http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/en-EUMokoFeed10http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/http://data5.blog.de/design/preview/7b/d7be2109d404ccaf6f1354333c3bd9_160x200.jpghttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2007/04/04/bangor~2031500/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2007-04-04:/2007/04/04/bangor~2031500/Wed, 04 Apr 2007 12:19:00 +0200 <p>Heading off to Bangor today to look at Hilary's slavery exhibition at Penrhyn Castle. This has become the pinnacle of her work since she was appointed as Project Interpretation Co-ordinator for the National Trust. Looks like we'll be living in Bangor for a few months after we're married so it will be interesting to look around. </p> <p>25 years since the Falklands invasion. Two bald men fighting over a comb. More about that later. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2007/04/04/bangor~2031500/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2007/04/04/bangor~2031500/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2007/04/03/holidays~2026762/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2007-04-03:/2007/04/03/holidays~2026762/Tue, 03 Apr 2007 16:42:58 +0200 <p>This must be the laziest blog ever written. I havn't updated this since December last year, so now that I'm taking a week long break in Wales, why not write something. Since I last wrote, I became engaged to Hilary (not all that surprising) and life is fairly dominated by wedding organisation. The ceremony takes place in Donegal of course, The Church of the Sacred Heart in Carndonagh. Everything is more or less booked although the priest in Carndonagh is naturally inquisitive regarding my Christian background: I am after all not a Catholic so suspicions are naturally aroused. The situation grew desperate when he enquired whether I was confirmed in the Methodist Church or not. Goodness me, I made sure I was as far away as possible from Truro School when all that was going on.</p> <p>Spain life is carrying on nicely. School is going really well. In February I was able to showcase my EFL roleplay adaptations in front of 14 EFL teachers at the St James teacher's conference and last week I received my PDI (prof development interview) with Borja. Apart from my terrible organisation skills, he was very happy with my progress. At the moment, the Semana Santa festivities are taking place...</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=1299035" title="sem_san_sev"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/035/1299035_0e0cc6446a_s.jpg" alt="sem_san_sev" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>This is basically Seville's Holy Week festivities, a week long devotion to the death of Christ and everybody wearing Klu Klux Klan type outfits. Some unfortunate young men have to parade the streets carrying heavy loads of stone in the name of penance. Yes, this is a good time to get out of Seville for a week.</p> <p>June sees my stag weekend in Barcelona. Flights with Clickair are booked and it looks like I will have a total of 13, 5 or 6 from UK, the rest from Spain. More soon.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2007/04/03/holidays~2026762/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2007/04/03/holidays~2026762/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/12/04/hold_em_back~1402676/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-12-04:/2006/12/04/hold_em_back~1402676/Mon, 04 Dec 2006 23:57:51 +0100 <p>Yes. Yes. Yes. Blog is back and so is poker. Nine of the boys from the football team and work turned up at ours to play some Texas hold em' poker. I hadn't played properly since Korea days and have been itching for a session(the "cadillac" of poker as interpreted in the movie "Rounders") since I got here. As it was, none of the people who turned up had played before really, so it was a financially beneficial night for me if a little dull on the quality of hands that came up. The ammount of times that 2 pair won the hands was amazing considering that 7 or 8 people were on the table at the time. </p> <p>Its all testing at school at the moment. With the pre Xmas holiday coming up, parents want their kids reports finalised before the big holiday. That's fine by me. It more or less means that the last couple of weeks will be relatively laid back with the bulk of the paperwork out of the way. My A1 class (beginners) is becoming my flagship class and the subject of great enjoyment. We've been doing a lot more practical usage of language and a bit less on the everyday vocabulary and grammar workshops. Lots of roleplay and acting out scenes from airports, hotels and restaurants. Its always fun to teach practical English because the students see it as the most important tool they can gain. Many of them plan to travel either for work or pleasure and will no doubt be eager to practice what they've learnt in a real setting. Obviously. </p> <p>Wish I could see Utd play on Tv at the moment. They are, by all the accounts I've read, playing the best for many years. It was so much easier watching them over in Korea because of the Park Ji-Sung connection; it seems daft being just 2 borders away from the UK here and yet cant even get highlights. Enough moaning. Xmas is 2 weeks away now, I just cant wait for that flight that takes me home to my baby and a rest. Peace out. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/12/04/hold_em_back~1402676/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/12/04/hold_em_back~1402676/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/11/04/out_again_at_last~1295614/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-11-04:/2006/11/04/out_again_at_last~1295614/Sat, 04 Nov 2006 19:24:16 +0100 <p>Wow. Finally went out properly for the first time in weeks last night. My recent lapses in my health have restricted me to quiet nights in lately. A group of foreigners share a house near the Alameda (17 of them in fact, mostly different nationalities. German, American, Icelandic, Thai, French and Australian to name a few) and they were celebrating the departure of one of their friends. Plenty of wine swilling, smoking sweet tobacco from a "hubbly-bubbly" and listening to tunes. Later we headed off to a bar-club for more dancing before heading back to theirs for more drink. Stumbled home around 8am this morning. Good form.</p> <p>Latest pictures:<br> <a href="http://community.webshots.com/user/mattstonham">http://community.webshots.com/user/mattstonham</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/11/04/out_again_at_last~1295614/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/11/04/out_again_at_last~1295614/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/11/02/sick_again_and_what_is_going_on_in_cheon~1289515/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-11-02:/2006/11/02/sick_again_and_what_is_going_on_in_cheon~1289515/Thu, 02 Nov 2006 20:27:57 +0100 <p>I really must improve my diet or do something. For the second time in a month I have a cold, mild chest infection and blocked ears. It´s no joke trying to organise lessons, teach and the rest of it. I´m dreading the visit to the doctor, who knows how long I will have to wait being a foreigner and with the general chaotic bureaucracy of this country. Thankfully, I have a social security number now so all should be well.