Enjoying life and happy to be me!
fiwit
Originally uploaded by Fiwit
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Una Semana Mas!
One more week of school and then holidays - bliss! I really cannot quite believe that I have almost completed a full school year out here in Ecuador. The first term really dragged, but now all of a sudden it's almost over and another milestone has been reached.
It hasn't always been easy and there have certainly been up and downs, but on the whole it's been a good year. I have made brilliant friends; seen beautiful places; had lots of fun. I know there will be even more of this over the next year.
I am so excited about coming home to see everyone and it seems that a good number of people are excited about my return which is good to know!
I have had a marvellous weekend...I'm turning into a bit of a dirty stop out - teehee! Went out with Adriana last night and consumed a fair quantity of Cuba Libres (I seem to have found the drink for me!!), much giggling and dancing ensued! At 3am Adri buggered off home but I decided to stay with some friends in Quito and ended up seeing the sunrise whilst hummingbirds hovered nearby - beautiful! After a few hours of collapse on me mate Dave's sofa, I got up to go and meet the girlies and Mike for food and shopping!
Delicious focaccia was enjoyed whilst Cuban music was being played live - perfect! Unfortunately just as we were heading in a shopwardly direction, the heaven's opened and we got utterly soaked. Rain, however, did not stop play...we braved our way forwards to the artesania market. Personally I was impressed with my part in this valiant effort, as one must not forget the alcohol in my system and my serious lack of sleep! (Heehee!)
Hats and other goodies were purchased - along with a rather nice ring for myself!
It hasn't always been easy and there have certainly been up and downs, but on the whole it's been a good year. I have made brilliant friends; seen beautiful places; had lots of fun. I know there will be even more of this over the next year.
I am so excited about coming home to see everyone and it seems that a good number of people are excited about my return which is good to know!
I have had a marvellous weekend...I'm turning into a bit of a dirty stop out - teehee! Went out with Adriana last night and consumed a fair quantity of Cuba Libres (I seem to have found the drink for me!!), much giggling and dancing ensued! At 3am Adri buggered off home but I decided to stay with some friends in Quito and ended up seeing the sunrise whilst hummingbirds hovered nearby - beautiful! After a few hours of collapse on me mate Dave's sofa, I got up to go and meet the girlies and Mike for food and shopping!
Delicious focaccia was enjoyed whilst Cuban music was being played live - perfect! Unfortunately just as we were heading in a shopwardly direction, the heaven's opened and we got utterly soaked. Rain, however, did not stop play...we braved our way forwards to the artesania market. Personally I was impressed with my part in this valiant effort, as one must not forget the alcohol in my system and my serious lack of sleep! (Heehee!)
Hats and other goodies were purchased - along with a rather nice ring for myself!
Sunday, 14 June 2009
Dirty Stop Out!
So here we are again, with a tale to tell and truths to be told!
On Wednesday some of my lovely friends from Canoa were in Quito for the Ecuador vs Brazil match. Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the game because I had an interview* for the deputy position in the primary school in the afternoon and had to work. However I decided it would be fun to go up to Quito and catch up with folks after the game.
Adri and I headed up for an early dinner at our favourite Mexican. Hmmm...I mentioned truth, well one of the guys who works there is very good looking and I rather like to admire him while I eat! Also the food is great - I'm slowly working my way through the menu!
Afterwards the only possible destination was Finn's. We were both shattered and hoped the guys and gals would turn up fairly quickly! By the time they reached us it was about 8pm and Adri was flagging - I on the other hand had had a couple of beers and was getting into the idea of being sociable and staying out!
We realised they had arrived when we saw a shock of blonde hair heading towards us - yes it was Frans the crazy Dutchman! Maija was also there and one of her friends from back home. We all got chatting and were having a lovely time - I knew I couldn't face more beer having had a couple and decided to have a Cuba Libre. By 9pm Adri needed to go - she really wasn't very well - I on the other hand was getting probably about my 4th/5th 'wind' of the day. Also I don't see these guys very often; was having fun and felt especially naughty because it was a school night. I decided to stay.
