Blog

This is my first post, and my first blog (I am not counting my tumblr account as a blog), so I’m not 100% sure what I’m doing and I’m sure it will be far from perfect. But I thought I should get to grips with things before I my departure, and I think it’ll be nice to record all aspects of my trip to Ecuador, including the mild terror I’m feeling towards it now.

Yesterday I attended my second Spanish class since abandoning all foreign languages at the first possible opportunity. Until last week, I had not spoken nor attempted to speak any language other than English since I was thirteen. And, to be honest, my year nine grades in French and Spanish left alot to be desired. I struggled with languages at school mostly because I didn’t see the point. No natives I bumped into abroad would be interested in hearing about the contents of my pencil case, or a mundane description of mi casa.

I probably could have passed a GCSE in Spanish if I’d wanted to, and that is all I can think of as I look at Maria, the overly enthusiastic spanish woman who teaches level 2 Spanish on Tuesday evenings. She is very friendly, and very cheerful, and if you try to ask or answer a question in English she will glare at you and shout “EN ESPAÑOL, POR FAVOR“.

Compared to learning Spanish, the financial aspects of my preperations have been surprisingly easy. I recieved a £200 grant from my local Rotary club, for which I am very grateful. I am currently in the process of applying for other grants, so keep your fingers and toes crossed for me. I also managed to get a Christmas job at Sainsbury’s and have been given a permenant contract there, which is really helping to boost the balance of my savings account.

My one attempt at a fundraising event in October 2013 can only be described as a failure. Eight people turned up to my charity quiz night. I managed to make £40 profit only because three or four people bought tickets and then didn’t turn up, but £40 is still better than £0. It was still a fun experience, but I’ve decided that the amount of time and stress that went into organising it was not worth the money I got out at the end. I had planned to be sponsored to complete the Yorkshire 3 Peaks Challenge, however my plans to train at the gym have been interrupted somewhat by my pesky A Levels, learning Spanish and working 12 hours a week plus overtime at Sainsbury’s. We’ll see what happens there.