</p> <p>On the odd occasion I read the message board on the Cheonan World website (www,cheonan.blogspot.com). This was the teachers website that I used when I was working in Cheonan, South Korea. It serves a great purpose. One is able to introduce themselves to the foreign community, get involved in local activities, such as hapkhido, Korean lessons, know all about any social events going on, read other people´s blogs and have lots of useful local information at your disposal. Unfortunately, in the last few months a minority of individuals have hijacked the board to air their grievances about world politics, Korea in general, foreigners and whatever else. Most of the comments are negative and even cruel at times. On some occasions, innocent messages expressing information about upcoming events have been met by patronising respondents who claim to have superior insight into how one should lead their life in Cheonan. Often people can get bored over there and the only answer is to offend others behind the safety of a PC screen. Thats fine. However, I have noticed that some of the regular contributors are not contributing to the message board. Maybe they are concerned that they may receive a negative reply. Who knows. Nevertheless, I despair a little that some people in Cheonan are apprehensive about leaving a message in case they are greeted with some of the responses that have appeared. That to me is a problem. Ok, I'm 8000 miles away, why should I give a toss. But I do. I had two fantastic years in that bizarre town mainly because of the people I met through the website and the good times I had as a result. What annoys me most is that the culprits repeatedly patronise people for spending their free time in places such as M Bar, Dona Marcos and so on. Fuck you. Many of those emotional fairwell meals took place at these establishments. It doesnt matter what these places have to offer, the type of food, drink, music, etc. It's the people that turn up that count. What Cheonan needs is another Roy Freer or somebody with balls to harness the foreigner element and make the Masssive massive again. Forgive me for hankering for the old days (in fact they sometimes wernt that great) but there certainly wasnt that cynical poisonous side that is evident there now. I hope the Cheonan World website is free of these morons by the time I get back next year. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/11/02/sick_again_and_what_is_going_on_in_cheon~1289515/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/11/02/sick_again_and_what_is_going_on_in_cheon~1289515/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/27/blind_date_is_ace~1265863/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-10-27:/2006/10/27/blind_date_is_ace~1265863/Fri, 27 Oct 2006 02:11:06 +0200 <p>"Blind Date" and its various concoctions may be ridiculed for the way it dumbs down the relationship building process, however, it certainly provides splendid teaching material for activating questioning techniques using the present simple tense. The formula exploits the target language (for example, "do you like reading newspapers?" "what is your favourite food?") whilst providing entertainment and a very accessible context for English learners. At an advanced level, learners can activate conditional questions (such as "If I was to ask..."etc) in the same simplistic fashion. What may seem trivial to native English speakers can so often be used in a more positive style when teaching language.</p> <p>I visited the Merchant's Irish bar in central Seville tonight for a pub quiz that didnt happen. I have to admit that despite the stimulation I'm experiencing at school, I am yearning for more. The pub quiz would have been fun and a chance to speak fluid English with my colleagues in a setting that is always engaging. I suppose I could study some more Spanish. However, I do enjoy talking shite and it will be many many years before I can do that in Spanish if that makes sense.</p> <p>Latest pictures:</p> <p><a href="http://community.webshots.com/user/mattstonham">http://community.webshots.com/user/mattstonham</a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/27/blind_date_is_ace~1265863/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/27/blind_date_is_ace~1265863/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/23/i_do_like_mondays~1254546/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-10-23:/2006/10/23/i_do_like_mondays~1254546/Mon, 23 Oct 2006 23:17:16 +0200 <p>What a long day. Monday and Wednesday are bastards. Four lessons and one hour & half adult class in the evening. Today, however, wasnt too bad. In fact I rather enjoyed it. The reason being is that I had a relatively quiet weekend on the drinking front, I felt fresh and invigorated for once in my life. Unfortunatelt though, I am running out of patience with my first K5 class. It's infuriating because there are some able, enthusiastic kids but it's severely affected by a couple of individuals who insist on speaking in their native tongues and generally being silly beggars. Nine sets of parents are getting a raw deal because of two pricks. Thankfully, Borja popped in today for a random visit and I was able to convey to him the situation. He hinted that he may be altering the class. Happy days.</p> <p>The A3 class (intermediate) went well today despite a sticky topic, past simple, continuous and perfect. Timelines are the best method to teach these complex tenses, no doubt. A couple of them struggled to be honest but the rest got it. That will do.</p> <p>Fecking brilliant, we've got a holiday next week and its payday on Thursday. Time to go shopping. Great victory for Utd over the weekend, Scholes has found a decent optician by the looks of it.</p> <p>Latest photos:<br> <a href="http://community.webshots.com/user/mattstonham">http://community.webshots.com/user/mattstonham</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=907915"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/915/907915_03ce746b91_s.jpg" alt="IMGP2928" title="IMGP2928" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/23/i_do_like_mondays~1254546/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/23/i_do_like_mondays~1254546/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/21/at_last~1247099/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-10-21:/2006/10/21/at_last~1247099/Sat, 21 Oct 2006 21:10:25 +0200 <p>I am online at home at last! Here's a link to my photos featuring action from CELTA in London, OISE in Bristol, life in Winchester & Rhyl, Scotland wedding and of course Seville.<br> Great little night last night drinking the wine and listening to shameful old skool club tracks from the early 1990's. Who could possibly forget "Pump up the jam" huh..</p> <p><a href="http://community.webshots.com/user/mattstonham">http://community.webshots.com/user/mattstonham</a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=902816"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/816/902816_e1e6bfc25c_s.jpg" alt="IMGP2910" title="IMGP2910" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/21/at_last~1247099/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/21/at_last~1247099/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/18/matalascanas_work_flamenco_bars_no_inter~1234322/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-10-18:/2006/10/18/matalascanas_work_flamenco_bars_no_inter~1234322/Wed, 18 Oct 2006 11:59:31 +0200 <p>I am still f$$$$$g waiting for my internet connection to be finalised by those incompetent morons, Telefonica. Hence the non-activity phase of this blog. It´s nigh impossible to write stuff of this nature and in such detail at work because PC´s are supposed to used primarily for work purposes, and quite rightly so. Telefonica arrived at the apartment last week and although they installed a line, they left the broadband equipment for us to do which basically involves putting in a disc, following the instructions and Robert´s your mother´s brother. That´s the theory anyway. The codes to install the software dont work, the Telfonica helplines are only available during office hours and we suspect the router equipment is faulty. It´s times like this when I miss Korea: the efficiency, the strong work ethic and a constant desire by its people to make things work properly. However, more about that country later. A major development is taking place in my private life which involves that part of the world. As a good friend said, "You can check out but you cant leave.."