A bit of a ramble, but it's a start...

 Around two years ago, just as a certain, not-to-be-named, virus was about to make it's way around the world, I made a commitment to myself that I would take time to travel, explore and soak up a variety of cultures as I grew tired of British skies, British food and the British lifestyle. I was ready to go and let chance - and perhaps some luck - guide me through a big old world, with a grandiose - and perhaps just a tad over-ambitious - plan to see from Oregon to Okinawa and everywhere in between.

And then... well... y'know. 

Weeks of boredom led to months, and months led to a year, and... yeah. It felt inescapable. Two birthdays passed in a state of limbo and I thought that time was running out.

But it gave me time to think; to realign my ideas of what I wanted out of life. I didn't stop the daydreaming of far-off places (and I will see them, to paraphrase Morrissey) but I started thinking about how I could make a career in something that was not only exciting and allowed me to see the world, but also to connect with people from all backgrounds after so long of staring at walls.

I came across the CELTA and... well, if you're reading this you've probably done it, so you know. And if you haven't done it, well, it was a great way to work in an environment that made real impacts on so many people.  

And then I was sent a link to the Erasmus+ work, jetting out to Spain in early 2022. It was a no-brainer really. Sun, sand and subjecting myself to a nerve-wracking four weeks of attempting - and maybe succeeding a little - to teach youngsters. The prospect of facing a sixteen-year old Spanish me, who might question every single thing I do, is daunting. And, I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. But the flipside of nervousness is excitement - they're the same feeling, just viewed from different angles. 

So I'm flipping that nervousness on it's head and into the path of excitement.

The online classes so far have really helped to ease my concerns; Fran, Emile and Caro are great to work with and I feel very supported. No question is too small, no issue too large. It's been a great way to meet the other teachers flying out too! If you're doing this project in the future, and have got through my waffle - then take away this: don't worry about anything. I know it seems easy to say that here, but by the end of the first session I knew we were in safe hands. Sure, it would've been nice to be doing this training all together, in person, but needs must, you know?

And yet, we do probably worry. I know I do. "What do I do if..?", "What happens when..?"

 All answered only by the experience. So yeah, I'm excited and a little nervous - I think we all are - but let's just focus on the positives. I can't wait for it all to start... 

Harry