Dad, travels, music and Precious

May 27^th 2012

Seriously debated whether I should stop writing my blog, but know there a few die hards out there that still follow what I am up to so here goes……(and again apologies for length of time inbetween write ups but somehow now I’m not out here doing my volunteer bit, some of my life just seems rather ‘normal’ so not sure whether still worth reading about!!)

I’m sure most of you are aware just from my few facebook posts, that my Dad died on March 10^th.  (same day as my darling Meg’s birthday – odd isn’t it how life and death have special coincidences, same really today, as is Jono’s birthday as well as being my Mum’s birthday).  Anyway, knew about a week before Dad went that it wasn’t going to be long, but have to say Dad still managed to hang on longer than anyone expected that week.  Jacky rang me on the Friday evening to say they were all with him now as it wasn’t going to be long. Very difficult to be thousands of miles away, and obviously was quite upset, but felt compelled to play the piano to Dad one last time.  I wanted to play Abide with Me to him, as this was his favourite hymn, and one that I had played for him at Christmas when I last saw him.  Rushed to get laptop charged up, printer connected, then frantic search for music on internet….. all the while dreading that Dad would pass away before I had a chance to play… and as you know, if you try to do anything at speed here in Africa you will get extremely stressed…. Anyway music found, rang Jacky back and asked her to put her phone on loud speaker, propped my phone on piano and played  to Dad, tears streaming down my face, but felt at that point that I was there with my family and Dad in his last hours.  He died the following morning. 

Only later that day when chatting to Jacky did she tell me that it was one of those ‘black humour’ moments, as touched as they were by my wanting to play and ‘be with them’, the distortion of sound of my playing (I think because the vibrations from the piano on my mobile phone) made it sound to them that I was playing underwater…… and stifled giggles, which of course no-one can stifle in the end, were had by all of them!! 

I managed to spend nearly two weeks back in UK, and had some very special times, especially Mother’s Day with my two boys, gardening with my sis, saw Cherry and the kids, Sarah, Anne, Liz and Lee and of course catching up with loads of family and friends at Dad’s funeral who I hadn’t seen for such a long time.  We gave Dad an excellent send off, some very special memories shared especially when our family was complete with Mum.  I played the organ at the funeral, beautifully accompanied by Anne of the flute, and of course, wrote a poem to Dad:

Dear Dad……

81 years, now that’s quite an innings

Memories of laughter, fun, music and singing

Of sitting on Dad’s lap, with stories and cuddles

Of walks on Epsom Common, jumping in puddles.

Sunday roasts as a family, ‘’something special’ a highlight

Our sweet treat once a week which never failed to delight

Walnut whips, mintolas, or would it be munchies?

Dairy milk, fruit & nut, whole nut or crunchie?

Exact accounting principles applied to our pocket money

 ‘John’s Jolly Jaunts’ that we all found so funny

You went off to Africa disturbing a robber

None of us knew you could give such a clobber.

You were never known for doing anything at speed

Decorating, mowing the grass, trimming hedges, making tea

Your driving was terrible Dad, a fact we all knew

But a quiet patient man, a gentleman through and through.

A man of few words, but such a great walker

And as a child at times I felt like a stalker

I’d watch you decorate, I’d imitate your funny faces as you shaved

The smell of Wrights Cold tar soap evokes memories forever saved

Yes of course there were times when we didn’t see eye to eye

Or coping as a family after our Mum died

But only in later years do you look back and reflect

Of such a happy family whose times were the best

My last time with you Dad, was on Christmas Day

A morning that I think was special in many ways

It started with food, you laughed it was now mush

But you ate it with relish bemoaning its slush

What’s your favourite hymn Dad? Abide with Me

So I played that and Christmas Carols, and it was plain to see

The twinkle in your eyes, the smile on your face

As we ended our sing-a-long with the Hokey Kokey played at pace

Dear Dad, Grandpa, Great Grandpa, John, your legacy is long

And your step family, you loved and made to belong

That’s 20 in total plus two brides

We hope you have looked back on your life with pride.

Your final night with us was hard for us all

And thousands of miles away when I got the call

Compelled to play the piano one last time, Abide with Me I play

We were all there with you Dad, Rest in Peace, we all say.

Saying goodbye as we’ve all had time to do

Has proven so difficult, but Dad, we all love you

Thank you for being our Dad through life’s ups and downs

God bless you, dear Dad, our memories of you are sound

Bizarrely, having seen Anne on the Monday at Dad’s funeral, we then met on the Friday in Zanzibar and had a fab ‘girlie’ holiday.  The diving there was absolutely amazing, the gin and tonics were plentiful, the location….. paradise!    Definitely a  place to return to.

Have also done a bit of travelling within Kenya since last written, been to Watamu (one of my favourite places- about an hour north from here).  Didn’t take dive stuff this time, as wanted to enjoy some of the places there I never have had time to visit as normally underwater.  I was with my friend Michele from the charity, and we visited a turtle sanctuary, and went with one of the guys from the base to reclaim a couple of turtles that had got caught in fishing nets.  They are running a really incredible programme there which has educated the local fisherman about not killing and selling the turtles they catch inadvertently, but to ring the base, turtles collected, small amount of money paid to fisherman and turtles returned to water.  And guess who got to repatriate the turtles with the sea…… yes, me and Michele….what a feeling…… like that moment in Free Willy!!   Sadly a bit later, in a very ‘local’ canoe going over to the other side of the creek, we saw what happens when fisherman slaughter a turtle, with remains, blood and shell discarded but meat taken for sale. 