</p> <p>Work is going fine. Well at least in the nature of what I do. The classes are settling down into my routine and apart from a couple of restless students who need extra supervision and appropriate seating arrangements, everything is generally fine. The adult classes are the highlight of the day especially the A1 group. This is a complete beginners class. They are thirsty for vocabulary and understanding tense structures and forms. We are still working on the present simple with vocab and I have teased them with the present continuous on occasion. I am in a quandary regarding whether to steer them through the past tenses first or hit them with the continuous. Considering that Spanish has three conjugations and reflexive/non-reflexive options, either should be fine. The past tense is always good for conversation besides. On a more interesting front, there are two wonderful MILFS in that class which is always a bonus.</p> <p>Seville life is moving along at the usual pace. Slow, sedate but relaxing. Hils came over last week and it was pure bliss. We visited a few tapas bars along the river and strolled around Triana. We hit the beach at Matalascanas (near Huelva) and despite my sinus pain, it was a great day. The other weekend I found myself in a VIP flamenco bar with the club secretary of some local football team, whether this was Betis or Sevilla i´m not sure. Probably neither, I was too drunk to fully comprehend his English but he refused to let me buy my own beers and his car was huge. More importantly though the bar was amazing. It was like looking at a parody of traditional Spanish life, a cliche almost but it was in fact the real thing. The women were dressed mostly in traditional costume and were stunning whilst the men looked dashing with their black trousers, frilly white shirts and immaculate hair styles. The dancing was astonishing. The steps look fairly easy to imitate but the style, bravado and blatant knowing sexuality of the moves must take years to perfect. By far the most amazing night life I have ever seen. I just wish I had been more sober. It wasnt the sort of thing you would see in South Korea but that country has other attractions..</p> <p>Yes. We´re going back. Hils and I need to raise a large ammount of cash in short time so that we can purchase some property and we both decided that we should return to Korea for September 2007. Particular destinations have not been discussed, obviously Cheonan is an option due to the familiarity of the city and of course the finest pool competition in the world. Hopefully, a few of our old friends will still be there. However, the money is the biggest decider and will affect any decision we make. Personally, I cant wait to eat that food again. Christ almighty I have missed it. Anyway, thats it for now. More updates when I know it..hasta pronto.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/18/matalascanas_work_flamenco_bars_no_inter~1234322/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/10/18/matalascanas_work_flamenco_bars_no_inter~1234322/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/09/16/que_significa_todo_esto~1132029/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-09-16:/2006/09/16/que_significa_todo_esto~1132029/Sat, 16 Sep 2006 18:08:35 +0200 <p>The first week is down at last. The induction session was useful, informative and set everyone´s minds at ease. My boss, Borja, is a patient guy with an open-minded attitude. He seemed to like my running dictation exercise using "Mysterious Girl" by Peter Andre. Last night, we had dinner up near school. I had a good chat with James, the financial director of the school and Borja´s partner over carbonera pizza. He actually taught a lot of Koreans when he was living in New York, so we had a good discussion about hagwan teaching methods, Korean peripheral selling techniques ("Hey we´ll spend 30 million won on the fountain at the front of the school but f**k those new board markers" etc etc) and galbi eating. This was followed by a few cocktails at Fiona´s at the Plaza de Victoria before I finally wandered home to my apartment in Triana for some well deserved sleep.</p> <p>Overall, things are going well in Seville. We finally got an apartment last week: a beautiful 3 bedroom modern place in Triana which Jose (landlord) toatally ikea´d out today. Brand new tables, chairs, kitchen stuff etc etc. I like Jose. My Spanish is crap, his English is the same. Phrasebooks are continually exchanged and there´s a lot of laughter and celebration when communication reaches it´s goal. Tom and Sam are delighted with things also. Certainly being two single guys they might have preferred to be closer to the action in Amareda but they saw the sense of getting a cheaper place south of the river. Taxis work out at 6 euros to get home so its not such a hassle. </p> <p>Monday sees my first proper day at school. I´ve got 4 classes including two Kids (8-10) and 2 Juniors (12-14), the adult classes commence in October. I´m fully prepared, and so I should be considering we had 12 hours of planning time last week. I´ve probably taught 70 or so introductory lessons since 2004, it should go fine. I´m more curious about the manerisms of the students. Korean kiddies tended to be hyperactive and aggressive due to the high carbohydrate content of their diets but I suspect the Spanish will be a little more relaxed..what am I saying. We´ll know more by 1700 on Monday.</p> <p>Anyway I´m sitting next to some NewYorker in this internet cafe who is using one of those MSN phone things. She´s talking a load of shite and distracting me so I´ll end there. Telfonica start our account next week so at last I will have the peace of online utopia at home. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/09/16/que_significa_todo_esto~1132029/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/09/16/que_significa_todo_esto~1132029/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/09/05/la_llegada_en_sevilla~1099989/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-09-05:/2006/09/05/la_llegada_en_sevilla~1099989/Tue, 05 Sep 2006 19:37:38 +0200 <p>I arrived at 1030pm last night after a slightly delayed start at Liverpool due to the pedantic but neccessary cabin luggage restriction orders and security checks. This time I came armed with Euros although the charges for changing them at Liverpool were riduculous to say the least. Why the UK doesnt have the Euro is beyond me. Anyway, Alison met me in the centre and took me over to Hostal Union my temporary home until Sam, Ben and I find an apartment. We tried a few tapas and sampled some beers at various bars last night, the nightlife seems quite busy even for a Monday night. Today it has been hot. F&&&&&g hot. 41 degrees at the mo. I havent done a great deal apart from having a little wander around the immediate area. More later. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/09/05/la_llegada_en_sevilla~1099989/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/09/05/la_llegada_en_sevilla~1099989/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/21/the_end~1057750/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-08-21:/2006/08/21/the_end~1057750/Mon, 21 Aug 2006 19:53:51 +0200 <p>And so it finished. I'm back in Rhyl now after finishing the summer school in Bristol on Saturday. I'm just too exhausted to write anything in detail now, with the chaos surrounding the new staff, the last talentshow and tidying up, I'm knackered. I think I'll write something in more detail towards the end of the week with photos. This boy needs a rest. