Hi guys.
I know this is extreeeemely late but I am home safe and sound, the weather is suprisingly nice in England and I am massively missing Barbados.
My blogging experience is now over and I'm glad that I documented the last 5 and a half months of my life. They have been the best few months of my life and I have a lot of people to thank for making it so special.
Luckily, the strength of the internet will allow me to look back on my time in years to come, perhaps even when I have my own kids.
I just wanted to write this quick piece to thank everyone who has read my blog. I received over 10,000 views, 100 times more than I thought I would actually get. So i'm extremely happy that I can say that I traveled to two different continents AND wrote a blog which attracted an audience of over 10,000 people. At times, yes, it did seem like a bit of a chore but every time I logged in and saw the view count, it motivated me to keep writing. I think the blog will look good for future employability and most of all for my personal use.
My barbados blog was, noticeably, not as exciting as my one in South Africa because of the high level of cancellations and lack of once in a life time opportunities (in comparison to Cape Town.) but I still tried to keep it up as best as possible with photos and written blog posts.
Thank you for reading and forgive me for not finishing my Barbados blog as well as I should have.
"All the best"
Luke
Friday, 18 July 2014
Friday, 4 July 2014
Day 60
Day 60
Wednesday
For the third week in a row, I had a session at Parkinson's memorial school and for the third week in a row they were mental.
Upon Arrival, 25 minutes early admittedly, I was interrogated through my car window by about 5 girls. Despite it being funny and somewhat innocent, my window was wound up a few minutes later! I had two hours of coaching with them ahead of me, I needed some alone time before I entered battle!
The session went pretty well to be fair, Mr Cummings told me that he had tried heading the week before so I thought I would try and capitalise on that and as how they were at heading. Of course, they were adamant that they couldn't header the ball but I got them doing it in no time, mission accomplished. We also focused on some shooting where the girls have improved massively from a couple weeks ago, which was of course nice to see! Despite what I have portrayed Parkinson's Memorial to be like, I've really enjoyed my time there and they have a hugely dedicated teacher in Mr Cummings, so fingers crossed they'll improve!
Tonight was our farewell dinner at Zaccio's, there was around 20 of us and the meal was okay, not the best but it was the reason we were there, that was important. The holders (my family) said a nice little speech and sent me their best wishes and a save flight etc, where as Evan and Aran's didn't even wish them a safe flight or nothing, even when they were prompted to say a few words. Poor show from them I must say! Axel gave us all a few presents which was nice, a Brewster trust kit, some Brewster trust car accessories and new driving licenses, because our's run out that night! Very thoughtful of him.
All the best
Luke
Wednesday
For the third week in a row, I had a session at Parkinson's memorial school and for the third week in a row they were mental.
Upon Arrival, 25 minutes early admittedly, I was interrogated through my car window by about 5 girls. Despite it being funny and somewhat innocent, my window was wound up a few minutes later! I had two hours of coaching with them ahead of me, I needed some alone time before I entered battle!
The session went pretty well to be fair, Mr Cummings told me that he had tried heading the week before so I thought I would try and capitalise on that and as how they were at heading. Of course, they were adamant that they couldn't header the ball but I got them doing it in no time, mission accomplished. We also focused on some shooting where the girls have improved massively from a couple weeks ago, which was of course nice to see! Despite what I have portrayed Parkinson's Memorial to be like, I've really enjoyed my time there and they have a hugely dedicated teacher in Mr Cummings, so fingers crossed they'll improve!
Tonight was our farewell dinner at Zaccio's, there was around 20 of us and the meal was okay, not the best but it was the reason we were there, that was important. The holders (my family) said a nice little speech and sent me their best wishes and a save flight etc, where as Evan and Aran's didn't even wish them a safe flight or nothing, even when they were prompted to say a few words. Poor show from them I must say! Axel gave us all a few presents which was nice, a Brewster trust kit, some Brewster trust car accessories and new driving licenses, because our's run out that night! Very thoughtful of him.
All the best
Luke
Day 59
Day 59
Tuesday
Just the one session today, St Michaels. They've been fantastic throughout the programme, so I'm glad that our last session wasn't cancelled. Just like last week though, the school day for students wasn't a typical day. They could pretty much do as they please! This meant, both of my classes came out together to form one whole class of about 20. Seeing as it was their last week, we did a fun tournament which went on for just under 2 hours.
I brought my swimming gear in my car so that as soon as my session ended, I could head straight to the beach to improve my tan and enjoy one of my last visits to the beach!!
I spent a few hours there, alternating between watching the Inbetweeners on my iphone and going for a dip in the sea! Heaven.
I came home to some good news today, I found out about my accommodation for my university that I will be attending, starting in August!! Makes everything even more real now, can't wait!!
Starting with Parkinson's memorial school tomorrow, oh dear!
