Where's Phil?

I finally found someone at the recruitment agency, who seemed to have some idea of what was going on. Phil listened very intently at my interview and was particularly interested in learning about Australia. I have spoken to Phil a few times since and he was very helpful and interested. I rang the agency last week to find out why they hadn't paid me (again) and asked to speak to Phil. The reply came back that Phil no longer worked there...in fact he'd emigrated...to Australia! Good luck Phil!

one photo plus text

This a photo of beautiful Whitby on the north east coast between Middlesbrough and Hull. We fluked a beautful few days here and walked for about 8 miles along the coast south to Robin Hoods Bay (nothing to do with the guy in the tights as far as I can see). Nobody there was giving money to us (the poor) anyway. This is real pirate, smugglers type country with strange little freehouses and the like. Anyway that was a few weeks ago and we are returning to the coast to Scarborough this weekend for more of the same.

more photos from recent travels

back at work

We are back in the groove, with Lorraine back at Hirst Wood, and me getting what work I can in local schools. I'm averaging 3 or 4 days a weeks in schools mostly within walkin distance. By far the biggest headache for me is that I am employed by a private agency who has the contract for this district. Each contractor sets their own rates based on years of experience etc! The one I work for is hopelessly inefficent and constantly changes their mind about how much I am worth. They paid me once for day I didn't work at all! I have a new appreciation for the problems facing casual teacers, and casual workers in general, who have few rights and are easily exploited. The conditions in the schools vary greatly with some very cramped and others very spacious. They are obsessed with security and it is sometimes hard to get in the front door of the place! The kids are much the same, once you get to them, and the academic standards slightly above ours in general I think, depending on the drawing area, which is always the main determinant. The gap between haves and have-nots is expanding, as it is everywhere. Oh well...we'll just relax and plan the next holiday - to Paris!

Fountains Abbey photos

These photos should have been attached to the last post

Fountains Abbey

Fountains Abbey (not Fountainlakes) is the most extraordinary ruin we have encountered yet. It was established by he Cistercian monks in 1132 then added to continuously by the order over the next few centuries. It was then puchased by a member of the aristocracy then expanded with the addition of extravagant Georgian gardens.

Whitby and Robin Hoods Bay

We walked from Whitby to Robin Hoods Bay on teh north east coast, a distance of about 12 kms along a cliff top, literally a metre or two from a crumbling edge - not recommended for those afraid of heights! Look closely on the beach shot there is some idiot surfing - the air was about 5degC and the water was colder!