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/21/the_end~1057750/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/21/the_end~1057750/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/10/pushing_the_boundaries_part~1029638/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-08-10:/2006/08/10/pushing_the_boundaries_part~1029638/Thu, 10 Aug 2006 19:43:55 +0200 <p>So it's Friday night, 70 students are heading home to their native countries the next day. At 10.30pm we gather them up to ask them to retire their sleeping quarters but of course there are plenty of tearful snoggy goodbyes and a general reluctance to go to bed. All of a sudden there is a big shout from one of the French lads and students are seen scarpering in all directions. It was obviously pre-planned. Eric and the security guard had the wise idea of chasing them which culminated at one of the tennis courts and ended up with them getting a fair dose of verbal abuse from the determined 100 or so students who must have been having the time of their lives. Kate (leisure co-ordinator) had better ideas and told us all to stay put. Dont play the game basically. We all sat under the smoking tent whilst thinking of a suitable punishment. Some of the students came back and stood around chatting wondering what to do. We just ignored them which seemed to bewilder them a little. The game was up. They all slowly came back from their little runaround and finally we got them to bed. Tomorrow was their trip to London. The flagship event of their stay in England. The one they all talked about.<br> At 9.00 am the next day, 70 excited students were sat in the bus discussing where they would go. Ross boarded the coach and informed them that due to their appaling behaviour the previous night they would instead be visiting the picturesque stunning seaside resort of Weston-Super-Mare. Game set and match to the teaching staff.</p> <p>One week to go here now. Thankfully, I was promoted to senior teacher last week which meant I dont have to teach this week but give advice to other teachers and generally do some of the paperwork that is needed in the office. Happy days. I head off to Rhyl next week for a well deserved break with Hils. We've got a wedding in Scotland the week after and then off to Ireland for a few days tro meet the family, I think Hils is planning a few days in Donaghal as well. I need a holiday. Flying to Seville on 4th September, the show goes on. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/10/pushing_the_boundaries_part~1029638/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/10/pushing_the_boundaries_part~1029638/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/05/pushing_the_boundaries_part~1015585/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-08-05:/2006/08/05/pushing_the_boundaries_part~1015585/Sat, 05 Aug 2006 12:45:20 +0200 <p>Another tough week at Badminton draws to a close. Last night we experienced our biggest test yet when 100 of the students decided to do a runner when they were supposed to go to bed. The week has been dominated by discipline issues as usual and unfortunately Will leaves today which means a huge part of the enjoyment factor of working here goes as well. But I'm still here, still alive and not entirely burnt out. </p> <p>This week I've had my toughest class yet to deal with. Advanced Class A is composed of one German student and six Russians including Anastasia and for a couple of days, Patrick. I gave Patrick and Katrina a chance to be able to work together (they've been dating for 2 years apparently) bvut unfortunately they repeatedly tried to kiss in class, exchanging dialogue in Russian and Patrick kept on making comments about inappropriate topics (usually drugtaking in Moscow) regardless of what we were talking about. Patrick was switched to Adam's Advanced C by Wednesday morning. However, the big issue occured on Wednesday when Anastasia arrived at class 20 minutes late. Her excuse was that she had overslept because none of the female staff had woken her up. After thinking for a few seconds I decided that she would have to do an extra half hour of homework that night, which she refused to do. I warned her that she would have to do an extra hour the following night to which she replied "I will speak to Ross." I spoke to Ross in the the break and explained the situation. He agreed with my belief that Anastasia had been here long enough to know when she was supposed to get up. As far as Ross was concerned, the punishment fit the crime. I didnt think more of it until Anastasia came up to me during the time she was supposed to be doing her extra work to gleefully announce that Ross had let her off the punishment. I went to Ross' office to ask what the hell was going on and he simply said that she was upset and he felt that a bit of leniency was needed. Oh give me a f<strong>*</strong>g break. I was furious to say the least. What is the point of having punishments if you cant carry them out? I have lost a lot of confidence with discipline now because there doesnt seem to be any boundaries, no structure to follow. All the other teachers have had the same problem. It's no surprise that the students ran riot last night. And it will happen again unless we all agree on an organised, uniformed discipline structure. But more importantly we need to have the backing of our superiors as well. More coffee, more cigarettes needed. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/05/pushing_the_boundaries_part~1015585/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/05/pushing_the_boundaries_part~1015585/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/01/half_time~1004502/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-08-01:/2006/08/01/half_time~1004502/Tue, 01 Aug 2006 08:02:20 +0200 <p>Unfortunately, the internet filters here at Badminton School are absurdly strict so I've been unable to retrieve my drafts from the previous three weeks. Anyhow, it's exactly halfway through the summer school now. To summarise, I'm fairly satisfied with my teaching so far. The first week was messy. Confusion, disorganisation and a lack of materials for my advanced classes meant that I wasnt fully able to follow the OISE syllabus to the book. However, I seem to have found a routine despite the chaos but no way am I following the rules of CELTA to any degree. Concept check questions are limited and I cant remember the last time I confirmed any instruction checks with my classes. Teacher talking time is still way too high and my timing is still a little haphazard but this is partially attributed to the unrealistic syllabus from head office. Who the f**k can teach all three types of conditional sentences and explain the differences whilst rounding off with an exercise in 30 minutes??!</p> <p>The Esseghari sisters have gone, along with the French poseurs and the Italian stallions. Zeineb and Dorra from Tunis were by far the best students I've ever taught. Enthusiastic, hard-working and enormous fun. Often they would tick off the other students for speaking their native tongues. What more could you ask for? The French lot were an arrogant lot but certainly had character and the Italian crew were boisterous but fun-loving. I will miss Marcello a lot. This was his 6th summer school and he behaved like a student who knew how to play the game. Do what you're told and your life is easy. Gregarious, laid-back and always up for a chat. The words "blind" and "eye" come to mind when we noticed him casually heading towards the girls sleeping area for a late visit to his girlfriend. So for the last three weeks who are we left with? A few French, a handful of Germans, a couple of Saudis and a large group of stuck-up, lazy and rude Russians who have quite simply more money than sense. Anastasia and Patrick come to mind. I remember meeting their parents on the first day. They arrived in separate limos avec chauffeurs, all of them with cigarettes dangling out of the corner of their mouths which they stubbornly refused to remove despite the polite signs that are displayed throughout the school. When it came to banking for their children, both fathers left each child the sum of £2500 spending money (to last 3 weeks) plus credit card (for "emergencies"). The teenagers themselves see their English classes as a way of improving their "street" language, that is, they seem to think it is cool to swear as much as possible in class. It seems that good times have hit the streets of Moscow for a select few but I do wish the parents would send their offspring to the States for their English tuition. It seems more appropriate.