The Boy and The Coconut Tree

I have now been to Canada 4 times including a horribly unnecessary layover at Toronto thanks to United Airlines and their allergy to punctuality.  This is the first time I have been to Canada for more than a long weekend, the previous visits were long weekends in 2001 and 2002. The catalyst for this trip was a friend of mine from Spain, emigrating to Quebec City, a city I had not visited but was on my list of ' get there eventually ' places. The trip began with my British Airways flight from London on the new 787 Dreamliner. Most people know I am a nerd about things like ships and planes and was excited to fly on this new airliner, it was interesting and was as quiet as people had said but the BA interior already looked shabby and dark so the plane seemed 5 years old, not 2.  The BA crew were indifferent and snarky but I enjoyed the inflight movies and the meal wasn't bad, the old lady sitting next to me wanted none of hers so offered me her extras. Canadian immigratio...

I am not sure what is more difficult, managing 3 adults or teaching a class of 30 kids.  The past few weeks have tested my skills as a manager and my patience as a human being. I am ready for my move to pastures new in May. One of the nicer things this week has been my temporary house guest, Elena, from Kiev.  The sister of a neighbour who needed a room for a few days so she could explore London relatively cheaply.  She was quiet, tidy and friendly and it was great to have someone from a country that I've never visited and didn't have friends from. She was an enthusiastic tourist and was brave enough to attend a Premier League football match on her own, far braver than me.  I am not a cheerleader for AirBNB and Elena was not a complete stranger as her brother is my neighbour but it was nice to have another person in the empty flat for a few days before I move to my new place.  As of late April I will no longer be sharing a flat/house with anyone and taking ...