Thoughts for the day from a wise man...

“You may never know what results come of your action, but if you do nothing there will be no result” 

Mahatma Gandhi

Back home in the Emirates...

I travelled back home to Dubai for a quick break before work resumes next week... Nothing beats that feeling when I land and feel 'at home' again :-)

I was very lucky to be able to catch up with special friends and enjoy some lovely dinners and good conversation...

I'm already planning my next trip back in a couple of weeks, can't wait!

Blissful English Summer Days...

There simply is nothing better than spending time in England throughout Summer...

I came back a week or so ago from a rejuvenating trip home to my native... So beautiful to be in our home, sharing good food and wine with family and old friends, and catch up with everyone. 

Really enjoyed some time alone too, finding inspiration for my own goals this year, and a few new 'mantras' to live by...

Here are a few things I found pleasure in...

• The beautiful flowers, green landscape of lush trees and freshly cut grass (something you truly appreciate when living in the desert)
• Crisp clean, fresh summer air

• Incredible old buildings oozing historic meaning

• My wonderful family and friends
• Visiting quirky little cafes and enjoying a glass of wine on Marylebone 
• Treating family and indulging some of my well-earnt salary in Oxford and Harrods... Hello Tods ;)

• Wearing uggs again :-)

• My holiday read "Three Cups of Tea" - what a wonderful book about a heroic American man who's life mission becomes educating girls in rural villages throughout Pakistan and Iraq... What an inspiring and incredible man... I learnt many valuable lessons from this book...

I can't wait for my next trip back :-)

Pinkberry yummyness...

I just discovered a new love for 'pinkberry' whilst shopping with a friend in Bahrain today... We indulged in gorgeous pomegranate goodness with fresh fruit toppings... I am craving another now, yum!

Namaste Nepal

I have just returned from an incredible and eye-opening two week trip in Nepal ...

I spent half of this time, trekking in the Himalayas... The Annapurna range to be exact. All the way up to 'Poon Hill' (3000 or so metres above sea level)... I thoroughly enjoyed the trek, feeling such a strong achievement at the end of each day, and waking up 'to make the next point on our route'... whether it be an 8-hour climb down steep stairs or crossing rickety bridges peaking altitude.... Our guide 'Sherpa Karma' was insightful and inspiring... The highlight of my trek was meeting many different Nepali people from various villages and being lucky enough to experience their 'simple, yet happy' way of life... The children were so content with their lives, no fancy toys or technology... yet so happy... Doesn't this prove something about the way in which the western youth lives? I definitely would like to return to the Himalayas and hopefully climb and reach 'Everest Base Camp'...

The second part of my trip involved helping at a local orphanage run 'The Love Company: Innocent Children's Home' in Pokhara... Again, another inspiring moment in the trip, meeting the owner, a simple yet incredible man named Krishna who dedicates his life to helping street children in Nepal... I was lucky enough to spend time with the children currently staying at the orphanage... They will always have a special place in my heart and I will keep to my 'pinky promise' of returning to see them again... I also was able to contribute to their local school renovation by painting some old classroom walls which definitely needed the refurbishment...

School is out - Summer is on...

Having completed my first year of teaching, I am feeling ready for the relaxing summer break ahead... I cannot be more thankful for the amazing children, teachers and moments I have experienced in my 'NQT' year...

I have grown and learnt so much as a teacher and individual... I remember how nervous I felt about completing my first 'dreaded' parents evening and writing 400 + reports...

The best feeling is at the end of the year, when the children you have inspired - give you incredible cards and notes to simply 'thank you' for your teaching... These are hte most precious and will remain in a special place in my heart...

I can now look forward to having my own class next year, 'Year 4W' :-)

Bello!

As an avid luxury hotel lover, I found this amazing list of the world's 'Top 10 most breathtaking hotel pools'... If only I had the opportunity to visit each one!

As visiting Italy has always been a dream of mine, it was strange that the number 1 on the list is on the Amalfi Coast...

One day ;-)

Have a look: Top 10 Breathtaking Hotel Pools

This photo of Hotel Caruso by Orient-Express is courtesy of TripAdvisor