As the evening and the Cuba Libres progressed, Frans and I decided a little dancing was in order and that we should get others to join us. I picked a fairly attractive Ecuadorian girl for him and he picked...A REALLY UGLY GERMAN GUY FOR ME - cheers Frans, mate! I pointed out his misdemeanor (after dancing with the poor confused guy - briefly!). Frans and I danced a little more and then decided to cause mischief elsewhere!
I returned to the bar - my order was...'A small sensible Cuba Libre for myself and a large silly Canoan Cuba Libre for Frans...'
Amazingly, four drinks appeared - I realised later that it was 2 for 1 on Cuba Libres, but at the time it seemed quite magical! Jon (lovely chap behind the bar), kindly colour coded the straws so I knew which were mine and which were for Frans. Later I got in to the habit of just ordering one drink and giving Frans the spare one - he was a happy chappy!
I was having a marvellous time being silly with Frans; chatting with Maija and introducing myself to new people I didn't know in the bar!
At some point, at an unspecified time, dancing on the bar seemed like a marvellous endeavour. (Yup...I know, really not sensible behaviour for a school night, but I was having SO MUCH FUN!)
I intended to go clubbing - but in the time it took me to say goodbye to all my new found friends and pay the bar tab, I'd lost them. At this point I should have got into a taxi and gone home - unfortunately my sensible head was not in evidence on Wednesday night...so I went back into the pub for another half hour or so. Have to be honest I really don't know what the time was by that point but I'm absolutely certain I was beyond caring! I'm also safe in the knowledge that I was being very witty and entertaining!
At an unspecified time before dawn, I got home - thank you Mr Taximan!
As you can imagine, Thursday morning came around far too quickly and the thought of going to school was not really my preferred option. So, I skived - bad Fi! I texted all the relevant people and thought all was done and dusted. Until I got a phone call just before 9am - they needed my desk keys and my classroom assistant was coming around to get them - sheesh!
Ooops, hang on a minute, missed a bit of the story. My friend Sanne called at 6am, YES, 6AM! To tell me that she had arrived at terminal terrestre in Quito - my response after working out who it was, wasn't entirely favourable and she said she'd call back in a few hours. I was pretty pissed off by the call - I know it was her time of arrival, and had I checked facebook the night before, I would have known of her impending arrival. But even so - 6AM!
Now, after Carolina left, Sanne rang again - she was about to get a taxi to Cumbaya. By this point I knew that I was not gonna be allowed to sleep and that this was my penance for staying off school. I headed off to meet her at about 9.30am at Supermaxi, where I also purchased suitable fry up ingredients.
After food and tea, I was feeling considerably more human again and settled in to a lovely relaxing day with Sanne - catching up on the times since we last saw each other in Buenos Aires. (I did have pangs of guilt every now and again and only fully relaxed after 3pm, when the school day was officially over).
On Friday I went to school, where several people asked if I was okay after falling over - apparently this was the story going round of why I hadn't been in the previous day. It was tricky, I told people I hadn't slept well; felt shit; bit of a dodgy tum. All true, but all hangover related. I also felt really bad because Claire has had a really bad fall and was on hefty painkillers and Adriana had bad sinuses. Ho hum!
Obviously, I don't usually go out on a Wednesday night and get into a state that means missing school the next day and it's not something I intend to make a habit of...but it did do me good! Also considering the amount I remember, I can't of been that bad.
*I didn't get the promotion, but not because of my drunken antics. I apparently gave the best interview (so Justin tells me), but they really want me to continue working on the curriculum role that I took on earlier this year. I am happy to do this and apparently will actually be given regular time to devote to improving the curriculum in the primary school - WOOHOO!
**If anyone from work reads this...umm...sorry!
On Wednesday some of my lovely friends from Canoa were in Quito for the Ecuador vs Brazil match. Unfortunately I couldn't make it to the game because I had an interview* for the deputy position in the primary school in the afternoon and had to work. However I decided it would be fun to go up to Quito and catch up with folks after the game.
Adri and I headed up for an early dinner at our favourite Mexican. Hmmm...I mentioned truth, well one of the guys who works there is very good looking and I rather like to admire him while I eat! Also the food is great - I'm slowly working my way through the menu!
Afterwards the only possible destination was Finn's. We were both shattered and hoped the guys and gals would turn up fairly quickly! By the time they reached us it was about 8pm and Adri was flagging - I on the other hand had had a couple of beers and was getting into the idea of being sociable and staying out!
