Royal Air Force

What a fantastic afternoon! Andy and I collected Nanny and drove up to the war memorial, from where you can see right over the bay. We watched an amazing display by the Red Arrows and then a fly by with some big planes.

We had afternoon tea in a cafe while we watched some other smaller events and then went for a walk round the park. Andy got his driving licence for wheelchair pushing, so now we could take Nanny out for walks by ourselves. I tried out my new scooter, which meant I could stay out and enjoy the day.

Interview

Today, the postman brought me some good news. I have an interview for a teaching job at a local school. I've applied for three posts there, so I really hope I get one of them. The thing that is a bit strange is that I went to this school as a child and at least one teacher who taught me is still there.

As part of the interview, I have to teach a short lesson. So time to plan and prepare...

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!

This afternoon, Andy and I went down the beach. The main point was for him to keep looking for work but we had a nice surprise as we got there just in time for some marching bands. They were all from Norway and they were really good.

Andy met a lady in one shop who seemed really positive. We're hoping she gets back to him because she wrote on the top of his CV that he was nice and confident.

Finding a new church

This morning, we visited a possible new church. I felt a bit strange about it, missing home and thinking about all our friends back in Oulu. We didn't know until we arrived but today was a special international service. Different groups led parts of the service, which was nice. The main thing was that they clearly value their international people and that makes me feel a bit more welcome.

During the service, we prayed for refugees and that reminded me of several of our own folks and their situations.

As we left, we spoke briefly to the pastor. He seems a pleasant enough chap. They have a coffee morning tomorrow so I might try and get down there and chat to him a bit. It all feels a bit weird without Neil though.

What a view!

I visited another school this morning, a lovely little village school with another beautiful journey. I love the school and I'd love to be the Head of one of these small schools but the view opposite was not my ideal...

Still job hunting

We're both still job hunting. I visited a school yesterday afternoon and another one this morning. At this stage, I just want to find something but really I want to be somewhere where I can make a difference.

Andy handed his CV in at a cafe in a garden centre today. I think he'd fit in well there. Here's an example of their sense of humour...

Should have gone to Specsavers!

Over the last few weeks, I've noticed that my eye sight has changed and even with my glasses, it's not as clear as usual. This morning I went to the opticians for an eye test and ordered new glasses. I'd forgotten how cheap glasses are here. For £79, I've got two new pairs plus an eye test. Bargain!

Another long awaited bargain was this little treat...

Returning to England

I've heard and read a lot about reverse culture shock when expats move back to their own country and now it's my turn to experience it. Andy and I moved back on Friday and arrived at my parents' house last night. 

This blog will start with our re-entry experiences and our search for work but after that, it will probably turn to educational issues.