them! I really was in my element...We also commenced popcorn wars.

After dinner it was back to the Shak for the tin foil party! I was so into my suitably silly mood, that I decided to cover my bra with tin foil...much to everyone else's...well pleasure of course! I felt so free, carefree...such a turn around from the beginning of the week. Frans and I walked up to Bambu to encourage people to come to the party (me in me bra!!), I also walked down to Coco Loco to attempt the same thing. I was in best Fi form!! (Even if I do say so myself!)

Unfortunately, wearing different materials has it's discomforts; the bin bag was sweaty and the tin foil was really quite scratchy and uncomfortable on one's delicate skin! I felt I had more than accomplished my task anyway...I walked all along the front in just a bra! (Accompanied by Sarah...she's a star!)

We shook out booties up in the Mambo bar - much to the delight of some of the locals - I think they're still quite shocked to see 'Gringas' who can actually dance.

However, tiredness won over and after a shortish visit to The Shamrock I headed for home. (Special note for Frans here, who kindly walked me home and helped me to get a spare key to the room as I couldn't find Lani).

Sunday...up early, nerves about catching the bus. Adam and Carrie came with us and we spent the rest of the day travelling back to Quito. I dozed, listened to music and enjoyed the changing countryside. Home by about 6.30pm. Plenty of time to prepare myself for work...hmm...oops...seems I haven't managed to do that, oh well, winging it tomorrow then!

This few days away has done me the world of good. Canoa has been like soul food. It was not my original plan, but was definitely the right thing to do.

I know I was meant to meet Sarah and that we will have more fun together in the future.

I also know that I am becoming more and more confident in myself as a single entity.

I feel sure that there is some way for me to help the school in Canoa.

I really hope that I will see the Surf Shak posse again soon ( when they come to Quito!), they also seem fairly positive that I'll be back!

One last note, for Lani. Such a great girl to travel with. We had fun together, but also respected that we wanted to do different things. I have felt completely relaxed in her company and am so glad that she got me to go to Canoa.

Solitude...

Today for the first time in about a week I have found myself comfortable and at peace whilst alone.

Late this afternoon I sat by the edge of the sea to read for a while. I soon found that I was listening to the sound of the waves - a sound that has always had the power to calm. I meditated on the sound; breathed in the air and felt calmness descend over me. The ocean invokes a stillness within, which I find very difficult to gain anywhere else. I felt at peace. I became very aware of my surroundings and the universe around me. I watched crabs coming out of the sand, unaware of my prescence because of my stillness.

I felt my strength begin to return. I know this is only the beginning of the recovery, but I feel that I made a great step forwards this afternoon.

The best laid plans...

Don't always work out! That's what I'm finding this week anyway.

I was meant to spend the weekend with Amy, but sadly she got ill so that didn't happen.

Today I was meant to be going to the beach with Claire, Ben and Leilani - but unfortunately Ben isn't well, so now that's not happening either.

I was beginning to feel a little jinxed.

However, Leilani and I have decided to get an overnight bus later and make our way to Canoa (on the coast). So hopefully this new plan will work out.

I'll tell ya all about it when I get back.

Perceptions...

It's interesting to find out how others perceive you.

Apparently some people thought I'd be the first to leave. I don't know why, but I am guessing that they thought I wouldn't cope with being so far away from all that I've known and loved. They've changed their minds considerably as they've seen me become more and more settled. I think I have surprised quite a few, especially going away on my own to Cuenca after only being here for 8 weeks!

I've had a lovely day today, after a fairly rocky start. I met Claire for some pampering and shopping, then we went to Roy & Kay's for a barbecue. It was a very relaxing afternoon, so much so that I fell asleep on their sofa after lunch! Justin and Christine were there too and kindly gave me a lift home this evening.

Having spent yesterday entirely on my own, it was really good to be with people today.

The last couple of days...

Thursday was a much better day than Wednesday. I had more energy and was also looking forward to seeing Amy again and meeting her friend Janette.

