Vancouver - WOW ...

... where to start? We've only been here 5 days but it has been a whirlwind of looking for accommodation, meeting new friends (and old) and driving around this beautiful city. I've hardly had time to sit at the computer - there are a few daily snippets on Facebook for those of you who go there. I'm thinking of starting a new blog ... it's hardly appropriate to write about Vancouver on a blog called Botswana News, now is it? Look out for Voice from Vancouver, coming to a screen near you sometime soon (or maybe not that soon as I start work next week!)

Suffice to say - we love Vancouver, so far, - will be happier once we have settled the accommodation issue. The weather has been warm and sunny and bright - the people are incredibly friendly and helpful ... the city is gentle and unhurried (not like London as I was expecting) ... the sceanery is stunning - beautiful views everywhere you look ... there is SO much to do here ... great restaurants, shops, galleries, sports facilities and most important, John is happier than he's been for many years ... it's looking good :-)

Time in Vancouver

I've just changed the clock on my blog to show Vancouver time. So if you want to know what time it is where we are (or will be from Sunday) then you can check the time here.

Zanzibar

Having a great holiday ... wish you were ALL here. We leave tomorrow and this is the first time my fingers have hit a keyboard - having a wonderful break ... snorkelling, swimming with dolphins, beach combing, reading and lazing by the pool. Oh, and eating WAAAAY too much.

Coral Rock is a great place to stay - recommend it!

More details later ....

Leaving Honiara

I had my final meeting with the stakeholders’ group for the distance teacher training project here today. At the end of the meeting I was – for once – speechless when the Permanent Secretary made a big presentation about how much I’d helped them and how much they appreciated it. She then presented me with the most beautiful shell money necklace that they had made specially for me. They had even had my name spelled out in the beads. It is totally amazing and I was really touched that they had done that for me. They also put on a big lunch ... which was great!

I’m very sad that I am not going to be here to help the team make this programme happen – I really hope they are successful. Ah well ... on to the next job :-)

travel plans

Several people have asked what our plans are for the next few weeks - so here goes.

I leave Honiara next Tuesday (11th) getting home on Thursday to Francistown - the day the removal people come. Chaos for 2 days. Friday to Monday we are staying with Les & Guy and then on Tuesday 18th we go to Zanzibar. Planning to do nothing but laze on the beach, read books and go diving and snorkeling. I might manage a little retail therapy but of course I'm not allowed to buy anything - have to go 'look-shopping'

Back to Francistown on Friday 28th to collect the menagery - in the end we decided to take Bunz, Sid and George with us. here's a pic of Sid & george enjoying their last few weeks in their big garden in Francistown.

On Monday 31st we drive to Johnannesburg, leave the animals at the kennels and fly to UK. We are there with my family until Sunday 6th when we leave for Vancouver - arriving Sunday 6th! The same day, the kennels people put the animals on a plane (I hope they get their own seats) to Vancouver via Amsterdam and we all arrive at the same time. And if we are really lucky, out suitcases will come with us too.

Hold thumbs ....

Miserable weekend

What a difference a week makes! I had a terrible weekend - I've got a chest infection and flu and I've had a ton of work to do. I've been trying to write a report and notes from last weeks' training but my head is pounding. I keep checking to see if I've got a curly tail ... but nothing so far!

I wish I was snorkelling :-(

Tulagi Island

What a great weekend. 2 hour boat ride across some pretty choppy water to a beautiful island called Tulagi. Went with Bex from NZAID and her friend Anna who was over from Melbourne... good fun, girly weekend. The accommodation was pretty basic but clean and the people were, as ever, very friendly and welcoming. Food was good although they have a problem with getting it to the table hot!

Had 2 fantastic snorkelling trips - indescribable abundance of soft corals and fishes. Isaw a sea snake for the first time and a bright yellow needlefish. I even saw a squid and managed not to scream!

We took a walk around the island and these lads wanted their photo taken. The flowers and gardens are amazing. You guys must sign up for Flickr then you'll be able to see my photos.

The boat ride home was a bit rough ... we all got completely soaked from the spray and I'm still feeling Moby :-(