8th - 9th February

8th – 9th February

Our helicopter ride – Yes Wendy and I flew back to the International Airport from Castries (our resort) in a helicopter. It only took about 15mins instead of around 2hrs by coach. Although I was a little nervous it was something to treasure, our last view of the island. It is such a lovely island and I hope to go back for a holiday and visit the school.

Our overnight flight went well. We landed at 05.09am on the 9th. Oh I do miss the sunshine!!!!!!!

late with last blog

LATE WITH LAST BLOG (Have been home 2 days now)
7th January (Monday)

Very sad day – our last morning at the school. After assembly we then went back to the classroom to change the children into their ‘work clothes’ (well, casual wear to save uniforms from getting dirty). Think I may have mentioned this previously. After a short while it was time to go down to the veranda for some running and obstacle exercises. This involved the children using improvised obstacles such as a cardboard tunnel to wiggle through (great fun) and a limbo frame. They had to run round the veranda (quite a long run as this is a large house) then use the obstacles. It was good fun the children loved it.
In no time at all the morning was over and it was time to say goodbye to the five lovely children in my class. I was heartbroken and saying goodbye was very difficult. After hugs and kisses a very emotional Shirley joined Wendy for the return to our hotel. I cannot praise the Principal and staff of this school enough for their devotion to teaching these special needs children in very difficult conditions.
This has been my first ever Project of this kind. I have had no experience in teaching special needs children but that did not seem to matter as all it needs is love and understanding and of course patients. A truly amazing adventure.

6th February (Sunday)

6th February (Sunday)
Today walked to Vigie beach. Main reason was to say goodbye to a lovely lady (Agnes) whom I met the first weekend of my stay here. Yes she was there serving customers with cold drinks and food from her covered stall. We had a chat, bought a nice cold drink called ‘golden apple’ but it tasted like gooseberries. A really nice lady. Sat on the beach for a while before returning to hotel for lunch. Spent a good part of this afternoon packing. School tomorrow to say goodbye.

5th February (Saturday)

5th February (Saturday)
This weekend being our last weekend here on the island Wendy and I visited some of our favourite spots. Today we took the hotel courtesy bus to Pigeon Island, not really an island as the bus pulls in at the gates. Many years ago it was joined to the mainland by a giant causeway. It is a most beautiful area as I may have said previously. This time we climbed up steep pathways and steps to an old fort. Spectacular views and yes a bit blowy once at the top. Once back down on the beach we hired a sun bed for a couple of hours before catching the bus back for lunch. Later in the afternoon we played croquet again and guess what I won. Four of us played singularly. I’ve really taken to this game providing we play Andy’s rules!!!!!!!

4th February (Friday)

4th February (Friday)
I’m behind with my blog again. Here goes with an update on Friday (4th) I’m typing this early Saturday morning. I went into school expecting it to be my last day but things changed. We were going on a walk with the children which meant using some roads. But for some reason didn’t get permission from the police to walk the children on these roads. Instead we took the school bus out to a sports field to give the children some training for their sports day later in the year. Armed with plenty of water we first walked around the field as a warm up before their races. I was amazed how these children can run (my little ones not included for health reasons, they stayed in class). The morning flew bye and in no time it was 12noon back at school and the hotel bus to take us to hotel. So I will be going to school early Monday morning to say my goodbyes. We fly home on Tuesday 8th. Will give you a weekend update on Sunday.

3rd February (Thursday)

3rd February (Thursday)
Unfortunately Prospere our class 1 teacher went home sick, so Janice (teacher assistant) and I ran the morning class. We thought the school bus was going to take some children including our class into town. This did not materialize for some reason so we amused the children with puzzles and reading to them that sort of thing. Morning soon passed and in no time the bus was waiting to take us back to hotel. As I explained previously we are finishing school at 12noon to join in some activities around hotel. This afternoon we had a Creole food demonstration which was very interesting. It was a banana dish using some very yummy spices, not sure if I would cook it back home though. At 4pm it was aqua aerobics. Now feeling very refreshed and ready for tomorrow our last day at school.

