Wednesday 27 July 2011

Problems from the start!

Ok so just doing a few things to prepare me for the year abroad, and so far it is not going to well, and my mum is adamant that when I land, all hell will break loose and I will be on the news and everything! I am loving the sense of pride she has!!

So there I was planning on getting some currency for when I am out there, may be useful, so went into Tesco's (which has just been refurbished) and went up to there new Travel Money kiosk, there was this boy (yes boy, not man) sitting behind the desk,

'Can I help you sir?'
'Yeah, I was just wondering if you exchanged Lempira here?'
' ....... (Blankest expression ever!) Sorry what?'

Exactly!  Didn't even know what one was and he is supposed to be the bloody travel money advisor!!

So he goes 'Bear with me a sec ...'  types something into his computer and then goes to talk to his supervisor , this old scottish lady comes over and he looks at her with the most confused expression I have ever seen and so then she nods, glances at the screen and says to me, 'So where is it you are going?' to which I reply 'Honduras, it is just below Mexico in Central America'

To which she then begins an argument with me over the fact that it is actually in South America! I am literally struggling to keep myself from laughing at this point at the hilarity of it all, and then hear her say through the microphone thingy 'Probs best to get dollars then ma'love'

Right so that went off to a great start didn't it? brilliant! Can't wait for the adventures that await me in the country where I can't actually spend any money because I can't get any!

Till next time,

Ciao!

Sunday 24 July 2011

The Journey Begins

Ok so here I go, hopefully the first blog post of many.

My Journey Begins

Very shortly (just over 2 weeks now) I will be getting on a plane with seven other volunteers to go and spend a year abroad with Project Trust in Honduras, teaching small under privileged children the skills needed in conversational english. This is such a huge thing for me, as it means having to move away from those home comforts we have all come to enjoy. I think the small things will get me soon, like not hearing the sound of laughter coming from the other room, not being welcomed by a loud session of barking every time I walk in the door, the smell of someone baking in the kitchen, all of these things may sound ever so trivial to you, but to me, these are the things that I think make a home, and are things I wish to take with me (ok maybe not my dogs, I am only allowed 20 kgs!!) just being able to have a laugh in tough situations and to make myself and others feel at home as much as possible, otherwise this year is never going to happen!

I will soon be having to pack my suitcase with all of the teaching supplies I have been buying on eBay, like bulk packets of blutac and board pens, things that are hard to get overseas, this alone seems weird as I am packing for a career in teaching, when I really don't have a clue what I am doing, but still, this is what makes adventure I suppose. I have never been one to sit idly by, I always jump in and especially work well under pressure, so I know things will get done, even if it takes me a while. I just have to thank those closest to me now, for all of the help they have given and will give me in the next few weeks and months. I couldn't have done it without a few of you and you will be eternally thanked for all of your help!

Well it was my leaving party last night, and while I did have a bit to drink, I still managed to see the reason behind the evening, saying goodbye to those I may not be able to see again. I will honestly miss you all so much and I will think of everyone who has helped me get to Honduras and who has helped me get to where I am today. Without any of you, I would have never even chosen to go travelling, or even been inspired to teach, I have to say that the people around me have influenced my character greatly, without them even realising it, making me more tolerant of certain things and people, more wary of certain situations, and more wary of how to treat people in all different kinds of situations.

Thank you to everyone, honestly from the bottom of my heart, I will miss you all.

Hopefully next blog to come soon, before I depart (be prepared to read some panicked text!)

Ciao!!