We realised they had arrived when we saw a shock of blonde hair heading towards us - yes it was Frans the crazy Dutchman! Maija was also there and one of her friends from back home. We all got chatting and were having a lovely time - I knew I couldn't face more beer having had a couple and decided to have a Cuba Libre. By 9pm Adri needed to go - she really wasn't very well - I on the other hand was getting probably about my 4th/5th 'wind' of the day. Also I don't see these guys very often; was having fun and felt especially naughty because it was a school night. I decided to stay.
As the evening and the Cuba Libres progressed, Frans and I decided a little dancing was in order and that we should get others to join us. I picked a fairly attractive Ecuadorian girl for him and he picked...A REALLY UGLY GERMAN GUY FOR ME - cheers Frans, mate! I pointed out his misdemeanor (after dancing with the poor confused guy - briefly!). Frans and I danced a little more and then decided to cause mischief elsewhere!
I returned to the bar - my order was...'A small sensible Cuba Libre for myself and a large silly Canoan Cuba Libre for Frans...'
Amazingly, four drinks appeared - I realised later that it was 2 for 1 on Cuba Libres, but at the time it seemed quite magical! Jon (lovely chap behind the bar), kindly colour coded the straws so I knew which were mine and which were for Frans. Later I got in to the habit of just ordering one drink and giving Frans the spare one - he was a happy chappy!
I was having a marvellous time being silly with Frans; chatting with Maija and introducing myself to new people I didn't know in the bar!
At some point, at an unspecified time, dancing on the bar seemed like a marvellous endeavour. (Yup...I know, really not sensible behaviour for a school night, but I was having SO MUCH FUN!)
I intended to go clubbing - but in the time it took me to say goodbye to all my new found friends and pay the bar tab, I'd lost them. At this point I should have got into a taxi and gone home - unfortunately my sensible head was not in evidence on Wednesday night...so I went back into the pub for another half hour or so. Have to be honest I really don't know what the time was by that point but I'm absolutely certain I was beyond caring! I'm also safe in the knowledge that I was being very witty and entertaining!
At an unspecified time before dawn, I got home - thank you Mr Taximan!
As you can imagine, Thursday morning came around far too quickly and the thought of going to school was not really my preferred option. So, I skived - bad Fi! I texted all the relevant people and thought all was done and dusted. Until I got a phone call just before 9am - they needed my desk keys and my classroom assistant was coming around to get them - sheesh!
Ooops, hang on a minute, missed a bit of the story. My friend Sanne called at 6am, YES, 6AM! To tell me that she had arrived at terminal terrestre in Quito - my response after working out who it was, wasn't entirely favourable and she said she'd call back in a few hours. I was pretty pissed off by the call - I know it was her time of arrival, and had I checked facebook the night before, I would have known of her impending arrival. But even so - 6AM!
Now, after Carolina left, Sanne rang again - she was about to get a taxi to Cumbaya. By this point I knew that I was not gonna be allowed to sleep and that this was my penance for staying off school. I headed off to meet her at about 9.30am at Supermaxi, where I also purchased suitable fry up ingredients.
After food and tea, I was feeling considerably more human again and settled in to a lovely relaxing day with Sanne - catching up on the times since we last saw each other in Buenos Aires. (I did have pangs of guilt every now and again and only fully relaxed after 3pm, when the school day was officially over).
On Friday I went to school, where several people asked if I was okay after falling over - apparently this was the story going round of why I hadn't been in the previous day. It was tricky, I told people I hadn't slept well; felt shit; bit of a dodgy tum. All true, but all hangover related. I also felt really bad because Claire has had a really bad fall and was on hefty painkillers and Adriana had bad sinuses. Ho hum!
Obviously, I don't usually go out on a Wednesday night and get into a state that means missing school the next day and it's not something I intend to make a habit of...but it did do me good! Also considering the amount I remember, I can't of been that bad.
*I didn't get the promotion, but not because of my drunken antics. I apparently gave the best interview (so Justin tells me), but they really want me to continue working on the curriculum role that I took on earlier this year. I am happy to do this and apparently will actually be given regular time to devote to improving the curriculum in the primary school - WOOHOO!
