Licence to Explore

...the hidden treasures this beautiful island has to offer.

When I first moved to the island it seemed that every encounter was initiated with the question, 

'So have you done much diving?' 

Dive instructors seemed to be everywhere; every bar was full of them and they also seemed to be the only people on Tinder. I guess there's only so much diving one can do?!?!

Queue Dan, dive instructor at Lobster Pot. Dan was also a fellow wanderlust and it turns out that he too had spent some time in Indonesia, specifically Gilli T! After hours spent talking of the UK and our need to get off the conveyor belt of today's life we came to the topic of exploring the depths of this tiny island. That night I made a promise to Dan that I would get my Padi Open Water dive license and start exploring the hidden beauty on offer in the Caribbean. After all I no longer had the excuse that I was too busy settling on to the island or my new school. 

First things first....e-learning! This was hours upon hours of videos and quizzes of breathing properly, equalising and dive charts (I still haven't the foggiest how to use them.) Toward the final sections I actually began skipping straight to the summary videos just to save time. I set myself a timeline and I was going to hammer this out over the Summer holidays and then complete my diving practical during the final 2 weeks of the Summer when I was back on island. This did NOT happen! After the adventures of 9 countries in 4 weeks, studying dive tables was the last thing on my mind. Back into the routine of school I started to panic. I reverted back to my uni years and didn't just pull an all nighter, I pulled an all weekender.  I did it; I kept to my side of the bargain! I passed my e-learning (90%,) telephoned Red Sail the next day and booked myself onto the Open Water practical for the 1st 2 weekends of October.

Sadly Dan returned to England so all those promised diving adventures never came to fruition.

Tiana and I after our 1st shore dive at Sunset House.

Despite being told that diving was the most social sport and best way to meet people on the island, I still anticipated being stuck on this course with a load of couples.  I was wrong - only 1 couple among 10 people. We were split into 2 groups and I was in the best one! I was buddied up with 2 fab girls; Olivia from South London and Tiana from Ontario, Canada.

Our instructor was Klinta from Latvia, although to watch her teaching technique you would think she was German. When it came to teaching the skills sets in the training pool she was strict but concise, clear yet comprehensive. Our group stayed in the confined pool for an entire 8 hours on the first day ensuring our skills were not only ticked off but mastered. Exhausting as it was this meant that we could enjoy our shore dives the next day.The dives were amazing, the skills we had learnt in the training pool became natural and we were free to observe the marine life 38ft underwater. After our shores dives the mood shifted dramatically as we turned our focus to Hurricane Matthew. We had wondered if next week's diving was still on but all of us felt guilt considering our diary issues when Haiti, Jamaica and Cuba would be praying and asking major questions of God.

Haiti October 7th 2016

The next weekend conditions on the water seemed good...for us :( Matthew had taken a sharp turn North missing Cayman at the last minute but devastating others in his path. 

Oh gosh, oh gosh, he's watching me... Vetusta Morla, Neverending Story.

We docked the boat from Seven Mile and went to Trinity Caves in West Bay where we saw the largest Loggerhead Turtle imaginable. He sat there, as still as anything, just watching us. After what seemed like 10 minutes he swam over to me...3ft in front on my face. Telling myself to BREATH, BREATH, BREATH - ah this is what the e-learning was on about, I tried not to make any sudden movements! Reverting back to a 5 year old little Emma I felt like a petrified Atreyu in front of Vetusta Morla (Neverending Story - best film EVER if you're yet to watch it.) Seeing the Loggerhead made our day...oh and we passed as well :-) 

Yesterday, me, Olivia and a couple of friends decided to dive the Kittiwake - #6 on Trip Advisor's list of things to do in Grand Cayman. The 251' ship was a fully equipped diver support vessel designed to assist submarines in distress. Following almost 50 years of active service in the US Navy, she was sunk deliberately on January 5th, 2011 to make an artificial reef, divers playground and an ocean tribute to seafarers worldwide. Prior to her sinking, the Kittiwake was prepared to make a safe environment for divers to explore with additional entrance and exit holes cut into the thick steel structure to make more fluid routes to swim in and around the wreck.

​

Andre, Nikeeta & Olivia practicing their buoyancy before we enter the Kittiwake.

We had a fantastic afternoon. And now I'm one of those people... "So have you done any diving since you've been in the island?"

Grand Cayman has 365 dive site. That's one for each day of the year. Sadly I've only got 68 days to go so I'm determined to make it out every weekend till then. Anyone want a dive buddy???

"Life is like the ocean. It can be calm or still, and rough or rigid, but in the end, it is always beautiful."

The wheels on the bus...

Go round and round.