All the best
Luke
Tuesday
Just the one session today, St Michaels. They've been fantastic throughout the programme, so I'm glad that our last session wasn't cancelled. Just like last week though, the school day for students wasn't a typical day. They could pretty much do as they please! This meant, both of my classes came out together to form one whole class of about 20. Seeing as it was their last week, we did a fun tournament which went on for just under 2 hours.
I brought my swimming gear in my car so that as soon as my session ended, I could head straight to the beach to improve my tan and enjoy one of my last visits to the beach!!
I spent a few hours there, alternating between watching the Inbetweeners on my iphone and going for a dip in the sea! Heaven.
I came home to some good news today, I found out about my accommodation for my university that I will be attending, starting in August!! Makes everything even more real now, can't wait!!
Starting with Parkinson's memorial school tomorrow, oh dear!
All the best
Luke
Day 58
Day 58
Monday.
I was called by Mr Boyce last night to tell me that that my session at St George's was cancelled and also to thanks myself and Shaz's contribution, reliance and most of all patience throughout our time at St George's.
This meant that I had a free day to do whatever I wished.
Evan and I got in contact and met up in the afternoon to watch the France World Cup game and to hit the beach!
We intended to go to Bathsheba beach but somehow got lost after a couple wrong turns. So we ended up in my area and there's only one beach to visit when you're in Speightstown.. Mullins!!
I dropped Evan home later that afternoon and drove the dreaded one hour journey!!
A day well spent I would say!!
All the best
Luke
Monday.
I was called by Mr Boyce last night to tell me that that my session at St George's was cancelled and also to thanks myself and Shaz's contribution, reliance and most of all patience throughout our time at St George's.
This meant that I had a free day to do whatever I wished.
Evan and I got in contact and met up in the afternoon to watch the France World Cup game and to hit the beach!
We intended to go to Bathsheba beach but somehow got lost after a couple wrong turns. So we ended up in my area and there's only one beach to visit when you're in Speightstown.. Mullins!!
I dropped Evan home later that afternoon and drove the dreaded one hour journey!!
A day well spent I would say!!
All the best
Luke
Monday, 30 June 2014
Day 57
Day 57
Sunday
Today was the big day. Scuba Diving!!
All three of us were absolutely buzzing!
To start off the experience.. we had to get kitted out and watch a short video, before making our way to the beach, which explained more about scuba diving, the hand signals, the risks, procedures and so and so on.
Upon arrival at the beach and on the boat.. we slipped into our wet suits, got our tanks on and headed into the water for a lesson in shallow water. Scuba diving is quite complicated and risky if you don't do it correctly. But soon enough, we had the hang of it.
We set sail towards a shipwreck to do our first dive. You get off the boat by, rolling backwards off of the side of the boat, knees tucked into your chest and hands on your mask. Afterwards, as a group, you make your way towards a rope that is tied to an anchor on the sea floor and the boat, which you slowly descend down into the water. Every few 'steps' you takedown this rope, you have to pinch your nose and blow out to equalise your ears, because of the pressure in the water. (Just like in a plane when your ears pop.) Everyone's ears take different amounts of time to equalise and get use to the pressure, so it was no surprise to me that I had to go down the rope slightly slower than people. It's all linked to congestion and how your nasal and sinus conditions are. Believe it or not.. You can't do scuba diving if you have a cold. Fun fact right there. After breaking my nose a couple years back, I don't think it helped my ears to equalise, my sinuses and congestion are atrocious.
But once we were down there, it was AMAZING! One of the most beautiful sights you will ever see, honestly. It's like a scene out of finding nemo, all kinds of fishes everywhere, beautifully coloured coral, rocks, shells and even lost items that were on the shipwreck. For example, the telephone that they used on the shipwreck was still there! Our snorkel that we lost a few days back wasn't though. Typical! We saw a stingray (a type of fish that killed Steve Irwin) a small squid and thousands of fishes, but no turtles! Gutting.
We came back to the boat, all with lots to say and just big smiling faces! What an experience.
Our second dive wasn't as good though, if I'm honest. It was still awesome but the current was crazy under water and it was quite difficult to swim in. I think the fish could sense that too, because there was not as much as the first dive, very few in comparison! The dive had to be ended slightly earlier because of the current as it got quite dangerous.
What an amazing experience though, during my gap year I've done Paddel Boarding,Canoeing,Surfing,Shark Cage diving,Jet Ski'ing and now Scuba Diving! Only thing to tick off now is Water Ski'ing! Hopefully one of the boys will do that with me.
We arrived back to shore to a big welcome of horrible weather, a huge storm of rain had hit! Just our luck! We stayed in the water though and made the most of the remainder of the day.
This will definitely be a day I'll remember for a long, long time!
All the best
Luke
Sunday
Today was the big day. Scuba Diving!!
All three of us were absolutely buzzing!
To start off the experience.. we had to get kitted out and watch a short video, before making our way to the beach, which explained more about scuba diving, the hand signals, the risks, procedures and so and so on.