Also been to Taita Hills and Shimba Hills with my friend Lillian from work, great walking, stunning views.  

Given that I’m writing this blog on May 27^th, must say a very happy birthday to my baby!!!.... now 25 years old – Happy Birthday Jono!!!!  ¼ century, boy does that make me feel old!! Strangely though, never felt younger…. Although body suffering from me launching myself into a netball game, with my head obviously thinking I was still 16, body said otherwise as felt like I’d been run over by a steamroller for the next 4 days!!

Talking of birthdays, did a video special for pal Sarah for her 50^th as couldn’t make the party of the year (apart from the Queen’s of course), and of course a poem, yes I know, another one, but this way my poems get kept forever…. Wish I’d kept all the others written over the years!

Kids at Precious still very precious!!!  Apart from returning after being away for quite a while because of Dad and then holidays, when they ‘sulked’ for the whole lesson to punish me for being away!!  Anyway, we’re writing dialogues at the moment which is just hilarious, especially as I get them to act them out!!!  We’re going to be doing a big fun raise at posh school soon to raise money for the land fund so we can actually get a proper school built for them….. so stand by for pleas for some dosh.  We’re planning a sponsored swim, from dawn to dusk to see how many kilometres can be swum in a day – the Precious kids will also come up for some of the day so they too can swim (with or without floats – who cares!) so that should be amazing. 

Oh, and music update.... it's frantic, happily teaching 4 children here, first one doing her grade 1 in a couple of weeks, accompanied Alberto, local opera star, also done quite a big concert here with choir and Classic 5, to appreciative audiences..... well they have to appreciate us as we're the only musicians here!!  Played at a wedding - definitely the way to get invited to all the great parties here in Mombasa, another booking already for July!, and a farewell concert coming up in a couple of weeks to our bassoon player, who's off to Singapore..... Classic 5 soon to be Classic 4!!  Gosh, don't I look serious when I play!!

Think that’s all the headlines for now…. Love to you all,   Nicky xxxxxx

Now and then update! Happy New Year!!

Now:  January 28^th 2012

Yes, I know, it’s been a long time since I’ve posted anything, but it’s been kind of crazy!  I had started a bit of a write at end of November (see below) and have just added some key bits that have happened in last two months.  In tonight, sad I know as its Saturday, but got bitten on the inside of my arm yesterday at school by something a bit bizarre, haven’t got a clue what as it didn’t hurt at the time, but started swelling steadily, and then this morning swelling was from my elbow right down to my hand….. did my piano lessons, then went to rehearsal for show accompanying in, and by end, fingers tinkling, swelling really starting to hurt and whole area really really hot…. So off to local walk-in hospital, double steroid injection, anti inflammatory tabs, antihistimen etc etc and now am completely wiped out.  Swelling definitely reducing, if slowly…. Was meant to be diving tomorrow but not a good idea me thinks……So hence time to write blog!!! 

Probably not my best bit of writing I’ve ever done, but better than nothing and two months summarised onto 3 pages and I apologise for my choice of music on the video of Precious kids snorkelling but was struggling to find tracks about water, and anyway, it’s a track that just makes me smile and coupled with the kids from Precious, I dare you not to smile when you watch it!!!  Happy New Year everyone!!

Then:  Saturday 19^th November

Oh and just the best best day ever…. Standard 6 going snorkelling!    Now this couldn’t be missed, even though the said date was the day that I had eventually pinned down the only decent piano tuner in the whole of Kenya (based in Nairobi) to tune my piano ….. yes it had taken 2 ½ months to pin him down.  Tough decision?  Complete no brainer actually….. a tuned piano, or snorkelling with standard 6? 

Had probably the best day ever with them!   They looked so very smart…. Madam Jane had made sure they were all dressed smartly and all had shoes on….. well we were at the Voyager Hotel!  Seeing them practising in the big pool there with their snorkels, confidently swimming in deep end was just amazing.  The hotel then gave us all lunch: sausage and chips, and lashings of ketchup.  Well standard 6 couldn’t quite believe it, but behaved impeccably.  We sat at big round tables, with table cloths, cutlery, glasses etc, and I watched in awe as these wonderful kids waited until everyone had got their food in front of them before they started, politely passed around the ketchup…. again… and again…. and again.  Oh, and then questions about what the implements were by the plate, yes, that’s a knife Steven, yes, hold it in your right hand, yes that’s a fork Steven, hold it in your left hand.  Now what do I do Madame Nicky??  But you know everyone of those kids used the utensils, and for most of them that would have been the first time in their lives they had used a knife and fork.  One of those ‘special moments’ for me I can tell you.  

