Last day at School
Trip Start
Oct 20, 2006
1
4
Trip End
Oct 22, 2006
Mancora, North Peru, Peru
Sunday, November 26, 2006
There have been times whilst walking on the beaches in Mancora, south of town and safe, where we are allowed to use the pool of a hotel, that I've stopped and seen out to sea, whales, jumping out of the ocean, splashing down and crashing their tails into the sea. Totally Mesmerizing. Madgda, one of the volunteers working here, decided we should all go on a fishing boat to go and see whales and dolphins. She went and booked a boat....it was a genuine, full on fishing boat. Four of us turned up at the harbor and boarded the feted vessel, much to the amusement of all the locals on the pier. And off we went in search of jumping whales and dolphins. Well, we didn't see any whales. I chatted to Captain Ahab as the boat lurched up and down. We saw a school of dolphins in fighter formation pass around the boat. The girls screamed in enjoyment, the fisherman looked non plussed as they were ordered to cut engines so we could watch the dolphins and take photos. Nothing much else happened for the next hour and then we spotted a huge sea lion. The we started out trundle back to land. The engine of the boat chugging along, not skipping a beat as we rolled through the swells. Moby Dick survived and one passenger was sick. A good day at sea!
And so life comes to and end here. Back to Lima to meet my fiancé and Nora and I will spend a month together in Peru. Can't wait!!!!!!!!
As for Mancora, what a place. Full of beauty and a life that's very hard. I've grown up in my time her. I've learnt a lot about me. I've loved teaching the children but it's taken a lot out of me. I wouldn't swap any of these experiences. Just wished I got them speaking a bit more Black Country, but I can always come back
I sent the photos of the kids to Wolves who only went and published them in the home programme for the game against Coventry. How cool is that. I was a child myself when I saw it!
Just when I begin to relax as my time ends I've been struck down with one hell of a bug. Three days holed up in my accommodation. Complete wipe out. Though I'm not to blame this time, though Nora swears it's the ice cream!! Anyhow, I went across the road to buy water and as I made my way back, feeling lousy, I crossed the road, only to watch the car coming towards me, loose its front left hand side wheel, and skid to halt in front of me on three wheels. The tire bouncing into a wall between two shops. I watched those around me who just see it as another happening in daily life here. One person rode by and pointed to the stricken tyre, the driver scratched his head and set about putting his car back on four wheels and I stood there, having watched a tripod come skidding towards me.
At the end of the final class, with the children I've taught English and Black Country to and to sing "why o why Delia" to the letter "Y" on the alphabet, I wrote the following,
In each and every one of you,
I see a wonderful soul.
Let your innocence shine,
Like the light that passes through a diamond.
And for you to know
What pleasure and joy we receive
From your smiles and laughter.
Never allow anyone to put out your light.
Always let your beauty shine.
You are all Innocence, Joy,
Love and Serenity
I wrote in Spanish too. Seemed to go down ok. I told the Headmaster that I'd like to return some time next year and he said they'd break down the walls for me. At that point I really had to stifle the tears!!!!