Upon arrival at the beach and on the boat.. we slipped into our wet suits, got our tanks on and headed into the water for a lesson in shallow water. Scuba diving is quite complicated and risky if you don't do it correctly. But soon enough, we had the hang of it.
We set sail towards a shipwreck to do our first dive. You get off the boat by, rolling backwards off of the side of the boat, knees tucked into your chest and hands on your mask. Afterwards, as a group, you make your way towards a rope that is tied to an anchor on the sea floor and the boat, which you slowly descend down into the water. Every few 'steps' you takedown this rope, you have to pinch your nose and blow out to equalise your ears, because of the pressure in the water. (Just like in a plane when your ears pop.) Everyone's ears take different amounts of time to equalise and get use to the pressure, so it was no surprise to me that I had to go down the rope slightly slower than people. It's all linked to congestion and how your nasal and sinus conditions are. Believe it or not.. You can't do scuba diving if you have a cold. Fun fact right there. After breaking my nose a couple years back, I don't think it helped my ears to equalise, my sinuses and congestion are atrocious.
But once we were down there, it was AMAZING! One of the most beautiful sights you will ever see, honestly. It's like a scene out of finding nemo, all kinds of fishes everywhere, beautifully coloured coral, rocks, shells and even lost items that were on the shipwreck. For example, the telephone that they used on the shipwreck was still there! Our snorkel that we lost a few days back wasn't though. Typical! We saw a stingray (a type of fish that killed Steve Irwin) a small squid and thousands of fishes, but no turtles! Gutting.
We came back to the boat, all with lots to say and just big smiling faces! What an experience.
Our second dive wasn't as good though, if I'm honest. It was still awesome but the current was crazy under water and it was quite difficult to swim in. I think the fish could sense that too, because there was not as much as the first dive, very few in comparison! The dive had to be ended slightly earlier because of the current as it got quite dangerous.
What an amazing experience though, during my gap year I've done Paddel Boarding,Canoeing,Surfing,Shark Cage diving,Jet Ski'ing and now Scuba Diving! Only thing to tick off now is Water Ski'ing! Hopefully one of the boys will do that with me.
We arrived back to shore to a big welcome of horrible weather, a huge storm of rain had hit! Just our luck! We stayed in the water though and made the most of the remainder of the day.
This will definitely be a day I'll remember for a long, long time!
All the best
Luke
Day 56
Day 56
Saturday
There was no Saturday morning session today which was a god send. A well needed lie in was appreciated.
The Brazil game was on during the day and what a nuts game that was!! My host family, the holders, have been huge World Cup fanatics watching every game and fully getting involved in the celebrations and everything! Their reactions to people missing/scoring penalties were priceless! I'm glad Brazil are still in the world cup though!
After the game, I went to collect Evan from Bathsheba with Renaldo (the guy who has been helping me out with coaching). It's a long old trek to where Aran and Evan reside so I wasn't massively confident that I would know how to get there by myself, plus it was getting dark and Barbados roads looks totally different at night, I don't think they've heard of street lights out here.
Aran's mum and dad have come to the island so he's been catching up with them and spending the last few days in their company. So Evan has had a taste of what it's been like to be me recently! LONELY!
Evan came to my house tonight which was nice! We got some dinner in, his favourite.. Chefette, played some FIFA and watched some TV on his laptop! A nice chilled night, exactly what the doctor ordered before tomorrow's big event of Scuba Diving!!!
All the best
Luke
Day 55
Day 55
Friday.
Just the one session today!
It was my last session at BCC. Those 5 weeks have gone so fast!! It's been an amazing experience though, everything Shaz,Evan,Aran and I have learnt over the last year was passed onto the students and you could see that in their practical exam, when they were asked to coach. My last session was spent assessing the students and grading their practical exam. The scores ranged from 9-19/20. On average, the majority got around 15. When leaving, the class had collectively bought some presents for us 4 gappers. They bought us a beer each and bought me a personal present of dairy milk because I said I could improve their exam marks and be bribed with chocolate. I think they took it a bit too serious!!
Weather's been quite crapy over the last couple days! It's been chucking it down with rain!
All the best
Luke
Friday.
Just the one session today!
It was my last session at BCC. Those 5 weeks have gone so fast!! It's been an amazing experience though, everything Shaz,Evan,Aran and I have learnt over the last year was passed onto the students and you could see that in their practical exam, when they were asked to coach. My last session was spent assessing the students and grading their practical exam. The scores ranged from 9-19/20. On average, the majority got around 15. When leaving, the class had collectively bought some presents for us 4 gappers. They bought us a beer each and bought me a personal present of dairy milk because I said I could improve their exam marks and be bribed with chocolate. I think they took it a bit too serious!!
Weather's been quite crapy over the last couple days! It's been chucking it down with rain!
All the best
Luke
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