[Teacher's Story] Where in the world has Elea been ????

Where in the world has Elea been ????

Elea (teacher) and her son Andrew (IIA web page developer) have just had a wonderful holiday in Vanuatu.

Vanuatu is a developing nation and although financially struggling the people are incredibly friendly, their culture fascinating and the coral reefs around their islands are rich with colourful fish. So snorkeling and diving are a ‘must do’ there.

“I had always wanted to see a live volcano so Andrew and I went to Tanna Island and got to see just that. It was amazing to hear its thunderous explosion and see it puff out its smoke and burning brimstone. At night it looked spectacular.

The highlight of the trip for me was staying in a jungle village – living in a grass hut and getting to know the villagers.  The Sunday School Choir sang for me and Andrew.  Those kids had the ‘wow’ factor. Their singing was so beautiful it brought tears to my eyes. I have made a lot of new friends and am looking forward returning next year.”

 

Yasur volcano

 
Elea with the village children.

Andrew and I stayed in grass homes – very comfortable in idyllic surroundings

Our host village performed one of their traditional custom dances for us …it was wonderful.

Vanuatu has 3 main languages English, French and Bislama.

Bislama is a type of Pidgin English and their national language.

Can you work out what the school notice is saying?

Pikinni = children

Plis = please

Skul = school

Doa = door

Singaot = shout.

Stap = is

[Teacher's Story] A few things you may not know about me

 A few things you may not know about me:

I went to 5 different primary schools and two high schools. My father was in the Royal Australian Air Force when I was young so we moved around a lot. I have lived in NSW and Victoria but I am proud to call myself a Queenslander! I’ve been in Brisbane for more than 15 years now.

I have also spent a lot of time abroad. In 2003, when I was 20, I went on a 12-month working holiday to Ireland and met some of my mother’s aunts, uncles and cousins. I came home to finish my tertiary studies in International Business and Japanese at Griffith University and then went back to London for another 14 months. In my travels I visited several countries including France, Spain, Scotland, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the USA. There are still many places I would like to visit especially South America, Japan, and Italy. 

The most exciting place I’ve visited is Villamarxante, near Valencia in Spain. In August they have a really big party that lasts for a whole month. They have parades, fireworks and bulls running around the streets. I got to light the horns of one of the bulls on fire so that at night the people could see it coming.
  

I think I am a good example of your typical Australian female. I love to play outdoors. I love camping, hiking, rock climbing, going to the beach and playing soccer. I love the Australian way of life and although I still want to see other parts of the world, Queensland will always be home to me!