2ns February (Wednesday)

2nd February (Wednesday)
This morning at breakfast on the veranda looking down at the cruise ships in port, a beautiful rainbow was shining down, and ended at the back of one of the ships. What a sight that was. We had previously a very heavy shower.
School was a little different this morning. On Friday we are going to have a “marathon” from the school. So this morning we took the children onto the veranda and had a “training” session!!!!!! Walked them round and round, some running, and generally worked them out. Me too, I worked out. I’m so looking forward to Friday especially if it is as hot as today!!!!! It will be our last day at school so something to remember.
This afternoon we played croquet. Never played before but Andy our Saga Rep has his own rules. It was really good fun. We had four teams of two, if that makes sense. Wendy and I came last but we all had a cocktail at the end, should have been a Pims never mind.

1st February (Tuesday)

1st February (Tuesday)
I am now getting back into routine of school. Today we started off with music. Nursery rhymes cd was played, we each took an “instrument” of some kind anything that made a noise and played and sang to the rhymes. Then “instruments” away we danced around (some kind of disco dancing I think) anyway we all did our own thing!!!!! Children really enjoy this, uses up their energy. After settling down around the table Prospere used the picture card system asking children to say what was on each card (train, dog, cat etc.) if they were right they kept the card. Cards added up at the end of lesson the child with the most cards got a sticker. Morning soon passed, we then got the school bus back to hotel this time with the band. They played another very good lunchtime concert in our hotel. Just to remind you this is a steel band, lovely listening to the music while eating our lunch. Yet another afternoon relaxing by the pool.

31st January (Monday)

31st January (Monday)
Back at school today. It was brilliant I so enjoyed it. The children made me very welcome. They are so adorable I’m going to miss them very much. Only four days to go before finishing at the school. Anyway, after assembly changed the children into work clothes and went down on the veranda for an exercise and ball game class. Then break time. Next we had the children sorting coloured beads into little cups. This can be confusing for them but today they did very well and each got a sticker for their efforts. Playtime next and Prospere (teacher) hooked up the swing in the play area. They simply loved it so I did my best to take photos but very difficult, never mind we will see. Today Wendy and I finished school at 12noon came back to the hotel for lunch and relaxed. It seems to be very hot of late, no more heavy showers thank goodness.

29th - 30th January

29th – 30th January
Saturday 29th – Decided to spend some time in town today so after breakfast Wendy and I walked in. Felt we needed the exercise. It is an amazing town with a large indoor market and even more stalls outside. The atmosphere is wonderful really buzzing and most of the vegetables I have never heard of. After browsing for some time we met up with two other volunteers and sat with a nice cool beer. We then made our way to the Cathedral, really beautiful, all the locals are so friendly and ready to help or answer questions. It was soon time to get the bus back to hotel. Afternoon spent by the pool.
Sunday 30th – This morning we took the hotel bus to Pigeon Island. This is a National Trust area. I was so impressed, an area with many lovely trees and pretty little bays, so unspoilt. Just how you imagine a Caribbean island should be. We hired sun beds and spent time on the beach swimming and sunbathing, another lovely day.

28th January (Friday)

28th January (Friday)
Well I thought I was back to school today but The Principal suggested I had another day away just to make sure I was fit for Monday. So after breakfast this morning I decided to check for emails on my net book. Best place for emailing is in the hotel reception area, as mentioned previously. After some time here I saw Wendy with a little one from my class (Kadia) walking towards me. To my utmost surprise they had come to the hotel on the school bus along with the other children to collect me for a trip to the park. Such a thoughtful thing to do, I was so pleased to see them all. Hugs and kisses all round, off we went. We had a great time, this is my second visit to the park, children love it and so do I. The bus dropped Wendy and I back at the hotel in time for lunch and then a lazy afternoon. Oh forgot to mention yesterday I received a lovely handmade get well card from the children in my class (1). They are a wonderful lot I will never forget them and will keep the card forever.

