Wildliferama!

Seen loads and loads of animals. They reckon the place we just visited is as good as the Amazon for variety of animals. They have panthers and puma, loads of monkeys, sloths, crocodiles and cayman and lots of birds and snakes. I loved it. I am (sadly) an animal planet fanatic and know loads of factoids about animals. So it was great getting right in there to see them.

We left the beach early on Saturday and took a bus to Totuguero National Park. It is a protected area as it is the only area left in the world where green back turtles still nest. Unfortunately as the leave the Nicaraguan poachers are still killing them. It was a beautiful trip and we had to take two boats. There were huge crocodiles along the way. They said they can reach 6m in length and could smash our boat with their tails (I got a bit scared then especially when we saw a baby and they said the mum must be nearby and could get angry). We stopped in a little town with the river on one side and the sea on the other. It was a nice place unfortunately our room was a bit damp and stinky - but we only had one night.

The next day we took a boat tour along the canals right through the jungle. We saw loads of crocodile and cayman and I got a great picture of a crocodile head with the teeth out. There were lots of monkeys who were very cute doing their thing in the trees. A snake even dropped right into our boat - luckily it got right out again. We saw some tree snakes and could get right up close. I have some great photos to put on tomorrow. We had a nice lunch and then went on a jungle walk. I was very scared as there was a massive crocodile right by the boat as we got out and our guide had just been telling us horror stories about people being eaten. We walked into the jungle and saw lots of poisoness snakes. Apparently you only have one hour if you are bitten. Luckily the were snoozing and were totally disinterested in us- they only come out at night. We spotted a sloth - I was disappointed as it was so far away but at least we saw one.

We then took the boat out of the national park and arrived here in La Fortuna near Arenal volcano jut a few hours ago. We have splashed out on a lovely hotel with a pool and balcony with rocking chairs. We have had 3 early mornings in a row and I am looking forward to a lay-in and relaxing tomorrow. I will post photos then too.

Monkey Attack

Gareth was attacked today by a bunch of cheeky monkeys. We went snorkeling in the morning on the reef then were dropped off in the jungle where there is a walk back to the town alongside the beach. There are sloths, monkeys (like the one in Friends) and a whole load more creepy crawly animals (especially big spiders) along the way. As we arrived we went to have some lunch on the beach. I was watching the cute monkeys when suddenly 2 of them start charging towards me. I realised they were after Gareth´s cake he had just taken out. They ambushed him hanging off his shirt and grabbing the cake right out of his hands. A whole load of other monkeys saw the fun and Gareth was surrounded minus his lunch. I thought it was very funny. Gareth says he´s going back to kill them later. Unfortunately I didn´t have my camera but at the next stop I hope to snap loads of monkey shots.

We went for a lovely walk yesterday but have mainly been chilling on the beach. It´s like Swiss Family Robinson here. So deserted and wild. I love it! I´m still eating all the seafood and doing my share of napping. Great!

Costa Rica

Been in Costa Rica for a couple of days now. I am having a nightmare with this keyboard as it's a Spanish one but all the keys are in the wrong place so forgive any weird mistakes. When we arrived we stayed in a hotel near the airport which was nice but very American orientated - for the spring breakers.

We then took a bus to the Caribbean Coast to a little town called Puerto Viejo (I spotted 2 sloths on the way). The town has about 5 main roads that are all dusty tracks and is really chilled out. You have to wait at least an hour after ordering any food. It's a different pace of life to crazy Mexico City. We were lucky to find a place to stay as when we arrived it was a mad rush as this place is tiny. I was so lucky to be pointed towards this lovely hotel. It feels like a tropical paradise - little paths through lush plants. It's so noisy at night though as there is so much wildlife. I think we have monkeys chucking stuff on the roof. Last night I heard howler monkeys - really loud. Luckily no scorpions yet - I hate them. We have fitted right in and have not really moved from our hammocks except to take a swim and a stroll on the beach - even that was too energetic for me and I had to lie down. The seafood is great and the fruit lovely and fresh. I will post photos soon.

A long, long night

I am doing parent conferences tonights. I started at half 3 and don't finish till half 7. It's a bugger of an evening. As usual some of the parents haven't bothered to show up. It's not like I want to be here either. Anyway it does give me time to mess about on the computer. Thank god it was fixed before this night or I would have been so bored.

I had a really good start to the week. I went to the gym 3 times. I am trying to get fit to get into a bikini. I only have 4 more days. But I don't care anymore as I just need a holiday. The kids are shattered and driving me mad. Tomorrow is a half day and the Easter bunny is coming. Great!

Waste of time

Yesterday we woke up and got up at 7am!! Not good on a Saturday. We had to go to Toluca (a little town near here) to get our police check done for our new school. We were a bit jaded as we had been to see Lily Allen the night before and ended up being out till all hours. We got a lift with our friends - Ben and Maz (who are also moving to Vietnam) because they have a car. Ben and Gareth were a bit worse for wear as they had too much vodka, us girls weren't so bad but a bit tired from getting up so early with no sleep. We drove all the way there and found it was bloody closed. I was so pissed off. So it turns out we went all the way to a shit town just to have breakfast and come back. Big waste of time.