**If anyone from work reads this...umm...sorry!
Tuesday, 2 June 2009
The past has passed
It's been a strange 24 hours of doubt and sadness. I received an email this morning which was like a virtual slap in the face. Memories from roads travelled before that made me question actions and choices that I have made. Along the road these choices must be made and sadly hurt, anger, bitterness and guilt sometimes follow like dark shadows from childish dreams. In the past year I have understood more about the effect my actions and choices have had on others, last night I tried to make amends and apologies. I have never wanted to cause pain or upset to others but I'm only me and I am very aware that I am not perfect. This morning I realised that the past must be left behind and be allowed to pass.
The shadows followed me today; whispering in my ear; scratching my heart; searing my soul.
Tonight I read a beautiful book which has chased the shadows away. The story is of a child who is different, he hears and sees things of which most are not aware. A tiger enters his life and sets him free. I don't want to say too much because I think this is a book that should be read, savoured and enjoyed. It is called 'Secret Heart', by David Almond.
Now, once more, my road is clear and the future beckons.
The shadows followed me today; whispering in my ear; scratching my heart; searing my soul.
Tonight I read a beautiful book which has chased the shadows away. The story is of a child who is different, he hears and sees things of which most are not aware. A tiger enters his life and sets him free. I don't want to say too much because I think this is a book that should be read, savoured and enjoyed. It is called 'Secret Heart', by David Almond.
Now, once more, my road is clear and the future beckons.
Sunday, 31 May 2009
Return to Canoa
Canoa - The Beach
Originally uploaded by Fiwit
Last Thursday, after a hectic week of writing reports and trying to get some last minute knowledge into the kids before their SATs this week, I made my way back to Canoa.
This time I was travelling with Adriana and we had decided that the bus was not our chosen means of transport. We went in style by plane and taxi...well in reality we got in a tiny plane and then had a very hairy taxi ride to Bahia, from which we got a boat and then another taxi to Canoa.
We giggled loudly on the plane - I was fuelled by sleep deprivation and caffeine - always a fun combination! Later we were pretty terrified in the taxi and did not enjoy the smell of the many fish factories that we passed. However we did enjoy the glimpses we saw of Ecuadorian life as we whizzed through villages.
We arrived at about 9pm to Hostel Coca Loca and got our key from Mark who recognised me from the last time I was there. Tis lovely to return to places where people recognise you and know you!
We were knackered and didn't stay out too late - well that was my plan. However when Ursula reappeared at about 2am and woke me up, we ended sitting up till about 5am putting the world to rights!
Friday morning didn't really happen for me as I finally caught up with much needed sleep, but Adri went off to the local school to show some lovely people how to teach.
The school is non-for-profit and only recently been started. Some of you may remember me talking about it before. They have had real trouble attracting teachers as they can't offer much of a wage, so it is being run by people with good intentions and not much knowledge.
Adri returned wishing that she could parcel everything up in her classroom and send it to these kids. We have decided to go shopping next weekend to buy these kids some essentials like crayons, paint and paper.
Friday afternoon was spent lolling around on the beach and having a bit of a swim.
On Friday evening we wandered into several bars and I ended up having a 'dance off' with Elizabeth (lovely owner of Coca Loca) in the middle of the street! We had quite an audience of locals (local guys) and eventually decided we had both met our match and it was a draw. It was lots of fun!!
Yesterday, I woke up thinking that even if I'd had to go home then, I stil would have felt it had been a good holiday. Another relaxing day followed, with a spot of shopping, swimming, reading and eating.
Part of me felt like I should party last night, but the rest of me was very happy to have a few beers, good conversation and a relatively early night (well about 1am, I think).
Today we mooched up to the school where they were having a fundraiser. I donated $40 and was told that this will keep two kids in the school for two months - amazing, especially considering the amount the parents pay for kids to go to our school.
This afternoon, Adri, Liz and I went for a ride along the beach. I'm still a little nervous of riding, so wasn't overly happy when cantering early on. However we soon settled into a walk with a bit of a trot every now and again. I'm glad to be getting my confidence back after all these years of not riding.
At 4pm we headed back towards the airport. I was not looking forward to the taxi from Bahia after out 'grand theft auto' journey on Thursday night. However we had a much better driver and we got to see the beautiful countryside we were travelling through. I was mightily chuffed to see deciduous trees in this part of Ecuador. I have no idea what species they were, but just their presence made me feel good.