After school I had art club and some of the kids were intrigued by my webcam so we had some fun videoing and generally being silly.

Aims and Janette arrived at about 6pm (ish) and were very excited about going to the Halloween party. We had fun getting ready, listening to very loud music and getting our glad rags on. Amy was chief make up artist. Having had a couple of down days it was great to get caught up in their energy and enthusiasm. Once we all felt completely gorgeous, we went up on to my roof to take some pics!

Me being a bad fairy!

Aims and Janette looking gorgeous!

Leilani (the lovely new art teacher in Secondary), came to meet us and we made our way up to a Cuban bar in Quito. Once there we attracted quite a lot of attention! We salsaed to a live band until about midnight! I had a few problems with my wings as there wasn't a lot of room on the dance floor!!!

When we left the bar we started to walk to the Halloween party - I wasn't entirely sure where it was, but we made our way towards the Mariscal, again attracting the attention of many people that we passed.

A little way beyond the Mariscal, Janette asked some policemen for directions and managed to persuade them to escort us to the party! Both Janette and Amy were chatting away to them in Spanish - Leilani and me were left wishing we could speak Spanish too!

We eventually arrived at 'The South American Explorer's Club', which was suitably decorated for the event! Lots of people were in costumes. ( I was really glad about this, because the others were having such a good time at the Cuban bar, I didn't want the party to be crap - especially after the long walk to get there!)

We chatted to quite a lot of people, danced and had more fun. We left at about 1.30am and made our way home. (Leilani decided to stay at mine too).

I finally got to sleep around 3am. Unfortunately, Amy was ill during the night, so I looked after her and then went back to bed! (Hoping that she would be ok).

Just after 6am it was time to get up again for school...DOH! I prepared coffee for me and Leilani (the first of several we needed during the day) and we had croissants - yum!

At school, preparations were being made to have bread babies - this is part of the Ecuadorian tradition for the 'Day of the Dead'.
(http://south-american-customs-holidays.suite101.com/article.cfm/all_souls_day_traditions_ecuador).

Marisa (one of the lovely Ecuadorian teachers) asked me to take photos. I was mightily chuffed to do this - much easier than trying to teach a bunch of overtired, overexcited kids after about 3 hours of kip! The kids got to decorate the bread babies just before break, so that they could have them with the traditional drink - colada morada. Colada Morada is delicious - it's a hot fruit drink, I had two!

In the afternoon, I went with Marisa, Carolina and six kids to the PAE animal shelter in Quito. Here we were delivering donations of animal food that the children had brought to school. It was a really lovely trip to go on. We got to see lots of lovely dogs and cats that have been rescued by the shelter. I wanted to take them all home...particularly one dog who had really sad eyes. The kids were great and really enjoyed themselves. Quite a few were keen to take their parents back so that they could adopt a pet. A lot of the animals are strays that are rescued from the streets, also the shelter often finds cats or dogs just left by their gates. All the animals that are brought in are neutered and cared for until new homs can be found for them. The organisation doesn't have a lot of funds, but they really are doing an amazing job. Apparently in Guayquil they even have some lions that have been rescued from circuses.

We got back to school just in time for the Spanish assembly about 'Day of the Dead'. This was performed by year three kids and it was wonderful. I really like the fact that we learn about Ecuadorian traditions. (Although I couldn't understand it all!)

I came home quite early because I was shattered and also to start organising the things I would need to take to stay with Amy. However when I got home and switched on my computer I found a message from Aims saying that she'd been to the doctors and she really isn't very well and needs to rest up for the weekend. I rang her to reassure her that it was far more important for her to rest. Both of us were really gutted, but I'll get there another time.

Last night I went for a meal with the girlies and Claire. I wasn't really on form because I was so tired, but it was nice to mark the start of half term. We did dance briefly in the middle of La Esquina though which was really funny.

Today I'm not really sure what to do with myself. I might go for some pampering somewhere. I think it might be good to have a few quiet days, then I'm off to Mom Piche with Claire, Ben and Leilani on Tuesday.