</p> <p>Hopefully, I'll be able to get to a non-filtered PC in the next week or so. Three weeks to go. Hils came down for the weekend, she is totally sold by Bristol. My little plan certainly worked. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/01/half_time~1004502/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/08/01/half_time~1004502/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/10/sleep_is_not_an_option_bristol_young_lea~950172/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-07-10:/2006/07/10/sleep_is_not_an_option_bristol_young_lea~950172/Mon, 10 Jul 2006 23:44:27 +0200 <p>This place is a madhouse. Currently I am paid to be an EFL Teacher, football referee, nurse and security guard. Nothing was mentioned about this in my contract. </p> <p>I am now three days into my summer school in Bristol and apart from being perpetually knackered, it's really absorbing and enormous fun. The daily routine works likes this; At 7.15am I have to reluctantly rise from my well-needed slumber to wake up 15 Russian, Italian and French male teenagers and order them into the showers. After this, we eat breakfast (continental style/fry-up) and have a staff meeting. This usually entails discussion of lesson plans, any ongoing issues with the students and the chance to ask any questions. Unfortunately, there is only one director of studies and a leisure & welfare organiser in terms of pillars of authority and guidance and naturally they are continually busy and stressed. Today we had the placement tests instead of normal lessons and once these were marked and sorted, we were able to conduct an introductory class in the afternoon. I opted for the advanced class. They were an enthusiastic and spirited bunch of eight students who responded well to the exercises ("three truthes and a lie", quota questions and that ridiculous throw the ball game to learn everybody's names). After lesssons, the students are supposed to engage in leisure activities (soccer, tennis, arts & crafts, jewellery making to name but a few) but many are more comfortable chatting up the opposite sex and smoking cigarettes. Funny that.</p> <p>At 20.00 they are more or less left to their own devices which obviously spells danger. If I'm on duty (which I was tonight) basically my role is to ensure that they dont leave the premises (huge) and that they the boys stay away from the girl's sleeping area and vice versa (difficult). It's really hard work to be honest. Thankfully, at 2230 we have to round them up and herd them up to their sleeping quarters and by 2315 they should be lights out and asleep. The Russians are generally well behaved and seem pretty quiet, along with the French. However, the Italian lads are still very excitable from their country's World Cup triumph from the other night and usually need a bang on the door at 1 in the morning. Lorenzo is a boisterous but delightful character. Today, he showed me his cellphone and threatened to display all the pictures of his girlfriends to me which I politely declined. He is also in possession of a pair of boxer shorts displaying the Italian flag across the crotch area. I said to him that none of the French girls would want to snog him with those on to which he casually replied "Ah it ok..they will just take them off." Good grief.</p> <p>Personally, I am happy with life here. Everything is still a little disorganised but it's just a case of getting used to the system. We have a fire drill practice at 5.45 tomorrow morning so no doubt my high spirits will be surely lowered considerably. We also start the 6-a-side World Cup tournament tomorrow on the astroturf pitch as well. I wonder whats going on in the outside world??? </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/10/sleep_is_not_an_option_bristol_young_lea~950172/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/10/sleep_is_not_an_option_bristol_young_lea~950172/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/08/oise_bristol_young_learners_day_one~944680/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-07-08:/2006/07/08/oise_bristol_young_learners_day_one~944680/Sat, 08 Jul 2006 22:56:42 +0200 <p>After the get to know each other session yesterday, it was down to the business of setting up the school today. However, today was our last day of freedom before the students arrive tomorrow, so a shopping trip down to Broadmead was top of the agenda: new trainers, razors, shampoo and a fantastic penguin towel. Luke and I both bought one from Superdrug and decided that this could be an ideal punishment for misbehaving students. The penguin towel is coloured blue and pink and has a hood. Severe shame awaits those that cross my path.<br> The teachers I'm working with are a great bunch. Luke is 32 and just returned from a 6 month tour of duty teaching in Pakistan. Adam and Erica are from Dawlish, newly qualified and hoping to teach in Spain or Portugal after this. Tiffany is local (Horfield) and has just finished a contract in Italy, Gwen is from some toadhole in Mid-Wales but taught in Hong Kong. The director, Ross, seems a nice chap and the Welfare & Leisure Organiser, Kate is full of beans and has been telling some hilarious stories about last year;s school. No doubt I will need 8 pairs of eyes and ears and sonar to catch potential troublemakers in this vast school. The school itself is beautiful. Three astroturf pitches, countless tennis courts, theatre all set in delightful grounds that you would expect from £20,000 a year exclusive girls boarding school.<br> The students arrive tomorrow from Italy, France and Russia. The morning will be dominated by placement tests after which we will place into Pre-intermediate, intermediate, upper intermediate and advanced classes. The food is awesome and my room is basic but comfortable. Thats it. Oh and we've got The World Cup final as well tomorrow, should be interesting. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/08/oise_bristol_young_learners_day_one~944680/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/08/oise_bristol_young_learners_day_one~944680/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/07/oise_back_in_the_big_b~942445/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-07-07:/2006/07/07/oise_back_in_the_big_b~942445/Fri, 07 Jul 2006 23:26:52 +0200 <p>I arrived in Bristol late last night After spending a "quiet" night at Dawnies in Fishponds, I attended the initial training day Badminton School. Unfortunately, I'm too drunk to write much more than that. It's been a long day and a long night...but it's good to be back!