Got back home just before 10pm, feeling relaxed, sleepy and like I've had a proper break - marvellous!
Wednesday, 27 May 2009
Sunday, 24 May 2009
Dreams, things I like, and hopes...
So yesterday I woke up after a bit of a dream that pushed me a little off centre. I guess it was my sunconscious' way of dealing with some things. I usually find with these kind of dreams that they tend to linger through the day and affect my mood.
A little after getting up I saw a photo that added to the feeling of being out of kilter.
However, luckily there was also a text from Yvette...a text chat ensued with an arrangement to meet for lunch. I already had plans to meet Adri, so we all had lunch in Cumbaya and afterwards we got the bus to Quito.
Once in Quito, the shopping began...a little slowly at first which started to make me feel despondent again, but I perked up no end when Adri passed me a very pretty dress to try on.
A new dress can do marvellous things...two and a half years ago in Copenhagen I found a dress that made me feel like a million dollars and I feel I may now have found the one to take it's place. It's pretty and sexy, can be dressed down with jeans or dressed up.
After the success of the shopping we went to meet some more friends - a couple of girls we met at a party about a month ago. On the way we decided more food was necessary(shopping is tiring work!) and we popped into a really good Mexican which also happens to have a seriously good looking guy working there.
It was lovely to catch up with the girls again and really good for both of us to be with people we don't work with! A few beers followed.
At about 8.30pm we headed towards home (well Adri did), I got dropped off to meet Ursula - where fun, more drinkies and some dancing commenced!
Jim (bless him) came to join us and I regaled him with what a marvellous day I was having!
In the end there was just the guys who own the bar, myself, Ursula and her fella - so we put on any music we liked, danced a lot more and chatted. I laughed loads and a huge grin in my face.
At one point though, the conversation turned to love. Ursula was adamant that the kind of love our parents share (in my case) and shared in hers, no longer existed. Her parents story is an amazing one of love and patience.
I, on the other hand, do believe in love. I have been lucky enough to love and be loved. I truly hope it will happen for me again and that the next one may be the one that lasts the distance - who knows? Even though my previous loves have not ended in marriage, they have all been important to my life in different ways. I don't know when love will come again and I'm not actively looking for it. I just hope that at some point in my life, the time will be right and I will find it again.
A little after getting up I saw a photo that added to the feeling of being out of kilter.
However, luckily there was also a text from Yvette...a text chat ensued with an arrangement to meet for lunch. I already had plans to meet Adri, so we all had lunch in Cumbaya and afterwards we got the bus to Quito.
Once in Quito, the shopping began...a little slowly at first which started to make me feel despondent again, but I perked up no end when Adri passed me a very pretty dress to try on.
A new dress can do marvellous things...two and a half years ago in Copenhagen I found a dress that made me feel like a million dollars and I feel I may now have found the one to take it's place. It's pretty and sexy, can be dressed down with jeans or dressed up.
After the success of the shopping we went to meet some more friends - a couple of girls we met at a party about a month ago. On the way we decided more food was necessary(shopping is tiring work!) and we popped into a really good Mexican which also happens to have a seriously good looking guy working there.
It was lovely to catch up with the girls again and really good for both of us to be with people we don't work with! A few beers followed.
At about 8.30pm we headed towards home (well Adri did), I got dropped off to meet Ursula - where fun, more drinkies and some dancing commenced!
Jim (bless him) came to join us and I regaled him with what a marvellous day I was having!
In the end there was just the guys who own the bar, myself, Ursula and her fella - so we put on any music we liked, danced a lot more and chatted. I laughed loads and a huge grin in my face.
At one point though, the conversation turned to love. Ursula was adamant that the kind of love our parents share (in my case) and shared in hers, no longer existed. Her parents story is an amazing one of love and patience.
I, on the other hand, do believe in love. I have been lucky enough to love and be loved. I truly hope it will happen for me again and that the next one may be the one that lasts the distance - who knows? Even though my previous loves have not ended in marriage, they have all been important to my life in different ways. I don't know when love will come again and I'm not actively looking for it. I just hope that at some point in my life, the time will be right and I will find it again.
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