I have missed 4 days

I have missed 4 days blogging due to sickness
24th January (Monday)
This morning I went into school feeling fine and we had the usual assembly, lessons and playtime. By lunch time I began to feel very unwell and as it was so hot and humid in class I spent some time on the veranda in the cool breeze. It was no use as the feeling began to get much worse. I contacted Wendy and both of us managed the short walk back to my hotel room. From this time onward I realised I had a severe stomach bug and felt absolutely dreadful. Wendy looked after me so well, I am so grateful to her.
25th January (Tuesday)
Stayed in bed all day felt wretched. Just drinking fluids.
26th January (Wednesday)
Tried a little breakfast, not a good idea, later sat in the shade by the pool. Had some soup for lunch, not a bad idea, thinks are getting better. Have gone off food for ever it feels. Evening meal was a dressy affair (shame, I didn’t feel up to it) but got through the evening ok.
27th January (Thursday)
Still not at school but feeling much better. Had a lazy day around hotel. I am not one hundred per cent back to normal, but getting there, hope to return to school tomorrow (Friday).

sunday 23rd

Sunday 23rd – This morning took the walk to the beach as I did last Sunday, said a quick ‘hello’ to Agnes whom I met last weekend. This time we had two very, very heavy showers on the way. Just like monsoon rain but only for a short while then the sun out again. Luckily we took brollies. Caught the bus back to hotel for lunch then spent the rest of the day by the hotel pool a nice relaxing day before school tomorrow.

22nd and 23rd january

22nd & 23rd January
Saturday 22nd - I had a fantastic day today. The all day excursion was called “Catamaran Cruise” but before cruising we toured by coach from our hotel Bel Jou down coast road to “View Fort” calling at a fire station for a comfort stop!!!!!! Then on towards Soufriere, here we were taken to the world’s only drive-in volcano were we had the unusual opportunity to see sulphurous steam hissing through the water vents, the sulphur smell was very strong. Later after a very tasty creole lunch we then boarded the catamaran. Forty five minutes sailing we called into a pretty bay for swimming. The water was so warm the only trouble was getting down the steps into the water and back on again later – I had fits of laughter trying to get back onto the catamaran ended up being man-handled onto the steps. Another forty five minutes sailing then we reached Rodney Bay where our coach was waiting to take us back to Bel Jou. On the trip we also called into the Botanical Gardens which were outstanding with such unusual flowers. Really great day thoroughly enjoyed it and the weather was kind only a few light showers.

21st January

21st January
Last day of the week for school . Friday’s is for games on the piece of ground at the back of the house or going to the park. Well today we could not do either as due to the heavy rain recently the park and the surrounding area of the house was too wet under foot. This meant the children had to stay in all day so it has been a very difficult keeping the young ones in my class amused. To be honest it’s been very noisy throughout the school, with children wandering about coming and going into my class, very disruptive . There is not nearly enough to keep these children from getting bored. I am amazed at what little facilities they have but they make the most it. The kid’s seem happy enough and always smiling. After lunch we took my class down onto the veranda for them to cycle round and round said veranda on a large three wheel bicycle. The bike can take two children at a time taking it in turns and they love it. So the school has one bicycle and one scooter for these lovely kids to share. The only area they can cycle on is the veranda which is very wide, as the area around the house is so uneven. Well not a lot done today, Monday will be back to normal, just realised I haven’t been in school on a Monday yet so who knows what surprise I might have.

20th January

20th January
Today Wendy and I decided to take another tour so it meant a day off school. After breakfast we relaxed around the pool for a few hours soaking up the sun – had lunch – then started the half day tour at 1pm. Castries the main town looks very interesting, we must make a trip by bus to have a good look round. There are 60,000 residents in this town. Two cruise ships have called in each day since I arrived here. After Castries we climbed really high to get some beautiful views from a very old large house, lovely old furniture here. The tour ended up, yes, you have guessed it, at a rum distillery. Of course we had to sample a few!!!! Nice tour such a shame about this weather, heavy shower all afternoon.