On the up side the concert was great. We met the band afterwards who were pretty cool but not Lily Allen, which is probably a good thing as she said she hated teachers and there were about 20 of us there. Good move! She was a precocious little madam but I suppose that's what makes her music like it is. Considering she boozed and smoked all through the concert I was surprised she had such a great voice. She did some excellent acoustic stuff. I was very impressed. All round a good night out.

No electricity

We have had no electricity since last night (almost 24 hours)- at last it's back on. I have realised how much more productive I am without it. I came home and did the washing up, went to the shops to stock up on food (we had none after the weekend away which was a good thing as the freezer and fridge weren't working) and read a book. We should have a day without it each week. Here I am straight back on the computer sat in front of the telly!

I am reading an interesting book at the moment (a bit heavy) called The God Delusion. You've probably heard of it as it's been around in the news lately. The author is a biologist and puts forward his argument as to why there can be no god based on genealogy and analysis of human behaviour. One of the points he makes (that made me chuckle) was that if Jesus had been put to death in this day and age we would all be walking around wearing little electric chairs on chains round our necks. The analysis of the bible makes me realise how barbaric it is and how much god seemed to endorse going into various cities and abusing and killing the non-religious (children and animals included). One of my friends said today that it must be depressing to think there is nothing after death, but the way the book is written is very positive and leaves room to make your own decisions. I'm not sure what I believe but I definitely don't think organised religion makes you a good person and not having it makes you bad as many people appear to believe. Oh well enough serious talk! Better get dinner on as Gareth is at a parent evening and I want him to come home and relax.

Back to school blues

It was so painful having to get up for school this morning after chilling all weekend. I have a busy week as I am performing in the choir concert this Thursday and have to learn a piano, guitar and 3 cello parts tomorrow - I've kind of been putting it off for ages. I can't wait for the term to be over - just 8 more days then Costa Rica!

On the up side I had some great sushi for lunch from the tuck-shop - I am worried I might have it everyday it was so yum. So much for the diet!

Pie de la Cuesta

Aaah romantic sunset!

Views from the hotel

View from my hammock

Heading back on the bus (I wasn't very cheerful)

We have just got back from a long weekend at the beach. It's weekends like this that I realise why we are here. It was so relaxing and the weather was perfect. I ate octopus and prawns all day yesterday. Nothing better than lying in a hammock sleeping and eating all day - I managed to read 3 books and take many naps. Great!

Being rubbish

I have been really rubbish at writing here. But everything has been so busy. I have been getting reports done and the kids are really tired after a long term with no half term holiday. I can't wait till this weekend - we are off to Pie de la Cuesta a little beach near Acapulco. It's really peaceful and has beautiful sunsets over the beach. I need a break so badly.

We went to see Razor Light this Monday. I felt really rebellious going out on a school night but we didn't stay too late and I took it easy on the beer. I am far too sensible than to risk a a hangover with 30 six year old kids screaming at me all day - it's really not nice.

At last I have updated this after meaning to all week - hopefully I will have some nice photos to put here after our weekend.

International fair and Coldplay

We went to the school international fair yesterday. There are stands form all over the world with food from each country. I pigged out big time and was stuffed by the evening. It was roasting hot and we all had plenty of beer to cool us down which made me a bit groggy in the heat. In the evening we went to see Coldplay. I always really disliked their music. But I have a new found respect for them. Their performance was excellent - their music is so much better live. I felt a bit sorry for the security guys when Chris Martin jumped off into the crowd and he disappeared in the mob. Very daring to do that in Mexico - you never know what might happen! All round a great day and evening. I couldn't wait to get home to bed though after my day of excess.

My beautiful garden!

My grass had a cut yesterday and the plants are looking so nice no it's hot. So here are the photos for you mum!

Yuck

Got rid of my yucky pink page. Every time I opened it I felt sick so it had to go. This is a bit more relaxing!

Hot, hot, hot

It's suddenly got really hot here. It was the hottest day of the year so far today. It was roasting out in the sun but the great thing is it's not cold in the mornings any more. There's nothing worse than having to run for the shower and shivering when you get out.

Mum gave me a really nice skirt for my birthday and it eventually reached me in the crappy Mexican post. So here are some photos as promised mum. Along with my flowers which are going crazy on the hot weather (I thought I had killed these ones off as everyone else's had flowers but they have suddenly started growing again). xx

Sick note

I feel really crap tonight and don't think I'll be in school tomorrow. There has been a bug going round in my class making the kids really sick. Luckily I don't get sick very easily but I do have a temperature now and was a bit out of it earlier. It's my easy day tomorrow so not too much cover for the other teachers.

I decided to change my blog. I hope it's not too vomit-inducing. I fancied a bit of a retro look, but it's a bit limiting in the colours you can choose so it's not quite what I imagined.

We're planning to go to Costa Rica for Easter. Gareth is a very good holiday planner so I'm leaving it all to him (I think he enjoys it too). I am so excited and am counting down the weeks. Only five more!