The start on a new academic year has begun... For those of you that know me, each year I say this will be my last as a classroom teacher, but this year is different. I was lucky enough to see the children that would come to me. My head mistress also allowed for me to choose a classroom for these bubas and I have now made it my own. Creating a classroom that is bright and manifests excitement is a joy of mine and thus far I think I have been successful. A rainbow has puked in my class and there is multi colour everywhere. All I really hope is that the children will feel at home this year and that everyday they walk into Miss Winter's room wondering what new and exciting things they will learn. Now for the children - I have an amazing class of 7 beautiful bubas! I love all of them from Patrick's cheeky smile and Disney eyes to Kiara's loving hugs and toothless smiles. Everyday I look back at their faces and am reminded at how pure we all are.

My classroom is not yet complete but in keeping to my usual multi-coloured theme here is a sneak peak...the displays will of course grow throughout the year.

I have had a 2 week whirlwind of adventure but it's now time to 'Wake up and smell the routine'. For a moment then I thought I was part of a fairytale (In actual fact I watched Pretty Woman 3x and kept shouting at the screen 'That is me!'), but coming back to Cayman and starting the new academic year has grounded me. This is where I am. This is where I am meant to be. This is my routine.

But, looking out onto this everyday, I guess that's not everyone's routine ;) I am remind with each inhale of fresh sea breeze- I AM A VERY LUCKY GIRL!

My local beach - Not everyone's everyday!

Being back on island means that my sleep pattern has normalised and I am back to self practice. Despite the love of moving with my own breath, modifying when I need to and yes...skipping the odd asana when I feel like it, I do crave the love and support of a teacher. I come to realise that I need the watchful eye of a teacher to keep my practice focused and ensure that I exert self discipline. Anyone can set an alarm for 4:45am but to keep your focus and strength to 100% is not so easy. Surely this is what we expect from our kids don't we??? Note to self, be more patient with my bubas! Self discipline or not, I did just bind for the 1st time in Marichyasana D, unassisted that is!!!!(Right side only, but Ssssshhhh, the left side is coming ;) I was so pleased I let out a little 'YAY' and looked around to see if anyone was watching, of course they weren't. So with a smug proud smile spread from cheek to cheek I just turned my head counting my 5 breaths.  

Finally...With practice all is coming. Lets just hope I can still do it come Monday.

I started the week back meeting up with my fellow teachers with a 70s/80s themed evening. I myself DON'T do fancy dress and was not prepared to spend money on an outfit/costume I wouldn't wear again so I decided to go as a 70s boho hippie chic - AKA myself!

Davina, Susan, Me & Emma x

This weekend I met up the the hip Mr Rogers - another friend who sought me out through this blog. He is now on island and reminded me of the beauty of Cayman - 'you have some of the best diving in the world on your doorstep!' Thanks to him I went home and was motivated and finally finished my PADI e-learning. I admit I am still am none the wiser about eRDPML dive tables but that's what we have computers for, right? And I'll have a buddy diving with me - let's hope he's good at maths :) Now it's time to get the practical booked and explore what makes this island really magnificent.

Once again I am back to missing friends at home. That being said, I don't wish to be a complete Debbie Downer. Last week I was reminded by Facebook of a decision I had made exactly 1 year ago today...

"Embrace life. It is either pleasuring you, offering you opportunities, or teaching you precious lessons."

"Ain't it fun living in the real world."

Being held in mind - Cayman says hello to Mysore

As many of you know, I spent the last 3 months of the year in India. During my time there The Mysore Foundation was in the early stages of establishment. Before leaving I donated my belongings to the Mysore community and made the suggestion of a Pen-Pal program to Ms Brice Watson, CEO. 

http://www.themysorefoundation.com/

I felt it important that these children in Mysore who are sidelined and forgotten by their own feel some connection and love from the rest of the world. Sending a letter or a simple picture would make the receiving child feel special by being held in someone's thoughts. After all, we all want to be 'held in mind' don't we? Knowing we are in someone's thoughts, that someone out there is thinking of us; we feel loved. 

It was my dream when I came to Cayman to start a Pen-Pal program with my own children. After 6 months of hard work at East End Primary School my efforts have finally come to fruition.

I wanted to teach the children: 

• About another culture and the world we live in;  that there is a world bigger than themselves. 
• The concept of charity and helping others. By asking their little boy/girl their name, age, likes etc they are thinking of someone else. And as many teachers and parents will agree, getting a young child to think of others is quite a challenge. 
• How blessed they are. Children in the Western world are very lucky and take their privilege for granted, I wanted them to understand what it's like to be poor. 
• Finally and most importantly for me, I wanted to explore the relationship of friends with the children. Helping them to see how friendships make others as well as ourselves feel good inside. That everything we do impacts another's feelings.