And seeing their faces in the boat…. Another first for all of them as none had ever been in a boat, let alone one with a glass bottom.  The delight when they saw all the different fish and starfish is indescribable….. there are no words that I can use to capture their faces, the squeals of excitement that accompanied the whole journey, and the satisfaction of being out in the sea with these kids (who under a year ago could not swim at all) snorkelling and delighting in having such an incredible experience… And you know you could also the terror on their faces in getting into the sea, which again is another first being right out at sea…. although do have to say it did look like a scene out of Titanic at one time with them clinging on the floats first of all!   But they were not going to miss it for the world – so, so determined to embrace every opportunity.  Enjoy video and excuse my choice of music.... but as I said it did resemble a Titanic scene at times!!

  http://www.facebook.com/pages/GVI-Precious-Vision-Care-Centre/177517022265423?ref=ts#!/video/video.php?v=309765072407516

 What on earth really must go through their heads after they spend a day in a ‘western hotel, with all its luxuries? …. I know I never see resentment or envy from them…. They just seem to take things all in their stride, and enjoy and absorb it all with a wonderful innocence and delight. Oh my, do we have some things to learn from these kids!!

Saturday 26^th November

Where does it say in the ‘life’ rule book, that if you’re good at something then you get dumped on more to cover up those who are not so good?  Yes, having a bit of rant…. currently on my way back from Nairobi after having to accompany a teacher and secondary athletics team to an event up here.  One day up on bus (11 hours) one day event, and current journey home.   Reason I had to go, they needed a female member of staff who was a ‘disciplinarian’ not only for the kids but would watch the teacher who they have concerns about!   Mmmmm, so had to do inordinate amount of preparation for cover lessons for year 6, get reports finished early, whilst juggling rehearsals every night for pantomime (more about that later) and ‘The Classic Five’.

Mind you it all started off really well, I was ready outside my block of flats at said time (very early), with ruck sack, pillow, supplies for the journey (as food at posh school notoriously bad and didn’t fancy the promised chicken that would be offered for lunch but not kept in cool box), lap top, kindle, ipod (all now essential items for me!).  Ah, posh school bus sighted…. Pick up rucksack, pillow, supplies, go out gate….bus goes straight by…. Try to ring  but phone engaged…go back inside gate, put everything down, phone rings…. Ah yes, forgot to stop, on our way back for you…. Bus seen coming back…. Pick up rucksack, pillow, supplies…. Go out gate…. Bus goes straight past! Is this a comedy show I’m starring in…. are there secret cameras filming my reaction?  Phone goes again… ah yes, we were going too fast to stop, turning round… on our way back for you.  I don’t move now until the bus is actually stopped in front of me! There is something wonderfully hilarious and frustrating about being in Africa!!!

Aside from that, the kids were absolutely brilliant, accommodation not too bad… but then I do rank everything against Seychelles experience, so positively deluxe really!  Yes, as expected had to fish colleague out of bar late at night so he could ‘supervise’ the boys ….unsurprisingly planned departure home at 6.30am didn’t happen as he was too hung over to get out of bed… me and kids ready and waiting… gritted teeth, fixed smile, and eventually home.  Never again!!!

Early December: 

Pantomime:  Little Red Riding Hood, a triumph.  Long hours of rehearsals, but great fun in the end although exhausting….. but glad I did it (not on stage by the way, just being a session musician in the pit playing piano).  

Last week of Christmas term: 

Posh school music concert.  Two weeks before music teacher went on compassionate leave so muggins here had to pick up all the rehearsals….. the show must go on!  And go on it did!!!  Great fun actually…. Was told that each class had to do a poem and a song, so decided to do it slightly differently for my class, and did a bit of a ‘sister act’ with them.  A medley of carols, starting with straight version for each, but then following verses rewritten a la Nicky humour, mild mickey take of posh school, but was absolutely hilarious.  Kids dressed as choirboys first of all then ripping of their outfits to reveal other ones underneath….. something for everyone, we got the nativity scene in, three kings, Rudolf, angels and of course Father Christmas.  Comments from parents – the best thing they’ve ever seen at the school!!!! Classic 5 opened and closed the concert which was also fab. An exhausting but rewarding last week of term.

Last day of term:

Decided to introduce my kids to chocolate game and railway riot – excellent fun.  At party for staff afterwards and got call from Jacky saying Dad very poorly and asking for me, so hot footed over to UK to see him.  Forty degree drop in temperature, still wearing flip flops when got to hospital, but so good to see Dad who had rallied tremendously.  I had some lovely moments with Dad in the couple of weeks I stayed in UK, and great to catch up with my boys, Megs, friends, family and was really looked after well by Liz and Sarah and Mark who made room at their inns for me. 

Poignant but hysterical time with dad on Christmas morning. Jono came with me and I ended up playing some carols for dad on the piano there, which resulted in all the residents have a bit of a Christmas singalong.  If you can imagine the scene of about 15 residents, most of whom have Altzeimers, singing away, shouting out requests, and then crazily finishing with hokey kokey.  Trust me, it was hilarious but very special.  Hard to say goodbye to Dad, but so very pleased I went over to see him.   

Given that Dad had rallied, Jacky still came out to Kenya, so we did the Maasai bit and then here in Mombasa for New Year.  So lovely to have time with my sis – we reckon it’s actually the first time we’ve properly holidayed together on our own.  Yes, more safari photos for you to view!!!