</p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=671802"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/802/671802_511d7a338a_s.jpg" align="" alt="bristol" title="bristol" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=671803"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/803/671803_7c7d5f22ce_s.jpg" align="" alt="bristol club" title="bristol club" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/07/oise_back_in_the_big_b~942445/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/07/oise_back_in_the_big_b~942445/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/04/lucky_italians_and_sun_drenched_prestaty~933495/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-07-04:/2006/07/04/lucky_italians_and_sun_drenched_prestaty~933495/Tue, 04 Jul 2006 23:26:25 +0200 <p>The hosts are out. In the dying minutes of extra-time, the Italians booked their place in the World Cup final for the first time since 1994 with two brilliant goals from Grosso and the ever youthful Del Piero. And they fully deserve it. The criticism directed at them after their fortunate victory over Australia was unjustified. Considering that they have been ejected in each World Cup since 1982 through penalty shoot-outs, their time has surely arrived. Germany have played admirably but like England they have not matched the fanatical support with their performances on the pitch against quality opposition. France and Portugal have a tough task on their hands if they are to stop the Italians claiming their fourth World Cup.</p> <p>What a brilliant day it's been. Hils and I spent a sun soaked day on the beach in the charming beach side village of Prestatyn in North Wales. Rhyl is the main crowd-puller on the coast which entirely baffles me. The beach is ugly and split by those horrendous breakwaters which are so common on British beaches. The main promenade is dominated by loud amusement arcades. To top it all, bathing is not advised due to the presence of sewage in the sea. Nice.<br>Prestatyn, on the other hand, is characterised by a somewhat more laid back beach with sand and no breakwaters. One is able to swim in the sea and it is less crowded. There is a stunning links golf course right next to the sand and on a hot day like today (30 degrees) I couldn't think of a better place to be. Well alright, Ko Lanta would be nice but hey this will do. It is a perfect way to relax before the summer school next week. <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=665042"></p> <p><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/042/665042_90680e57f5_s.jpg" alt="italy" title="italy" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="203" height="152"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=665043"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/043/665043_f44e07f499_m.jpg" alt="prestatyn" title="prestatyn" hspace="5" vspace="5" width="410" height="232"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/04/lucky_italians_and_sun_drenched_prestaty~933495/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/04/lucky_italians_and_sun_drenched_prestaty~933495/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/02/paying_the_penalty_yet_again~926785/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-07-02:/2006/07/02/paying_the_penalty_yet_again~926785/Sun, 02 Jul 2006 13:10:23 +0200 <p>After weighing up everything, I have come to the conclusion that England's participation in the World Cup was their worst ever. I am not saying this because of the bitterness hangover from yesterday or whether I'm trying to locate an outlet to channel my fury. This is not a measurement of technical peformance either. If anything, England showed signs of displaying greater technical skill than in any previous tournament, especially in the second half of yesterday's encounter with Portugal. I will not remember this World Cup, in relation to England's participation, because there is nothing to remember.<br> Let me explain. In 1990, England stumbled their way to the Semi-Finals and were undeservedly beaten by West Germany in a memorable penalty decider. David Platt scored that goal against Belgium in the dying seconds of extra time in the second round, Cameroon provided us with arguably England's most entertaining international match ever in the quarter-finals and Gazza's tears in the semi-final were almost a catalyst for the fanatical support that the England team receive today. England went to France in 1998 and scored some memorable goals including Michael Owen's individual stunner against Argentina in the Second Round. In the last World Cup, England beat Argentina in a tense group match, demolished Denmark in the Second Round and played bravely against a far superior Brazil side in the Quarter-Finals. Since 1990, England have been involved in some entertaining skirmishes in the European Championships and World Cup. Despite not walking away with any silverware (or goldware), England always provide entertainment in some form or another. However, what do we have to remember from this World Cup? A Steven Gerrard belter against some English first division hopefuls in the form of Trinidad & Tobago and a red card for our most talented thug in recent times. Oh yes of course. Another losing penalty shoot out.<br> Thankfully though, the tournament goes on. My best friend Ian was the recipient of some serious mockery a few weeks ago when he somewhat foolishly suggested that France would win The World Cup. What? At the time, France were seen as the "Dad's Army" of the contest. With the midfield age combination well over 100 years and considering their last performance in South Korea, every pundit was predicting the end of the show for this brigade of legends. However, it is Ian who is now getting the last laugh. Last night, France and Zinedine Zidane in particular made a mockery of the Brazillian superstars and subsequently defeated them 1-0 with a well taken Thierry Henry volley. It was a bad day if you were English, had backed Brazil at 11/4 and hated the French. At times, Zidane's trickery was breathtaking. It is inconceivable that the man will retire from football completely at the end of this tournament. Germany are showing their efficient best and the Italians will be full of confidence after their trouncing of Ukraine. However, I would not like to predict any outcomes at this stage. It's anybody's<br> now.</p> <p>I leave for Rhyl tomorrow after having spent a few weeks here in Winchester. I need to arrive in Bristol for Thursday in time for Friday's opening meeting at the school in Westbury-on-Trym. Sarah emailed yesterday, so hopefully we will have a reunion of ex-Korean expats soon. </p> <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=659935"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/935/659935_5988944e18_s.jpg" align="" alt="" title="" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=659936"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/936/659936_5a2422c3c1_s.jpg" align="" alt="Henry & Zidane" title="Henry & Zidane" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/02/paying_the_penalty_yet_again~926785/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/07/02/paying_the_penalty_yet_again~926785/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/25/what_a_goal~909832/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-06-25:/2006/06/25/what_a_goal~909832/Sun, 25 Jun 2006 12:54:57 +0200 <p>The second round tie between Argentina and Mexico supplied one of the greatest all time goals in the history of the World Cup.<br> Rodriguez receieved a cross-field pass from Sorin on the right, bounced the ball off his chest and proceeded to volley an unstoppable shot to the left corner of the goal. I backed Argentina to win the World Cup at the start of the tournament after changing my mind about Germany. I still think I made the right decision. England face Ecuador in three hours...