Despite it being the last 7 days of school and the children bouncing 'off the walls', My Year 1 class of 19 children have all written very sweet letters, coloured a picture of a typical Cayman animal (stingray, iguana, turtle etc) and tracked the route of their letters from the Cayman Islands, Caribbean to Mysore, India on a map. 

I'll admit I shed a couple of tears when reading through these letters. They've done so well and I'm very proud of their efforts. In a recap session I asked the children 'Why are sending letters to children in India?' One little boy raised his hand 'We want them to feel special Miss Winter.' My heart started to beam. They understood this project.

We will be finishing them tomorrow then I will put them into individual envelopes with either 'boy' or 'girl' written on them, ready to post to the guardians of the foundation in Mysore. 

On the other side of the world 19 boys and girls will smile and feel loved because of my children here in Cayman.

#Wintydidgood

And here was the report...

https://www.caymancompass.com/2016/06/30/east-end-students-hope-to-make-friends-in-india/

Travellers for Life

I was surprised by an impromptu visit this long weekend. For 4 years now Misa and I have travelled different parts of the world. He stayed true to his wanderlust nature and came to the Caribbean to see me. It's amazing how travelling brings these wondrous souls into your life. I got to thinking about why these friendships are so special and why they're different to all the others.

When we travel are are truly alive. We become this new person, in this new place, with absolutely no limits.  The new adventure molds us into the person we are becoming, and its these friends that are right beside us. As we embark in the unfamiliar, we begin to rebuild ourselves and reset our minds. We find confidence in who we are and begin to see what is of most value to our lives. The people we meet in this present state get to know the REAL us. They have no preconceived ideas of our personality and there's a humbling feeling that comes with the knowledge that these new friends actually like everything about our present self (including all of our strange and weird traits).

The friends I have met in India and Indonesia will be the friends I travel with in the future. I want to share more experiences with them, experiences that can't be shared with just anyone. They are the ones I trust and I just know my trip will be better with them. What makes these people even special is they come from all walks of life, all with such different backgrounds and passions. I am not friends with them based on the normal system of selection, but on a much broader level. They are my friends because I can relate to them, because they know me.

That's how it should be. It shouldn't always be people who like the same music or lived in the same town as you growing up. These relationships are special because they offer you a chance to meet people you wouldn't have ever crossed paths otherwise.

The more I travel and interact with strangers the more I realise I have nothing to fear and everything to gain by opening up and sharing a moment of my life freely.

In four weeks I will be reconnecting with some of these souls and making more friendships. The 1st leg of my trip will be spent in Toronto where I will be at the shala from 7am to 5pm each day. I am excited to strengthen my practice with David. I really have noticed how strong and flexible my body has become. Starting off with a disability where even standing up was impossible led to shuffling along on crutches and eventually I became mesmerised with the Ashtanga practice. 

Asanas such as:

• Utthita Hasta Padangusthasana
• Ardha Bahdha Padmottonasana
• Ahrda Pada Padma Paschimottanasana
• ALL Marichyasanas
• Bhujapidasana
• Kurmasana
• Supta Kurmasana
• Garbha Pindasa
• Baddha konasana
• Sirsasana
• and Padmasana

In fact, 99% of them were difficult if not seemingly impossible for me. But with regular practice :) 'ALL IS COMING'.

After the physically challenging fortnight I will make my way to Varadero and then Havana where I'll relax for a couple days and soak up some Cuban culture before jetting off to see my 4th world wonder. Flying into Cancun I will make my way across the country intending to visit Holbox, San Miguel, Tulum, Merida, Chiapa, Oaxaca and finally Mexico City, where I will practice with the beautiful Rocio, another friend met travelling! Any further recommedations are more than welcome :-)

Upon returning to Cayman I'll complete the practice part of my open water PADI certification. Snorkeling with Misa this weekend highlighted what I am missing out on this beautiful island. 

Regrets

When I arrived in Cayman there was no way I was going to visit home during the Summer holidays. I had had enough of London and was onto pastures new. However, since June 2015 I have spent a total  of just 6 weeks in London. I'm starting to really miss home. Speaking to Joey on Skype last week I realised that there are some friends that can't be replaced, even if you are in paradise.

