Final Blog Post

So this is it. I am sat in the exact same spot where I wrote my first blog post. Well almost. An overweight American tourist is currently tucking into a cheeseburger in my exact seat. I am one table along. But we can overlook that slight misfortune.

It feels very strange to think that 6 weeks has gone by so fast. No matter how cliched it is or sounds, it does feel like only yesterday I arrived on the Galapagos Islands. I've had the most amazing time. I could not have asked for a better family to live with. They emphasised on my first evening that as long as I lived in their house, it was also my house. If my family weren't as warm and hospitable my trip would certainly not have been half as amazing as it has been. Thank you for everything 'La familia de Loaiza'

On the flight over to the Galapagos, I frantically scribbled out lesson plans and stressed that I was in over my head. I only slept for 3 or 4 of the 13 hour flight, with my overhead light on the entire time no doubt infuriating my neighbour. Whoever you are, I apologise. However I soon realised that all my stressing and self doubt was totally unnecessary. We were assisted every step of the way and were given free reign to teach anything we wanted. Within reason of course. There was no restricting structure we had to conform to. For all the time I slagged off my students and threatened them with mental and physical violence, they were all actually great and I will definitely miss a couple of them. For the last lesson we had a little party as I said. I've never properly seen what over consumption of energy filled fizzy drinks does to a 13 year old boy until yesterday. It was mildly terrifying and I feared for my physical well being at times. At the end of the lesson one girl cried which almost set me off, but my manliness held back the tears. I was even given a letter by a couple of pupils, which will be framed on my wall, despite the fact they spelt my name wrong. Although I actually find that somewhat more endearing.

There have been so many highlights in the six weeks, but the one that stands out for me without a doubt is the snorkelling trip where I swam with sea lions, sea turtles, rays and Galapagos and hammerhead sharks. Although slightly horrifying at all times as sharks swam no more than 5 feet underneath me, it was the most thrilling experience of my trip and one I will definitely not forget. I just wish I had an underwater camera. Description alone does not even go half way to doing it justice. Another great moment was the night spent camping on the beach, despite the infamous and hideous dead leg, which almost permanently crippled me.

It's going to be strange for the first couple of days back in urban civilisation. I've settled into a way of life free of stress and for the most part responsibility. We've just about come to the end of this trip. I have an 11 hour overnight flight to Madrid followed by a final 2 hour hop over to London. I've been thinking about what might be presented as my first meal back. I'm slightly scared that in a sick, sick joke I will be presented with a plate of white rice. I will not be held responsible for my actions if that does actually happen. I'm growing slightly irate just thinking about it.

So this is it. Thank you for taking the time out to read my posts. It's been fun writing and who knows, maybe I will do it again. Unless you all beg me not to. Therefore one last time, until next time.