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Update on Dad is that he is now in the final stages of Parkinsons, and is having to be fed mushed up food as the muscles in the back of his throat are not working efficiently so some food does get into his lungs, but apart from the fact that it’s mushed, at least Dad is now eating…. Which has always been a number one enjoyment for Dad!!

Now:

Been back at school 3 weeks now, certainly more confident about what I’m doing than I was at beginning of previous term.  Very pleased with myself in that I was approached by posh school boss who wanted me to take up the deputy headteacher post in the secondary school. …… and… I turned it down!  How proud am I of myself for deciding that work/life balance, my music (have started piano teaching again – just 4 pupils but loving it!, playing in concert accompanying local opera singer in two weeks) and more importantly being able to still go to Precious every week is far more important to me now…… who would have thought eh?  Pictures below of standard 7 (as they are now, in their new classroom!) increasing their vocabulary after I banned words like ‘nice, said, big’ etc in their writing!!  And boy are some of them beginning to write some great stuff now!!!  Madam Jane was delighted with all their final exam results from Standard 6 (year finishes at Christmas) as all their averages had jumped up as their command of English and importantly reading of book increases – great news!!

Another whirlwind month.....

Saturday 29th October


Again it’s a long time since I’ve written, but life just seems to be a bit of a blur at the moment. I’ve managed to survive my first half term of primary school teaching….. along with endless bureaucracy …… assessments on one sheet, put same assessments on another sheet, and then again onto computer file…. Lesson plans which are meant to have every single question you ask the kids written down, showing how you differentiate…. Learning objectives…. Learning outcomes….marking on kid’s work when I have given them help in a lesson, and what they have done independently or in groups…. It’s bonkers!!!! On top of all that, the equivalent of independent school OFSTED…. Layer upon layer of ‘stuff’ to do, mock observations that never happened as for first one the observer forgot to come and observe me, then some crisis occurred so second one never happened…. Didn’t get seen much in inspection, but still got my job, so am presuming everyone is happy with me!! Had a hilarious time with my kids on the last day before half term, having finished our ‘Groovy Greeks’ topic work (whoop, whoop)… we were going to have an Ancient Greek Olympics but weather was dire, so it morphed into our very own Greek Idol event. Of course I videoed it, and have to say, I think there will be some showings of this video by parents on these kids 18th birthdays to completely embarrass them!! Would love to publish it to you all but have no doubt there will even be some red tape here which will not allow me to show it publically.

Hotel Nicky, Mombasa has also been quite busy – my friend and fellow volunteer Michele came out again for a couple of weeks and stayed with me. Oh I felt very spoilt coming home to freshly made cakes and a meal cooked for me every night! She managed to distribute and sort all the books for Precious so the kids there now have a library with over 1000 books – fantastic!! My dear friends Sarah and Mark came out for a week, which coincided with half term here. They also brought out stuff for me (cheese!! – amazing how the priorities move on, but you’ll be pleased to know that knickers are back on the list for when my sister comes out after Christmas!) but more importantly for Precious – loads donated by fellow partners in John Lewis, and sponsors of the Olympics: footballs, football boots, Frisbees, skipping ropes, official mascots for Olympics, watches, make up kids, pens, pencils, craft bits. Sarah did a fab talk to the older kids at Precious about the Olympics and all kids saw the ‘mascot’ DVD….. and then it was Christmas Day for the kids with every child receiving some sort of gift. Great fun to see the kids’ excitement as well as Mark pretending he could still play football with the kids! The weather had been unbelievable in the two weeks previous to their visit….. rain, rain, rain, and more rain, so much in fact that Mombasa was underwater in many areas…. And it was very cold! Sarah and Mark brought the sunny weather over from the UK (sorry!), and we had a great week together, spending a few days up in Watamu (no, nowhere near the Somalian border). I did some amazing dives there, seeing sharks, barracuda, dolphins to name drop a few sightings! We rounded their week off with Mark’s birthday (yes I made him a cake and played ‘Happy Birthday’ on the piano!) and went to a dinner/dance at the Mombasa Club, which was hilarious really…. Oh there were some characters there, reminiscent of the old colonial days! But worth the experience of going as normally to get into the club you have to be a member.

 Bit of a story here about second photo..... you might remember Anne naming my furniture as looking like a 1970s porn set, well Mark wanted a photo of me draped on the porn set (Jacky do not read this bit to Dad!!), anyway, it was his birthday so, I dutifully posed..... with clothes!!!

Security wise, everything has been visibly tightened up here (well as much as they are capable of.... mirror check under cars at local supermarket, check boot and.... well that't it.... hopefully no-one will think of having a device under one of the chairs or in a bag on the back seat!!) as Kenya continues to dominate the monopoly on bad stories in the eyes of the world. Mombasa has had its fair share of issues, with quite a few warnings going out to residents and tourists about possible dangers and hoax alerts. However, for anyone that might be remotely worried about me, please be assured I am perfectly safe where I am….. …. and am very much of the attitude that life has to continue as normal (but being sensible obviously).