<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=646289"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/289/646289_58c55d5b06_s.jpg" align="" alt="_41808206_maxichest300 (1)" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=646290"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/290/646290_a3cf6d37dc_s.jpg" align="" alt="_41808228_strike416 (2)" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=646291"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/291/646291_8ac1204b15_s.jpg" align="" alt="_41808230_goal416 (3)" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/25/what_a_goal~909832/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/25/what_a_goal~909832/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/21/back_to_the_city_aamp_a_relatively_easy_~900948/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-06-21:/2006/06/21/back_to_the_city_aamp_a_relatively_easy_~900948/Wed, 21 Jun 2006 22:32:45 +0200 <p>I received some details from O.I.S.E today, the organisation running the summer school I will be working for in Bristol. We have to arrive by Friday 7th July for a meeting at 11.00am. What a pain in the arse. That means I will only have several days with Hils up in Wales rather than the week we originally planned. The other bad news is that the work for International Quest fell through because the Italian students wont arrive until 3rd July, by which I would have left Hampshire. However, it's not all doom and gloom. I'm looking forward to spending some more time in my old home city and as I'm arriving earlier than planned, it means I can spend a little time with Dawn and the kids in Fishponds before going on to Westbury-on-Trym for the school.</p> <p>Last night I watched the England vs Sweden game with Rich, Wes and a few other guys and gals at Wes house near Oliver's Battery, just outside Winchester. It was a great night despite Owen's nasty injury and some shambolic defending from Campbell and A.Cole in the last minute, which resulted in yet another draw with the Swedes. Some of the songs we sang were at times gloriously vulgar:<br> "Oh Engaaland! Oh Engaaland! Oh Englaaand we love you. It's full of beer, fanny and football, oh Englaaaand we love you." to the tune of "As the saints go marching on."</p> <p>As things stand, England will face Ecuador on Sunday and if we win that it's highly likely we will have to take on Holland in the Quarter-Finals. They drew against the very in-form Argentina this evening, leaving Argentina to top the group. For the first time this tournament, I am feeling quite positive about England's chances now. It is now a relatively easy path to the semi-finals. Considering that England will not have to face Argentina, Brazil or Germany until the semis, one is inclined to predict that if England can up their game then they should get past Holland (or Portugal of course) at least. Ecuador have failed to impress me at all, and their limitations were more than exposed in their final group game against Germany. England should beat them comfortably. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/21/back_to_the_city_aamp_a_relatively_easy_~900948/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/21/back_to_the_city_aamp_a_relatively_easy_~900948/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/13/muchos_gracias_aamp_ronalslow~878039/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-06-13:/2006/06/13/muchos_gracias_aamp_ronalslow~878039/Tue, 13 Jun 2006 22:59:30 +0200 <p>The phone call came yesterday. I have been offered the position as English language instructor at the St James School of English in Seville to start September 11th. The first week will be devoted to induction and initial training before the teaching proper which starts on September 18th. Naturally I am delighted but also a little apprehensive. The school is clearly one of the most prestigious in the area (unlike my first hagwan in South Korea, Little America, which claimed to be the most prestigious in Cheonan but was in fact poorly organised, unprofessional, corrupt and confused with their religious beliefs that totally conflicted with the way the school was run. Enough of that.). Call me pompous but I feel a little like David Beckham when he signed for Real Madrid: I will have to raise my game considerably. However, I have to be pleased with this offer. Positions in Spain are highly sought after and this is the highest paid salary I have seen on any job advertisement. Ideally, I would like to see myself in this job for at least two years until the "boss" is ready to spread her wings as well. Better go out and buy that Linguaphone package...</p> <p>Today's action in the World Cup continued the pattern of the tournament so far. Fantastic goals, inspiring comebacks and still the French cant score a goal! Ha ha!! I felt a little emotional watching the Koreans playing today. The crowd support were as enthusiastic as ever and their team rallied well to overcome a 10 men Togo with two brilliantly taken goals, including a sensational free kick by Lee Chun Soo. After France and Switzerland's woeful goalless draw, the Koreans have every chance of progressing to the next round.</p> <p>Brazil beat Croatia by a goal to nil with a performance that by their standards was rather poor. They were magnificent in the opening twenty minutes, displaying their trademark trickery and superb build-up play. Kaka displayed his credentials with a superb left footed curler in the top corner after 43 minutes but they failed to finish off the Croats in the second half. In fact the Eastern Europeans had a number of shots of goal but unfortunately for them they just couldnt convert the numerous chances into goals. Ronaldo played possibly the worst game I have ever seen him peform in (apart from the 1998 final of course). He looks in poor physical shape and his pace is a shadow of his former self. Despite one decent long range effort late in the second half he had a very poor game and I cant see him making the same sort of impact that he has in previous tournaments. </p> <p>Tomorrow sees my new country of residence in action when Spain take on Ukraine. Tunisia, who are regular World Cup participants these days, face an all Islamic clash against the Saudis whilst the Germans will hope to continue the goal feast with their second group match against Poland. The show goes on.<a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=617441"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/441/617441_bb9121adef_s.jpg" align="" alt="_41761112_koreajoy203" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=617442"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/442/617442_09f6f2fee6_s.jpg" align="" alt="_41762208_zidane203" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=617443"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/443/617443_88f4ca8bb4_s.jpg" align="" alt="20060613154609990011 kaka" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/13/muchos_gracias_aamp_ronalslow~878039/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/13/muchos_gracias_aamp_ronalslow~878039/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/jules_rimet_still_gleaming~870694/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-06-11:/2006/06/11/jules_rimet_still_gleaming~870694/Sun, 11 Jun 2006 19:13:25 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=612326"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/326/612326_d4bbf68bf1_s.jpg" align="" alt="2500797784 eng fans" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=612327"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/327/612327_0aa17d2f9a_s.jpg" align="" alt="3612061 arg v ic" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=612328"><img src="http://data2.blog.de/media/328/612328_57a9da0e91_s.jpg" align="" alt="3989219092 becks" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a>Riquelme was nothing short of inspirational in Argentina's opening game of the 2006 World Cup against The Ivory Coast. Out of 25 completed passes, 24 found their target. I predict him to be one of the stars of the tournament if Argentina progress.