19th January

19th January
I have been at school a week and now begin to settle down with these very likeable children. As I mentioned previously there is five in my class but quite often one or two do not turn up for lessons. Today little Thalia was absent all day and I missed her so much, she is a cute kid, then Kadia came in at lunch time so for the morning we had just three children. I believe it is like this quite a lot. However we got on with the day’s work. This time we had prayers in the classroom with our children only, instead of assembly with several classes out on the veranda. The autistic children do not attend assembly as it is too noisy for them. Now, what did we do today, well it’s been a messy day with paints!!!! First session was in the hall where we assembled with other children. Apparently a group of American’s are here to help also, and visit once every two weeks to do whatever they can. So today we were read a story about a fish then each given a paper cut-out of a fish to paint, well with crayons actually, so not too messy this time, later though we did use washable paints in class. We cut out five large ‘suns’ painted them yellow and pinned them on the wall – I must say they looked good and so did the children (yellow). It took a bit of clearing up and washing down but a good time had by all including me.

18th January

18th January
Morning at school went very well – after prayers out on the balcony with the little ones it was back to the classroom. We did a mixture of things today – from sitting round the their desk (children all sit round one table) reading to them from a story book that has pull out pages, this is one of the books I had collected, along with many other bits and pieces for the school. Children appeared to enjoy this as it was new and something different. Then Prospere the teacher set up a swing in the middle of the play area within the classroom, and they loved this. It was soon break time – a much welcome cold water drink for me. We have been having some very heavy showers and today was no exception. The atmosphere was very oppressive making me feel so lethargic. However this is soon forgotten when playing with the children. The two teachers and I play with the children a great deal as this seems to help with body movements. I finished work at 12.15pm today to enable us three volunteers to be taken back to the hotel to enjoy the school band give a concert. The older children play in this band and I must say they are exceptionally good. The Dunnottor band has been going for two years, it consists mainly with steel drums and percussions . The concert went down very well and afterwards the children are given lunch in the hotel.

17th January

17th January
Today I have played truant from school – well – not really. Providing volunteers let the principal of the school know, we can then have time off for touring. So today I have been on a morning tour – called “Lushan country Life”. First call was an orchid culture centre. I have never seen such beautiful orchids and the technical work that goes on there is amazing. Then on to the Country Life Centre, to spend a most enjoyable 45 minutes. It was here I bought two bottles of banana ketchup, yes banana!!!!!! The morning flew by and it was back to our hotel to get ready for a visit on the Saga Pearl II cruise ship anchored in Castries, my word it’s all go here. On boarding the ship we were welcomed with champagne (more than one glass I might add) next it was lunch outside on deck which was lovely. In no time at all we were boarding the bus to return to our hotel, it was only a short visit to this lovely ship but well worth it. Another great day, morning touring, afternoon on the Saga Pearl II, can’t be bad. Tomorrow (Tuesday) it’s back to school.

15th & 16th January

15th & 16th January
Saturday. After spending time catching-up on my netbook (have to sit in the lounge for this as no Wi-Fi connection in my room at the moment) spent time in the beautiful gardens around the hotel. The views from these gardens are truly something. After lunch spent time with Wendy one of the volunteers. I have made a new friend with Wendy, we get along so well and she has been very helpful to me, so I will be mentioning her in my blog from now on. Well, a very relaxing day which has been so nice after busy school life.

Sunday. Today six of us set out on a walk to a lighthouse. Bear in mind it is very hilly on this island and from this hotel some steep bits. We had with us a nice chap (Anthony who is a guest here and running is one of his hobbies) so he was our leader and managed to stay with us and not suddenly run off . Once we got down on the beach I could see the lighthouse high up in the distance. Thought no way can I do this in the heat so I stayed on the beach while the others made the trek up. This is where I made a St Lucian friend called Agnes. She runs a make shift tea, coffee, cold drink stall. I sat with her in the shade having a fresh orange drink and a piece of her home made cake, delicious. Agnes was so nice and would you believe she is an AVON rep, she was browsing through the catalogue when I sat down with her. When the group came back looking very hot I said cheerio to Agnes as we had a short walk to the bus back to hotel. I’m going to do that walk again to see Agnes and have another piece of that cake!!!!!!
This afternoon Rum tasting in the hotel, need I say any more. I have thoroughly enjoyed this first weekend at the Bel Jou.

