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.