I continue to go over and teach at Precious each week, and am so delighted with how they’re doing with their writing now. All the teachers at posh school are being really helpful too, sharing resources and ideas to help kick start the kids with their writing as well as extend some of the more able. I’m hoping at some stage to take a few of my year 6’s over to Precious as they have shown an interest in supporting the kids there, and a couple of the teachers have also said they want to come over and help teach. Good stuff!

Our instrumental group has now reached the dizzy heights of fame (sadly, no fortune) in Mombasa – we have been named ‘The Classic Five’ and posters are up everywhere, adverts on local radio, articles and photos in local papers advertising our two concerts that we’re giving on the 10th and 12th of November. It’s a bit worrying that people are now willing to pay to hear us…. does rather add to the pressure….. but am continuing to practise hard and hoping that my nerves do not get the better of me! So anyway, you are all invited if you happen to be in Mombasa!!!!

Social life here is getting a bit crazy now…. Was planning a quiet weekend in, but spent last night with friends at La Marina having a few bevvies and a good catch up, now going to a fancy dress Halloween party tonight (dressed as a bat ….. no comments needed thanks), and off with other friends tomorrow on their boat for a picnic on a sandbar and a bit of snorkelling. Oh, I love Mombasa!!

Thanks to Sarah and Mark, there are some updated photos of me if you follow the two links link… first one is photos from Precious visit, and second one is of us holidaying – key theme throughout…. Eating and drinking! Enjoy!!

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Life as a primary school teacher…..

Sunday 25th September


Sorry for not having written sooner, but life has rather been a bit a whirlwind for the past few weeks. So, life as a primary school teacher…. It’s fair to say I spent the first week or so thinking I’d made a terrible mistake! Like any new job, there was a quite a bit of apprehension for my first day with the kids, and teaching in primary is a whole different ball game than secondary (Miss, I’ve finished my page…. What do I do? Turn the page over I say with a smile and gritted teeth, trying to keep the sarcasm and swear words out of my reply) – really felt like a fish out of water, coupled with mounting frustration with the amount of ‘additional paperwork’ that kept coming as regular curve balls just when I felt I was getting my head above water…… the school has the international equivalent of OFSTED coming up in 3 weeks… so lots of boxes to tick! My mentor, the year 5 teacher however is brilliant with me….. as she quickly worked out that sheer enthusiasm on her part with everything that needed doing was completely panicking me (yes, still would never be able to win a game of poker) and held off nagging me on some less important things (displays, displays, displays) whilst I seemed to spend hours getting my head round what and how I was teaching the little darlings – who, by the way, are lovely!

Three weeks in now, my head is bobbing just above the surface most of the time….. I feel very accepted at the school now by colleagues, parents and kids, and successfully pulled off an ‘awesome’ (not my word I hasten to add) assembly with year 6 on Friday.. World Respect Day. That was not without me losing it completely with the not quite little darlings in their dress rehearsal the day before, telling them that I knew now why I had never taught primary (or drama), and walked out on them so they could contemplate their behaviour! But know that I am making the adjustment as a proper primary teacher now as got disproportionately excited on Wednesday… World Peace Day…. When we had to do some kind of word search to mark the day….. whoop whoop…. Instead of doing English (mmmmm) and enthusiastically by end of the lesson, all had finished said word search, coloured in the shape of puzzle … which was meant to be dove but looked more like a ghost to me…. Mounted them on card and hung them from the multiple hooks that adorn the classroom ceiling… only to find myself rushing to the year 5 teacher extremely excited about how my classroom now looked like a real primary teacher’s classroom  as I had things hanging from the ceiling! Mmmm… simple pleasures. The only thing I know I’ll never get used to though is how all these kids want to hug and touch you….. too much child protection training in previous life I fear….. I visibly recoil!

It’s European Languages Day on Monday…. Yes there’s definitely a common theme at the school of celebrating every damn day that exists on the world calendar, so another day of getting behind on the scheme of work, and instead singing French songs… yes, am helping the music teacher with her activities – c’est bon!!

Talking of music, it’s taken over my life somewhat…. Well the bit that’s left after the school bit…. The instrumental group I play with now has 4 concert bookings for this term, the first in 3 weeks time, and the music I’m having to learn is challenging…. One of them is a piano concerto! So every waking hour I am bashing the ivories (thankfully electric piano now arrived so can plug in headphones and not annoy neighbours), and thoroughly enjoying working up to a standard that I probably haven’t been at since my university days… oh blimey, just realised that was 20 years ago... Where do the decades disappear to? (minor problem now with outfit needed for concerts.... was told I needed to wear my 'little black number'...mmm... What little black number? ..... Doesn't every girl have a little black number?  Not this one - didn't think to pack it in my rucksack last year. Will have to go to second hand market and hope that someone somewhere has donated their little black number in my size!!)  I am also providing piano accompaniment for the Mombasa pantomime (the highlight of many people’s calendars!!), as well as music in and out of assemblies at school on Mondays and Fridays. 