Health kick

A very healthy weekend (apart from the brownies, fried breakfast and ice-cream) but I went to the gym on Saturday and Sunday so I am chuffed with myself. I have been having moments of panic all week since I realised I had put on about half a stone. I know it's not much but I don't want to be one of those women who wake up and realise they have put on 2 stone and can't figure out how. So I am on a health-kick this week. No tuck-shop food and to the gym at least 3 times this week. I want to look good for Vietnam too where all the ladies are tiny and will ask "why you so fat?" if you are any more than a size twelve. My Vietnamese friends has been telling me about this and says I should get used to it. They're not being rude, they're just direct. Scary! I dread the day I get asked about being fat - I tell Gareth I'll be so cool about it but I might just flip out.

I have another facial and a massage to look forward to this week. Two hours of pampering. I can't wait. That will be my treat for being healthy!

Planet day

We had planet day in school today. The kids all dressed up as a planet of their choice and they looked brilliant. As I had promised I would wear a costume, then forgot, it was lucky that I wore a green top and jeans - Earth! So I managed to blag it.

I had a facial on Thursday and loved it. I had never done one before and it was so relaxing I woke myself up with a snort. Luckily the lady had nipped out to do stuff so I think she missed my horrible noises. Part of it was quite painful as she squeezes out any crap - I thought she was going to break my face but it did look clean afterwards. I have booked in for next week too and there is an offer for a free massage so I'm having that too. Lovely!

I am so glad it's the weekend. I've been really busy this week as loads of teachers have been ill and not in work. I still can't get used to not having a half term now. My British kids keep asking when it's coming. Gemma is off and has been having relaxing week. I have been very jealous. On the up-side it's getting really warm now - about 30C in the day. I love the sun.

Eye operations and a girls lunch

Had a busy weekend. Gareth had laser eye surgery so he could see without glasses. It was horrible watching him go through it. I didn't realise how much of a real operation it would be. He had to wear scrubs and everything! I watched the operation from the other side of a window. It looked horrible and I wanted to hug poor Gareth. He didn't know I could see him. While he was waiting for the second part of the operation (after having a hole cut in his cornea) he was fidgeting about like crazy - all the other patients were just sleeping. It is incredible now. I had to help him home where he had a nap for a couple of hours after the operation then got up and was absolutely fine and can see perfectly. Amazing what they can do with science now!

Went for a really nice lunch today with 3 friends. We went into town to a gorgeous little side street restaurant. It was really sunny and there were plants hanging everywhere I felt like I was on holiday. We did far too much chatting. One of my friends is getting married in 6 weeks so she is set on an intense time of working out, growing her nails and eating healthily. I decided to join her as I have been really pigging out lately. I think 6 weeks is a short enough period of time to concentrate. Any longer and I loose interest. After lunch we had a wonder round the park. Great day out. Shame we have school tomorrow.

Long week

I thought this week would seem reallt short as we had the Monday off school, but it has dragged like crazy. Thank god it's the weekend. We went on school trip yesterday to the kids museum in the city. I didn't realise today that the reason I couldn't sleep was because I felt really stressed about being in charge of the trip. There are 4 teachers in my team but I am the coordinator so if anything went wrong - all my fault. It all went pretty smoothly apart from the museum's disorganisation on our arrival. It took them 2 hours to check us in - they had accepted too many school in one day and it was really packed. I felt quite stressed moving about the museum with so many other children in there and the exhibits were packed out. The reason we went was for the sky dome - a space simulation. It was excellent with flying meteors that looked the size of sky-scrapers flying right at you. Pretty cool. Some of the kids were scared but I told them to shut their eyes as I was loving it.

I was very annoyed when we left as we weren't allowed to take in food. I can understand the kids no being let in but adults too. I had a big bag of left over juice and sandwiches from their lunches which they would need later and was told to put it in the paqueteria. When we got it back all the unopened chocolates and drinks had been taken. Bloody Mexican rules they are so anal sometimes and then can't be trusted!

Today was easy as it was 100 days of school. We each taught one lesson to do with 100 and the classes rotated to each teacher. I did a mosaic with 100 tiles with each class. I felt really redundant as the kids just got on with it. I ended up chatting outside my room while they worked. Great!

Too late

Really annoyed today as we had a request for interview in Malaysia. It was from one of the best schools - one of the ones we really wanted along with the one we accepted. It' so frustrating that it took them this long to get references and decide they liked us when we applied beore December. It would have been good to have a choice of schools. I do believe that we have made the best choice though and am so excited to move to Vietnam. It's also good to know we are doing the right thing and they liked us. Maybe next time we move!

Poker night

We watched the American football last night. It was long and boring and all the girls and some blokes got fed up. When it ended we decided to play poker. Maz and I had no idea what we were doing and were having a good banter while playing. To the disgust of the boys we both managed to win. Great! I am poker queen!

I am slobbing out again. Although I have bothered to get out of my pyjamas today and am squeeky clean. We're watching Shameless which I love. It's so funny, but sadly so real. I love the mad lady who plays a great insane woman.