Tuesday 26th September – Rob’s birthday

Headed for a taxi at 8.30 today and had some breakfast in Plaza de san Gregorio before heading to the school. Dad kept saying “I don’t think they’ll want us there” when I had specifically asked him and Mum to come with me. Feels a bit like they are dragging their feet when I really want them to hear what’s going on and be there incase I mishear something or forget something they say.
Met Angel and Toni. They both seem really nice. We discussed a few options for what to do about housing, there are some other assistants at the school (French) and also some at other schools nearby so they are sending out a fax to everyone for me to see if we can find someone for me to share with. They know I don’t have a car and that it’s quite important to find something quickly.
We semi-discussed a time table too. I know a little more about the school, the students aren’t from the main town but from outskirts and apparently better behaved for it. I’ve agreed in principal with them to have Mondays off but I’m going in on Friday (alone) to discuss my timetable a bit more and what they want me to do etc. The following Friday I’m going to the staff meeting to introduce myself and sum up my first week.
After finishing up at school we wandered to a park and made a few phone calls about flats. They are all unfurnished which is no good. I made Dad make the calls cos I was feeling so tired and disheartened about everything. I know I need to get on and do it but I’m just shit at it. Feel like I’m doing everything. After that we headed to the police station so I could give them my Spanish mobile number but we got there and they told me there was no need. So we headed for the place we had had breakfast at so I could use the internet (a bargain 50 cents for 30 mins) and Mum and Dad had a drink. Then we all had lunch. Got in a taxi back to the hostel afterwards. Think we’re planning on heading into Las Palmas tomorrow to have a look around and act touristy. Must find some postcards and stamps.
Headed down to the beach at Melenara this afternoon. There was an amputee there hopping into the water (on his good leg). He had amazing balance and I couldn’t help but stare. I sat under a beach umbrella and read my book. Mum and Dad went for a quick dip then came and read with me. There’s a really cool statue of Neptune in the water here. See pics. After a while Dad and I headed back to the hostel for showers and a rest before dinner. Mum stayed on the beach a bit longer. We headed down for dinner at about 8. Mum and Dad had the most perfect melty steak and I had a garlic pizza. I know how that sounds but it was so, so yum. Coffee after. We came back to the hostel and played boggle. I’m sure Dad was making up words. One word he had was “sherd” which is apparently an alternative word to “shard” like a shard of glass or pottery. I made a hilarious joke which Mum and Dad both missed and, through my tears, I had to repeat. I said “a pot sherd is a pot halved”. Hahaha.