I'm missing my brother growing up. He'll be going to secondary school next year and I wont be there for that transition. I miss my dad, his stories of the 'Canaries', Elvis Costello, even how he managed to clean the septic tank???? Strange I know! Most of all I just miss his humour. I miss Les maitresses; The French girls were part of my family in London, together we had created something amazing at La Petite Ecole. A part of me feels I left the school too early. My dear friend Ericka is also leaving London this year to return with her daughter to Guadeloupe. Despite being in the Caribbean the unjust airfares mean that I wont get a chance to see her and welcome her back. I miss Sophie; turning on my phone to find emails and photo updates remind me I've not been there to support her during her pregnancy and of course I'll miss the birth.

Perhaps making the decision to skip going home this Summer was a bit hasty.

For now, you guys will have to: Skype more frequently, visit (Cayman is pretty cool) or hold out till July 2017 :)

Play in the Rain

Back in January I recall the locals describing the 'rainy season'. I found this pretty hard to comprehend when surrounded by clear blue skies, a sizzling yet stunning sun kissing my skin and the feel of a cool sea breeze through my hair.

But...Rainy reason has now appeared and gosh its WET!

The island started to heat up after Batabano but suddenly one Sunday afternoon it all changed. Whilst catching some rays on Seven Mile a stygian shadow cast its way across the sky and a light shower came down. Refreshing as it was, the sky did not look too pretty. The following morning I awoke to a noisy downpour outside my window; my car finally had the wash it deserved.

The island is hot but the humidity is suffocating!

The calm before the storm and Sunset House

The poor school field has taken a battering. The children are running in from play covered in dirt. We had our 1st wet play on Friday. Teachers back home will empathise with the bain of wet plays, no time for setting up lessons and children demolishing a just tidied classroom! After a little grumble I realised, hang on, at home nearly every day was wet play (from Novemeber - March) so one day won't harm!!!

East End's school field

The downpours out here have been quite scary. The rain here is not like the showers back home. Think of the tropical storms you see on the news. Palms trees being thrown across the horizon, rain pelting down like hail stones and a percussion so noisy taking shelter in the cocoon of your car is the only way you can get peace and quiet.  No drainage on the island means there is nowhere for all the water to go, queue the floods. Its bloody scary to drive through; I'm afraid my car will get stuck and I'll be stranded.

Nonetheless...

After the rain comes the sun, and on Cayman, sunrise is serine and the sunset breathtaking.

Often when we perceive an experience as unpleasant, we try not to feel it, we divert our attention. Feel it all and go play in the rain; its very refreshing!

You must be my lucky star!

Life has been eventful this month. Cayman may not be as fast paced as Landon Town but my calendar has been filled.

I have just had my 2nd Luna Del Mar experience. Luna Del Mar is an intimate candle lit dinner under the full moon at the Kaibo; a beautiful cabana on the North side of the island. Guests dine  under the full moon and stars at the water’s edge. After dinner everyone then goes to let off a lantern into the night sky. 

Jenn & I making our wishes at Luna Del Mar May 2016

My last post hinted at the excitement of Batabano - carnival season. I was not disappointed. Carnival itself was a kaleidoscope of music, dance and pageantry. The outfits were stunning; colourful costumes reflecting the vibrant landscapes, heritage and culture; the perfect complement to Cayman's music; the very rhythm of island life - SOCA! It was a great day!

The beautiful Jenn & Kyla

Batabano 2016

Alas, I did not follow the others continuing carnival celebrations in George Town. I returned home and hosted 'Come Dine with Me' 2. All of us teachers do try to meet up once a month to cook a new dish. Teachers are known for talking about nothing other than school and kids but these ladies are simply wonderful. They have played an integral role in my transition to the Caribbean education system and they continue to support me whatever my daft question or moment of tears may be.  My course was Pollock with curried pumpkin and garlic lentils with a side of creme fraiche spinach.... yummy. I wonder what I'll BAKE next month... :)

Now I have to say goodbye to a very good friend I've only just met; Jo, an Irish teacher from Dublin. She arrived here shortly after me and has decided Cayman is not for her. She's continuing her journey and returning to Abu Dhabi. For the short time I've known this girl, we clicked immediately. In fact, our first night out was St Patrick's, drinking Sangria in the not so Irish Irish bar?!?!?! I am sad that we wont get to share more giggles together but Come Dine with Me 3 will be next month. Just like all the people I meet travelling, I know we'll meet up again at some point either in London, Ireland or should I decided to return to the Middle East I'll have a dancing partner there.

Dinner in White (April 2016) - Sparkler Time!

Jo & I - Nous sommes assez en blanc!

I'm now into my final 6 weeks of school. Knuckling down and giving one final push with these children is my priority. Then I'll go back to my gypsy ways for the Summer. Reuniting with fellow Ashtangis in Canada and Mexico and a special birthday celebration in Cuba.

