School Photo

Lucy sent me this lovely photo...

I know England had an earthquake but...

When I went to Antigua, I joined some of the other volunteers on a trip to the Pacaya volcano. There are several active volcanoes around Antigua. This was just after the earthquake in England. The group that I went with took you up in the evening so that you have sunset by the volcano. Afterwards, we had a picnic on the mountain, we all felt terribly cold and piled on the fleeces. The conversation in the group turned to the recent earthquake in England. The english guys (including me) expressed regret about missing the earthquake but the lady from San Francisco pulled us up by reminding

us that we should be careful what we wish for. Very true. She had been through two earthquakes and does not want to repeat the experience. Anyway, I doubt if you can get this close to a volcano in the western world, close enough for sticking marshmallows on the end of a stick. What was also surprising, was the number of people who were going to camp on the mountain. Some people expressed surprise with all the noxious gases around. Anyway, all in all, it is very impressive.

End of Visit

All good things have to come to an end. I had these plans for my last week in Copan but they came to nothing as I went down with a stomach bug on Monday evening. It certainly knocked me over, so much so that I was in the local clinic on Wed afternoon attached to a drip. As I was planning to start my trip home on Friday at 12 midday with a 6-7 hour trip to Guatemala, this was not a good sign. However, David can be quite determined at times and with the boost from the drugs, I had made a good enough recovery to make the trip. Indeed, I also managed to get a tuk-tuk up to the school to say goodbye to the kids. The 20 minute bumpy ride in a suspension free vehicle certainly tested my delicate constitution. It was certainly a different way to leave in a tuk-tuk with the kids waving goodbye. They had made me a wonderful farewall card and lovely get-well cards. Lucy was very kind and gave me a bag of San Rafael coffee (it was on my souvenier shopping for the last week which did not happen) and a SalvaVida T-shirt.

My fragile state was probably ideal for the 13 hour plane journey to Madrid(via Panama) which seemed to pass OK except that my bag did not appear on the carousel at Heathrow. Iberia delivered it the following evening which was great.

Now that I am back in England, I am delighted and yet I also want to be in Copan. I think I left more than the contents of my stomach in Copan. I know the kids have many volunteers who teach them (Darcey has taken over from me and I hope that she has a great time with them also) but I like to think that they will remember me in the future.

I may have some photos taken by the others that they may well post to me when convenient (fast internet connection) so I may update the blog if and when these arrive.

To all that I met in Copan, thank you very much for your love and my sincere best wishes for whatever you do in the future.

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Tree of life

Lucy and I decided on another project. We would make a tree to show the things needs for life but each of the kids would have a leaf. We would print a thumbnail picture of them and get them to write three positive words about themselves. Charlotte was always emphasising that we need to boost their self-esteem. Besides, we want more Art to decorate the walls!

Market

Caroline has to get fruit for the school every day (sometimes every other) so we have call at the market just as it opens. This is the stall we use. The fruit always looks so tasty.

As we are early birds, the market is opening when we get there _________________________________________________________________________

Sunday night is movie night.

Every Sunday at Cafe ViaVia they show a current movie. I think it is a lovely spot on a terrace under palm roof with a gentle warm breeze and I have seen some good movies there.

No Country for Old Men
Let there be blood
Juno
Sweeney Todd
Before the devil takes you
Mosquito Coast

I must watch more movies when I get back.
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Climbing a hill

This is tallest hill around Copan and I decided to

get up one Sunday to climb it. I did not know a route but there is a road that runs along the bottom so I walked along and looked for a track. I followed a route parallel to the ridge and it was steep, when a stone was knocked, you could see it roll down so it was quite exhilirating.

Of course, when I got to the top, I found there was a track on the other side that led almost to the top so I took that back down.

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