After a blissful few weeks in England and Portugal, it’s time to sit down with a nice cuppa and reflect on the trip.
I ate pies in their hundreds. I shopped for life changing pants with my best friend, who is starting her own furniture upcycling business. I gazed in awe at my wonderful mum’s new artwork.
I made weird videos whilst waiting for delayed Ryanair flights.
In Portugal, I ate pastel de natas with proper coffee in great company. I drank one too many at O’Luain’s Bar and Sometime Eatery (first mentioned here) and participated in the much missed Sunday night music session. I was reminded of the stunning beauty of the Cascais coast, and of just how enormous a Portuguese toastie can be.
Back in England I was lucky enough to join in the singaround at the Cross Keys Folk Club. What a wonderful night. Secreted away in the tiny back room of this 200-year old pub (not a smartphone in sight), we shared folk songs from all over the world. This was my favourite (extract from lyrics below):
“Oh, roll up, roll up, come and see the fat girl,
Forty stone o’ loveliness and evr’y bit’s her own.”
Ee she were a big ‘un, Wi’t accent on the big,
And all the fellas wi’ walking sticks kept giving her a dig.
All in all a very special trip. I returned to Panama full up with love. And pies.
Below are a few photos from my current location. Bloodshot is out of the water having a well-earned rest in Bocas del Toro
…and I am getting to know my new home: Playa Venao.
It feels great to be teaching again. I had forgotten how challenging and hectic and hilarious working with children is. This is our school and it’s growing. I feel priviliged to be a part of it all.
I’m saying this now. Just wait until the novelty of actually having to work wears off.
Emma Jay Ashton 