The Dream

The Dream!

Arrived to a hostel right by the beach. After the long flight from the UK and the taxi ride from Liberia I was knackered. It was 2am by the time the jet lag wore off. I spent the time between then and the arsenal game wondering what this new adventure had in store for me. Little did I know at the start of the game it would be 3 matching suitcases in descending order of size. My first course mate had arrived at the Blue iguana hostel. As I sipped my 7.30am beer from the mini fridge I reminded myself it was a lunchtime beer back in the UK before helping carry these suitcases upstairs. The second course mate I meet would join me for the second after of the game against Liverpool soon after. The first return after what I imagine was a lengthy unpacking ritual. The 3 of us we're first down. The stunning arsenal victory was lost in the meeting and greeting of Tefl students old and new at the Blue Iguana breakfast area as more of the residence started to wake. After tearing ourselves away from an old Tefl portfolio, thinking of how we we're all about to build one ourselves, we hit the local beach bar, Las Ola's, and we hit it hard. The joyous new team feeling flowed all the way past dinner time when we meet two other members of the course and enjoyed a glorious Mojito at local bar Limeys. They sure know they're way around limes, still the best mojito in Samara by my learned opinion! A return to the pool for some late night Margaritas, the last of which I could stomach for the rest of my time there and it was all of a sudden time for bed once more. And so as quickly as it started the first weekend in Samara was over. Now the real work began! The first day seemed like a mad dream! Teaching on Wednesday! Impossible! But with the support and guidance of the team at Tefl, Barb, Eleanor and Chantel, we soon found our feet. Lessons soon became something to relish rather than fear and bonds with tutors, fellow teachers and student alike were easy. Progress was being made by all for all. We made dinners for all in the evenings, ate out for birthdays and on night when we just really needed it! Teaching online and to kids was an experience that set my path in a different direction! It reminded me of why I got into teaching and what I wanted from it. What I wanted from being an educator! Then just when you've finished your last lesson on a topic you love. It all clicks! The elation from getting your tefl graduates certificate, the euphoria of celebrating with your fellow graduates. The hard graft has paid dividends and your free to work, travel or find a job in this beautiful country. I took the later option and with alot of help from Barb I made it to a new town to teach the next generation from the jungles of Costa Rica! The Dream is here!