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!