The hardest thing that has happened since being back in Mombasa was saying goodbye to Cherry, who has moved with Dave and kids back to England so they (the kids!) can go to school there. Whilst we had an absolute blast of a last night together (liver still recovering), I then spent the next week wondering why on earth I was here in Mombasa as was feeling very ‘friendless’, and exhausted from new job,  but through one of Cherry’s friends then got scooped up the following weekend by her friends (further liver damage done) had a surreal night listening to an old boy superbly play the accordion with all of us singing our hearts to all the songs that used to be on ‘The Good Old Days’, went to a music quiz on Friday with some of the posh school lot (and won dinner at the Tamarind …. Yes, there was a whole classical section and we scored maximum marks on that) …… so life is filling up, am getting to know some more people here and overall a sense of fun has returned!

The best bit of these last few weeks though was returning to Precious on Wednesday to start teaching standard 6 again once a week after I’ve finished work at posh school. Now these kids nearly knocked me flying when they saw me arrive in the yard…… loads of hugs, which strangely was absolutely fine…. And had a fantastic time teaching them for a couple of hours. I’m really going to work on their writing skills as this is a key weakness; but it was so, so, so good to be back with them……. That’s why I decided to stay in Kenya, and whilst I could quite happily work there every day of my life, 2 hours a week is the best that I can do alongside the posh school job which gives me entitlement to stay in Kenya. I also still do the training of new volunteers coming onto the project every Sunday fortnight so great to keep working with the charity still. Fulfilment has been restored!!

A great few weeks ........ kwa heri Great Britain, karibu Kenya!

Thursday 25th August

On my way back to Kenya in a few hours, reminiscing about leaving UK just over one year ago, quite nervous, excited but apprehensive about where ‘my year’ was going to take me. Think I knew deep down that I wouldn’t be returning to UK, but never did I predict I would staying in Kenya as a primary school teacher in a posh school!!

My few weeks in UK has been so, so hectic….. I have caught up with loads of family and friends but ran out of time to see all I intended to…. Sorry to those of you I didn’t get to see… you’ll just have to come out to Kenya!!

I return to Kenya exhausted and about a stone heavier, as inevitably have spent the whole time running around meeting up with everyone and eating and drinking. I think I should have done some freelancing as a pub food critic as reckon I have visited about 30 different places in these few weeks, sampling all those ‘missed’ foods…. Sausage/mash, fish and chips, pie and chips, sausage sandwich, fish cakes and chips, steak sandwich, sausage and chips, brie and bacon sandwich, black pudding, jacket potato with prawns, and so on…… think you get the picture! Carrying on about food, it just has to be said that home cooked meals have sadly been minimal due to amount of people to see, but those I’ve had have been delicious…. toad in the hole – cooked by Chris, roast beef and Yorkshire puds – cooked by me, lasagne – cooked by Chris, curry – cooked by Anne.

I also have slept in loads of different hotels and beds (no adverse comments invited here!), so thanks to Chris & Fi, Anne, Sarah & Mark, Mel, Liz for allowing me to crash in your homes at various times. And big thanks to my sis who lent me her car for the two weeks she was away on holiday….mmmm.. I come over for three weeks and she goes away for two. Have grabbed some time with her, but delighted that she has now booked flights to come out just after Christmas to see me.

Highlights of these weeks, well apart from seeing everyone again, has been spending some great time with Megs … seen her for two whole weekends, and we’ve been to cinema to see ‘Horrid Henry’… she loved it, I nearly fell asleep! Walks, cycle rides, mundane things like shopping (Megs is definitely the person to have with you when tackling the self serve tills as I still feel like I’ve been let out on licence having not been in UK for so long!). And of course, loads of cuddles and kisses to keep me going for back in Kenya. Great times also with my boys, and a very special day had at Jono’s commissioning parade. It was an amazing day, so very proud of him and all that he achieved at Sandhurst and all that he is going on to do. He goes to Cyprus for 4 months, leaving early September, and then starts his helicopter training in UK for 2 ½ years. Borrowed a hat for the day and just about managed to keep my shoes on for most of the day – it’s a problem now as have spent the whole year wearing flip flops, so feet were in agony! Hilariously we were interviewed by ITV who were covering the parade, so have put link below too…. Damn glad I borrowed that hat! Ha, ha….. famous!!!! Enjoy the photos also.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.218268578223833.68128.100001220765427&l=0e5c6f1661&type=1


http://www.itv.com/meridian-west/sovereign-parade31876/


Am I looking forward to going home (yes that’s how it feels now) to Kenya?…… YES!! I can’t wait to be back in shorts/t-shirts, flip flops, seeing my friends there, unpacking all my shipping bits (mid year Christmas Day for me) diving and just generally living life in a warm climate at a much slower pace than I ever done in my previous life….. and can’t wait to see the kids at Precious again. Also realise that I am quite looking forward to the primary teaching bit….. will have to try not to be too terrifying to the little darlings…. How do I switch off that ‘headteacher killer look’ that I mastered?......can’t wait to doing my first half term project with them on ‘Groovy Greeks’!!! (that is a tongue in cheek comment!)