12th January

12th January
5am wide awake
At last after all this time we arrived yesterday afternoon (11th January) feeling a bit weary from the long journey. Our flight was great as we had upgraded to premium class we were so comfortable and had really excellent service. On our approach to land we were told weather sunny and 28c yes 28c what do you think of that!!!!!! On the transfer to the hotel we saw quite a lot of the island as the journey took about an hour and half. The damage from the hurricane last October was very noticeable, with earth slides and lots of tree damage. The main export from St Lucia is bananas so a great loss here.
We finally arrive at our hotel and it’s lovely. We three ladies are staying in bungalows and they are so spacious (huge bed for little ol me) all mod cons and thank goodness air conditioned. So all in all I do believe I am going to be very comfortable here. Oh forgot to mention the food is very good too.
Just to remind you when I refer to three ladies that is Lynne, Wendy and me. The morning after breakfast we have a meeting with the Saga rep, and pm a local tour of the area. That’s it for now have to get ready for a swim before breakfast.

13th January
Must first mention our half day tour yesterday very informative. For three and a half hours we travelled around the Castries area also watched an excellent light and sound show all about the history of St.Lucia.
Today was the first day at Dunnottar school. We arrived for the 9am start of day. I’m going to be working (well helping) in class 1 with five children age 5 - 7. We were given a tour of the school, a very large house built 105years ago, lovely big rooms but so in need of attention although some decorating has been done. I was finally taken to my classroom just as the children were having a break, feeling a little nervous at this stage. I was introduced to the teacher Jannice. Well I soon settled in and got on with the job I came to do. The children are lovely – not a bit shy of me their names are – Thalia, Jadyn, Kadia, Hananiah and Rikella. After break time they were given large piece jigsaw puzzles to work on. Lunch is at 12noon. My packed lunch from the hotel was much appreciated – I will receive one of these each work day. After lunch the children can use the play area part of the classroom. Today they had great fun climbing in and out of a large box. During the morning the box of bits and pieces my friends and I had collected over the year arrived, which was great. We unpacked it and had a lesson drawing on wipe boards. It was soon time to tidy up, change the children back into their uniforms, they wear their own clothes in class, things can get a bit messy sometimes!!!!!
After this first day at school I now realise I can be of help with these special needs children. Yes it is tiring and very hot in school so returned to hotel ready to relax and write my blog.

14th January
This morning I attended school assembly which is held on the balcony around the school as it’s a bit cooler outside, what an experience it was. These children are such a happy bunch they really are and joining in with their singing and prayers was quite emotional I can say. They stamp their feet and sway to the singing and one little girl noticed me looking a bit lost and helped me through the routine. They are such wonderful kids and so affectionate. After assembly it was back to the classroom. In a short while we were told to get the children ready to go to the park. The school bus was waiting to take us on the short journey. I thought this was great even though it was so hot (keep drinking the water) the sun blazing down. So for two hours I helped these children on the swings and slides along with the teachers – it was great fun – then back to school for lunch. After lunch it was games out on the sports field, not for me fortunately, I put my skills into assembling a storage rack (it was a flat pack) you know what they can be like. However we managed it. The day came to an end and it was back to the hotel for a swim to cool down. Great day really enjoyed it and so did the children of course.
This evening we went to a street party. Every Friday this takes place a short taxi ride from here. The atmosphere was something with music and dancing plenty of local cooked dishes and of course rum punch and what a punch!!!!! We finally got back to our hotel very tired and ready for bed.

shirley in st lucia

9th January 2011
It is now the New Year and tomorrow I start my long journey to St Lucia. The past few weeks have simply flown by, probably because I have been so busy with all the arranging one has to do at home. It is going to be an amazing adventure for me, still cannot believe I’m doing this. The last day and a half I have spent packing (well, packing and unpacking) a job I really dislike, and going away for one month I seem to have packed enough for a year!!!!
I’m so looking forward to meeting the children and staff of the school, and of course getting away from the awful weather we have been experiencing here in the U.K.
So, tomorrow morning I shall be ready to start the journey. Hope all goes well and flight etc. runs smoothly and we arrive in lovely warm St Lucian sunshine – will keep you posted.