When reflecting on my life this past month, the word that springs to mind is gratitude. I am in a place in my life where I no longer feel the pressure of other's expectations. I can appreciate and say thanks in every situation.

The past year has showed me that regardless of everything...

I am fine. 

There are always good people around me and there is beauty to be found in everything. I am loving my life here in Cayman. Exactly where I am. Right now. At this moment. 

In the Western world we have a 'I will be happy when....' culture. I too am guilty of this mindset. Why can't we be happy with where we are NOW. Prior to moving here I would have judged myself, my life, what I have, what I don't have, my love life, career and social circles by other people's standards. Always finding fault and criticising myself, never happy until....'I have this, do that... '

I can now say that I am completely present and I feel a very lucky girl for:

all I have,

all I am

and for everyone in my life ;)

Ode to Thanks
by Pablo Neruda

Thanks to the word that says thanks!
Thanks to thanks,
word
that melts
iron and snow!
The world is a threatening place
until
thanks
makes the rounds
from one pair of lips to another,
soft as a bright
feather
and sweet as a petal of sugar,
filling the mouth with its sound
or else a mumbled
whisper.
Life becomes human again:
it’s no longer an open window.
A bit of brightness
strikes into the forest,
and we can sing again beneath the leaves.
Thanks, you’re the medicine we take
to save us from
the bite of scorn.
Your light brightens the altar of harshness.
Or maybe
a tapestry
known
to far distant peoples.
Travelers
fan out
into the wilds,
and in the jungle
of strangers,
merci
rings out
while the hustling train
changes countries,
sweeping away borders,
then spasibo
clinging to pointy
volcanoes, to fire and freezing cold,
or danke, yes! and gracias, and
the world turns into a table:
a single word has wiped it clean,
plates and glasses gleam,
silverware tinkles,
and the tablecloth is as broad as a plain.
Thank you, thanks,
for going out and returning,
for rising up
and settling down.
We know, thanks,
that you don’t fill every space-
you’re only a word-
but
where your little petal
appears
the daggers of pride take cover,
and there’s a penny’s worth of smiles.

Gratitude trumps all so soak up the sun with a smile!

The Journey of a Feather – Running Away or Drifting Toward?

Being on the island for 4 months now, I have met many people all with their stories of how they came to Cayman. Known for its secrecy, a tiny island in the middle of the Caribbean, it would be easy to hide away from life, start afresh and forget your past life. It’s easy to see why not one but a handful of people have asked ‘what I’m running away from?’

Puzzled and quite offended, I start to question my presence in Cayman. Why should I be running from anything? I love England and I’m very grateful for the life I had there! I came to Cayman in hope of change. My life was following a dull routine and I had no enthusiasm. The only pleasure I got was from globe hopping every 6 weeks. The excitement at the airport was wearing thin as the onset of anxiety would set in on my flight home.

 Enough.

Complaining is only helpful when the acknowledgment of unhappiness/anger/sadness/frustration leads to a change in your situation.

I value my past; I acknowledge that all events and as a result the lessons learnt in 30 years have bought me here. It’s very easy to diminish the importance of our past and look at our history with a critical eye. We see the mistakes, we see what we think we should have known, what we think we could have done better but I appreciate that the reason I can see so clearly now is because of my past and no matter how painful the lessons have been, they have taught me something that’s either helping me now or will do so in the future. In all honesty and I’m certain this is true for others… It has been the most painful events of my past that have bought about the ability to persevere, be kind, appreciate and love the people in my life and have an optimism and almost bravery for my future.

Traveling to some of the most beautiful parts of the world and being entirely present wherever I am has enabled me to not forget my past but to appreciate its importance and to leave it exactly there…In the past. It’s something I cannot change and nor do I want to.

This is exactly how I live my life. I am constantly gravitating towards something new, exciting, that brings about love and serenity in my heart. New experiences have never scared me. The not knowing where my life was heading when I moved to London…Travelled to India…Boarded a flight to Cayman made my journey even more exciting. We are constantly evolving as individuals therefore we should not stay in one place.

I also get that I’m ‘searching for something.’ I have tried hard to uncover what exactly I am searching for and I can hand on heart say that I have everything I need, I don’t want for anything in particular. But I guess happiness is all anyone wants? Right? In what shape or form that takes I don’t know but I will continue to live my life following my heart and I suppose the voice upstairs will be acknowledged.

I have come to recognise that everyone, even that person you feel is perfect has 'issues.' I hate using the phrase issues as that indicates that they are a problem in your life now. But we all have baggage; stories that make us feel vulnerable and exposed. And the only reason we sometimes hide from this past is because we fear other’s judgement.

'We are products of our upbringing but the navigators steering our future.'

EL Winter