Going home with one purchase…. A new computer…. As technology is my lifeline to communication with you all….. but do have to smile….. it was almost a whole months wages ….. oh how different to my previous life, but I have no regrets at all….. I am so changed to ‘back then’ and much, much happier….. and apparently according to all I saw these last weeks…… younger!!!!! Even Simmi (yes, she was the one who warned me about the equator sun saying I would come back looking like a piece of old leather) was impressed with my skin….. that’s high praise by the way!! Jono has kindly bought me a Kindle (well he gets to keep my BOSE ipod speakers … fair trade I think!) which was on my list to buy but not enough funds… much as I don’t particularly like reading books electronically, it is far the better option than not reading at all and decent books in Mombasa are rare and very expensive.

A few things then that I really noticed whilst here, and hadn’t realised I’d missed whilst away this past year…..hanging baskets, gardens, grass, flowers, bushes/trees, light mornings/nights, ease of travel, road worthy vehicles, drivers staying in lanes, indicating when overtaking, street lights, sign posts, postman (that’s generic not a particular person!), Marks & Spencer sandwiches. On a slight negative, quite extraordinary to come back and see the riots and hear the crass things that people were saying to justify their behaviour. Unbelievable! Having come from working in a population in the third world where food, water and shelter are the only things that matter, it really jarred to see and hear such appalling behaviour and rationales from a first world country. Mmmmm …… who is the happier and more content I wonder? OK, ok, off my soap box!!

So, my future writing is going to be less exciting (or is it?!) as this past year I’m sure, but equally sure that there will be some great and fun times coming up. Got to go….. bags to pack, plane to catch. Love to you all xxx

Back to Blighty!

Saturday 6th August
So exactly one year and one day since I left UK, am now back here on an endless round of catching up with family and friends... which obviously includes lots of eating and drinking too! As a final round up to 'my year' I did at long last manage to finish my divemaster qualification.... whoopee!!!! My map... eventually finished on the third attempt, and after significant hours spent freezing underwater with compass and dive slate... was, according to big boss at dive centre 'the best he'd ever seen!' Ha, ha.... had nothing to do with the fact that Ella had been at mine for a 'sleepover' and had helped colour in my map...and on handing over the map to big boss, told him that Ella had coloured it.... well, he could hardly reject it when a 10 year old has been involved! 

The sad news in my last couple of weeks in Kenya was finding out that my friends 'The Holley Family', are moving back to UK, so it was goodbye to Dave, Denys and Ella before I left, Cherry will still be there when I get back, but will be joining them all in the autumn..... I am really going to miss them all - can't quite imagine life in Kenya without them being there.

Other news is that dear friend Chris (fellow volunteer, drinking, eating and card playing partner) is getting married (today actually!) to a local Kenyan lady he met a while ago.  Bekks (fellow ex- volunteer, drinking, eating, shopping and card playing partner) has decided not to come back to Kenya (she was due back in September) as she's now in Thailand and loving it there..... mmm.. think a trip to Thailand is on the cards soon (excuse the pun).  Michele (ex-volunteer, drinking, 'ladies do lunch' and eating, and grammar programme partner) came back for two weeks (and built 2 classrooms with Chris for Precious in 5 days!) but is still trying desperately to sell her house in UK so she can also live in Kenya. 

I also went to 'posh' school for brief handover before I start in September.  Oh my....... remind me why I thought it would be a good idea to be a primary school teacher?  Secondary trained, subject specialism Business and Accounting, taught also Maths, Music, ICT, last job... headteacher.... but now have to do English (well OK with that after this year), Maths (fine with that), Science (mmm..... we'll see), Geography (ha... hope there's nothing to do with maps), History (do I really look the kind of person that's going to be great at teaching 'Groovy Greeks' which is the first half term's project), RE (should be OK.. no contradictory comments required thank you!), Art & Technology (oh dear, poor kids).  Thankfully no languages or drama!!!  But of course, all the pain I will go through trying to be a fantastic primary school teacher will be worth it so I can stay in Kenya and coach standard 6 at Precious once a week to get them ready for high school!!!

So... back to Blighty... sun shining on first day back, shipping all sorted within first 24 hours... piano (yes, am greedy... will have two out there now), music, radio, TV, sun loungers/chairs (for my many guests who now come to stay at Hotel Nicky), George Foreman grill ( for cooking sad, lonely meals for one), Spot light (so don't have to look like a right chump wearing head torch all the time when reading in bed as well as enduring kamikaze mosquitos/flies divebombing the light and therefore my eyes), Lee & Perrins worcester sauce, Hellman's mayonnaise, bisto gravy granules, oxo cubes, Mrs Balls chutney, paxo stuffing, bread sauce and olive oil amongst items deemed as 'essential' now that I have established a build up of marmite and knickers.  And after endless attempts to ship out 2000 books for libraries at Precious and Olives (collected by Michele and her friends and family here in UK), safe passage for books, bypassing Kenya customs ...... yes.... I love to beat the system!!!

Popped into see Dad with Jacky on Thursday, who although he knew I was coming back to UK, literally jumped with shock and burst into tears when I bounced into the room, just as he was about to swallow his medication... so Jacky and I then leaping to catch numerous tablets now flying across the room... yes, tears and smiles all round.  Anyway, it was so lovely to see him again, although there is obviously a visible deterioration in his condition since I saw him at Christmas. 

