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

Rhythm is a dancer and I'm standing still...for now!

For the past few weeks I have spent hours sending music suggestions to and fro a fellow Islander. I've realised I'm missing my love...Music.

I don't play an instrument, I cant read or write music and I am slightly if not completely tone deaf. However, music feeds my soul, whatever I do in life, there is a song playing in the background. My life is played out to a soundtrack. I associate every time, place or event with a specific song. And yes, that means I will have one for you too.

• Driving home after a long day.....

• Highway running in the morning...

• Lying on the beach....

• Turning all Lara Croft in the gym..

• Nights out on the dance floor...

• and watching sunset....

But 30 is NOT old!!!

It's not all bad though; I walk through Foster's (Cayman's version of Asda) to the beats of the Backstreet Boys, Cyndi Lauper and Whitney Houston. I love this; 'takes me back to the good old days ;) !

Once again I'm realising that things are very different out here. Music being no exception. Gone are the days where I could go and see Sam Smith at the Apollo, fine dine with the sounds of Natalie Duncan tinkering on the piano, sweat in Soho Underground to the electronic beats of Jack Garratt, sing my heart out to the love songs of Jessie Ware in Brixton, dance like a crazy bitch to Basement Jaxx at KOKO or rock out to the legendary Mac at the O2 - these are just some of the many evenings music fed me.

The good news

Cayman is part of the Caribbean and what are we famous for out here???

Next week is the start of Carnival season with Batabano, so I'm optimistic that Cayman will take a hold of me and broaden my already eclectic taste in music!

Finally, the song on my mind right now...

"Your heart is a beatbox for the songs in your life"

We're all looking at the same moon in the same world :-)

I have been on the island 2 months today. As of yet I am still not settled. I’m finding my way hence not quite being content...and then i look up and see this...

The biggest event to happen thus far has been the arrival of all my worldly belongings. I had paid for the shipment of my stuff on Saturday 6^th February (supposedly a 4 day turnaround.) My suitcases arrived on island 24^th February. From arrival there were issues with customs. My stuff wasn’t going to be released as the immigration officer who stamped my passport when I entered hadn’t put a date?!?! Driving several times from East End to the other side of the island was becoming quite tiresome. I knew that somewhere being held captive were my 5 cases.

Thankfully my flatmate Aaron came to the rescue, picked everything up and on March 1^st  I was reunited with my belongings. I have lived out of a suitcase for 5 months and so to have MY things really does make a difference. Moreover, not to have to wear the same 4 outfits day in day out saves on my laundry.

As I spend at least 1.5 hours on my bottom in the car each day I have bought myself a Fitbit. I’m trying to get 3 nights in the gym a week, in addition to my morning self-practice and weekend classes at Bliss Yoga.  I’ve also started walking in the evenings. A fellow school teacher is actually my neighbor, our gardens back onto each other so we go on walks in the evening around Patrick’s Island. Oh my gosh, the houses and the boats!!! It’s not enough to have a huge house; these people also have impressive boats to match. Perhaps I should introduce myself to the neighbours and they will take me out on their boats ;)

I was taken out on a sunset boat cruise a few weeks ago. It was stunning, just what I needed. I stopped missing home for those few hours. The scene before me a sight that I would not experience at home. I finally felt present with the ocean, the sun and then the moon. The moon offered me that reassurance, that wherever we are in the world, everyone will be looking up at the same moon.

Friday afternoon was much needed after my week at school. In the space of about 4 hours I heard from a friend in Bali, a friend from Chester, London, Mexico, Chile, Canada and my aunty in Switzerland. I’m missing home? Why? London will always be there but my friends, the people I love in the world are all over and they haven’t forgotten me out here. Those little messages offered me a world of comfort.

The best thing being out here for me is….the travel!!! Being my #1 passion. My scope for travel destinations has opened up to the continent of the Americas. Saturday I booked my flight to Toronto, Canada where I will stay for 2 weeks on an assisting workshop with David Robson at AYCT. Will I teach, wont I? Well my practice is deepening and strengthening every day. The 4:45am alarm may make me sleepy come 6pm but I feel relaxed and more focused to take on my class. I would love to share my practice and help others to experience Ashtanga, so maybe J I will then fly direct to Cuba where I will stay for 2 weeks. I have no plans as of yet. The planning is the fun part and that will come next week as my class learns more about Cuba for Commonwealth celebrations.

I hope to go to Jamaica, Honduras or Miami in October for my birthday. New York for Christmas. Then comes  Summer J 

Mexico, Columbia, Panama, Costa Rica, Aruba, Venezuela, Peru, Brazil, Chile….the list is endless.

Right…head down for another few weeks until Easter!!!!When I can enjoy the island!