TEFL finito

The end of my level 2 spoken English class fell on the Mayan day of Lamat: Fertilise the Cornfield and Learn.
Very hard work, lots of laughter, and knowledge learned by all, teacher and students alike. But so worth it for the friends made and the dreams shared. May those dreams be fulfilled.
My time here in Tulum is coming to an end, so many sights seen and emotions felt, that I need time away to reflect on what has been a very powerful 3 month experience here in the Yucatan.
Time to see my daughters!

Beer Buddy: My 2nd scorpion, a very lively little chap.

As I post this, I have heard that my friend Miguel has been involved in a car accident, thankfully not badly hurt but unable to work for a while.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery Miguel.

Mahahual and Muyil

A well deserved weekend break from teaching took us all to the sleepy town of Mahaual on the Mexican coast, perfect for lazing on the beach and snorkelling on the reef. Soon to be the next victim of mass tourism, bringing wealth to the area, we hope, and the inevitable damage to the reef, lagoon and mangrove ecosystem.

Been snorkelling for the first time in my life, an amazing if a little scary experience, viewing life on a fringing reef as if you are in an aquarium. Attempting to climb back in the boat highlights just how weak I have become, a long way to go to get my upper body strength back. Kudos to my 11 year old daughter for scuba diving.

Thanks to the Fireflies for their amazing display of dancing light in the darkness of the mangroves under a fabulous star filled sky.

Had a rather bizarre conversation with some of my students, about witches and spell casting. I have been told to visit a particular restaurant in the back of beyond, where I will be cast with a spell of love.
Now all I have to do is find it and we will see what happens!

A short trip to the ancient Mayan town of Muyil lying within the Sian Kaan bio-reserve reminds me of an event that happened 27 years ago in Nepal while visiting a Hindu Temple complex, the first 2 pictures of Garuda guarding the complex came out half exposed and the rest blank, today my 2 sets of camera batteries failed as we approached the sacred Crocodile shrine amidst the lagoon swamplands. Make of this what you will!