Am basing myself mainly at Chris and Fi's home (feel very at home here as they now have all my furniture from my flat)... and had a lovely day yesterday with Megs, Chris and Fi allegedly feeding the ducks, but most of the bread either was eaten by Megs or used in a bread fight!  Enjoy the photos!!

https://picasaweb.google.com/103349555765727784741/HungryDucks?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCKTomPazs52otQE&feat=directlink

So far then have seen Liz, Lee, Jacky, Nathan, Dad, Chris, Fi, Sue, Ian, Megs, Sarah, Mark.... today is just Megs and I... we're off swimming and then going to cook a full roast dinner for when Chris and Fi get in from work later..... has to be beef, yorkshires, horseradish sauce, cauliflower (not had any for a year), roast spuds, and lashings of bisto gravy!!!

Lekker South Africa, Michele and Harry Potter!!

Saturday 3rd July 2011


So here I am in my favourite place in the world – South Africa, staying with my friends Adriaan & Tanya and their two children Drian and Tanri. It was a completely surreal moment when Adriaan picked me up from my hotel in Cape Town (after an awesome couple of days revisiting my favourite spots.... Table Mountain and the V & A waterfront in particular), with us both extremely excited seeing each other again (it’s been nearly 3 years), so big hugs and yelps from the pair of us... with hotel staff looking on disdainfully! They live in a beautiful part of SA, Langebaan, about 1 ½ hours north ish) up the west coast, right on the edge of a nature reserve and lagoon. I am sat here now, looking out at the sun rising, watching about a dozen guinea fowl scratch around for breakfast outside, grazing antelope, as well as listening to endless birds .... mmmm.... perfect!

And it’s only now as the ‘bubble’ of my year ends and ‘real(ish) life’ resumes, that I realise some of the bizarre thing I have missed as I find myself being disproportionately enthusiastic over certain things since being here.... the smell of lavender in their garden, decent (but not overpriced South African red wine), dunking SA rusks in endless cups of tea, Adriaan’s famous braais (barbq) with decent sausage and steak... oh.. and Mrs Balls chutney... decided this is now a must have on my list of goodies that have to be in my cupboard alongside marmite! Hey, did you know you can get marmite everywhere here... especially in the hotels! ... That’s obviously why I have such an affinity to South Africa... it’s a marmite loving country!!

Managed to skype with the boys last night from here and it was wonderful to see both of them together (Jono had invited himself round to Chris & Fiona’s house for one of Chris’ famous roast dinners)...... yes, that’s first on my list when I get there too!

We went on a wine tasting expedition yesterday, which, true to form, it is just impossible for me to ‘spit it out’ so was slightly worse for wear.... but nothing that couldn’t be slept off in the back of the car with the kids on the way home. Followed by a delicious braai (how is it that SA’s eat so much meat?) and yes, more red wine (hair of the dog).

Today we’re off to church (Adriaan now preaches at the local church) then off to a game reserve. Feeling very much at home and relaxed with this wonderful family. The kids are teaching me some Afrikaans.....ha, ha... again proving that I am useless at learning languages.

Monday 10th July

Sat on the plane now flying out of SA back to Kenya, reflecting on the most wonderful holiday. My time in Jo’burg was brilliant, catching up with friends made last year in the Seychelles, as well as doing the sights of Jo’burg and Soweto (which have both drastically improved for the better since the world cup). My final 2 days with Annie and Erich in their paradise of a home (they live in a beautiful wooden lodge in a reserve of mountains, valleys, farm, woodland, flowers and baboons). I have been spoilt rotten by Annie’s scrumptious cooking, lots of great chat (haven’t seen them for 6 years!), and sleeping under 2 duvets, 1 blanket and cuddled up to a hot water bottle to keep me warm as it was so, so cold at night! We’ve walked, talked, played some hilarious golf... well pitch and putt really... hilarious because you had to bend the ball around trees, over the top etc, and I was playing with right handed clubs even though I play left handed normally (or cack handed as my Mum always said!) Overall then a ‘lekker’ (‘great’ in Afrikaans) time in SA... enjoy the photos!!

https://picasaweb.google.com/103349555765727784741/SouthAfrica2011?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCI3DwYrszbT0rwE&feat=directlink


Saturday 16th July

So, back here in Mombasa, and Michele (volunteer/great friend made last year here) has come to stay for 2 weeks. Returning to Precious this week was amazing, especially for the kids to see Michele again. Lots of eating out and catching up with people so far, and highlight of the week so far (apart from Michele being here of course) was seeing the final Harry Potter last night ..... that has to be the first time Kenya has ever screened a film on the actual day of release. Mind you, had sent Michele off yesterday morning to book our seats as didn’t want to be disappointed, but needn’t have worried – only about 30 people in the cinema! Also, have moved up a floor at the block of flats here so can just now see the sea and have more breeze and light... and less dust. Have done well also on my divemaster this week, passing both exams, and just a few practical things to finish off now. Second go at mapping yesterday was 1000% more successful that the last one, but still not completed.... but I will!!

Today is the return of the ‘Ladies do lunch’ made famous by Michele and I last year...... off to get myself ready and find a frock!