</p> <p>So far the tournament has been packed with quality football and entertainment. For me it is a very poignant World Cup as it is my first one with English commentary since 1994, after spending the 2002 affair island hopping and rubbing shoulders with just about every nationality in the heat of the bars of Bangkok. In 1998 I was in Corsica for the majority of it. Yesterday, after politely declining Richard's request to watch the England vs Paraguay game in Savannah's bar in Winchester, I had the great pleasure of being seated in a friend's armchair with a can of Stella watching Gary Lineker, Alan Hansen and Alan Shearer. Sheer bliss I can tell you. The game itself was a let down. Although England got the result, it was not a convincing display in the second half and Ericsson's tactics were dubious to say the least. I could not see the sense of taking Owen off and placing Joe Cole in the hole behind Crouch. Long ball after long ball resulted in Crouch winning the ball in the air time after time and being able to head to...nobody. However, Lampard played an encouraging game, the back four were fairly solid and Beckham's delivery was near perfect at times. The situation improved even more after the following fixture as Trinidad & Tobago pulled off one of the all time World Cup shocks by holding Sweden to a 0-0 draw with ten men! It was an enthralling game. Shaka Hislop (who was not even selected to play in the starting eleven) played the game of his life, pulling off several close range saves. As it stands, England will automatically qualify with a win over Trindad on Wednesday. </p> <p>Unfortuntely, I was stuck at Seville Airport and flying back to Stansted so I missed the two opening games. As I understand, the German press have been scathing about their national team's first performance despite a more than convincing 4-2 win. </p> <p>Today, Holland put in a gritty display to beat Serbia & Montenegro by a goal to nil and as I write, Mexico have just beaten Iran 3-1. </p> <p>Overall, it's great to be watching the games back in the UK. The level of support for the national team is incredible compared to previous tournaments I've seen. You can see St George's flags draped over housing blocks in Southampton whilst even the million pound mortgage brigade here in Winchester are displaying their flags in their bay windows. The new craze seems to be flags at the front of your car. Giant erected TV's are to found down the length and breadth of the country and despite a massive brawl at a public screening at Canary Wharf in London, there has been little trouble. I can remember watching my first World Cup back in 1982, the level of interest was restricted to men interested in football to be quite honest. In fact back then, not every game was even televised. I guess you can attribute this current euphoria to the England performances at Italia 90 and Euro 96 and the way that football coverage has been remodelled to suit family audiences and women. The dark days of Hilsborough, Heysel, and the misery of not qualifying for 1994, 1978 and 1974 are now but a distant memory. All we need now is Wayne. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/jules_rimet_still_gleaming~870694/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/jules_rimet_still_gleaming~870694/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/con_permiso_por_favor_dande_esta_autobus~870389/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-06-11:/2006/06/11/con_permiso_por_favor_dande_esta_autobus~870389/Sun, 11 Jun 2006 17:13:35 +0200 <p>I returned from Seville two days ago and what with all the World Cup games going on I've not had a chance to reflect on the trip. However, the interview went ok and to be quite frank, the city of Seville is quite stunning. I stayed in a gorgeous hostel in the centre, very near the Palacio Lebrija. Alison met me off the airport bus and after a couple of drinks and a tapas in several bars, I managed to get seven hours kip before the interview at the school. The school itself is situated in a suburb several miles west of the city. The classrooms were immaculate, clean and the school very well equipped. The interview was at times quite intense with some tricky questions but I think I did ok. Alison will call in a few days time to confirm everything.<br> The rest of the day was devoted to getting lost and frequenting a few streetside cafes and just watching people go about their lives. It was just too hot to go sightseeing (36 celcius)although I did spend a lot of time simple wandering around and looking at the architecture. There is a wonderful clash of traditional Moorish and Spanish design, giving the city a North African feel whilst still maintaining that stylish European look. The people dress with pride and style and seem friendly and welcoming. My only concern is that despite the visual beauty and general relaxed feel of the city (except the incessant carhorns..christ the Spanish dont like to be kept waiting), there doesnt seem to be many foreigners in the city. Obviously there is the constant stream of tourists but according to Alison, not many foreigners work in Seville. Cheonan in South Korea had it's disadvantages but there was always a posse of foriegners to hang out with which made a world of difference of course. Being able to speak Spanish will be absolutely crucial therefore if I am to have any kind of social life, far more important than being able to speak any Korean when I was in Cheonan. However, it was good to see lots of Vespas buzzing around the city, so that will be a purchase priority when I arrive in September.<br> So, all in all it was a positive little trip. I will now wait for Alison's call. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/con_permiso_por_favor_dande_esta_autobus~870389/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/11/con_permiso_por_favor_dande_esta_autobus~870389/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/04/closing_in_on_spain~853476/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-06-04:/2006/06/04/closing_in_on_spain~853476/Sun, 04 Jun 2006 17:05:51 +0200 <p>Wicked. After sending the completed application for St James school in Seville to Alison at Link to teach, the school decide they like my application and want me to fly to Seville for an informal interview. According to Alison, I've practically got the job, the school want to have a chat to make sure I'm not a nutter or a retard or both. I fly to Seville from London Stansted with Ryanair on Thursday night, Alison will meet me in the centre of Seville at 10 pm, get some kip and the interview will take place on the following day, fly home to London afterwards: the school will pay the airfare, happy days. The D.O.S will ask a number of questions, relating to past lessons I've taught (good, bad , how could I have improved them and so on), what do I know about St James and so on.<br> Naturally, I'm a little nervous. It's always good to get a little worried before these things so that I stay on my toes. Start date will be September 11th. 9 month contract, 4 weeks paid holiday per year plus public holidays. I will have a normal life again.<br> I'm really looking forward to viewing the school, chatting to the staff and meeting my co-workers and seeing what the surrounding neighbourhood will look like. Hopefully, I will get a chance to look at some apartments, check out the prices for mopeds and try some local resturants. I will have all day to kill after the interview as I dont fly back to London until 2100 that night. Plenty of exploring and hanging out to be done.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=595446"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/446/595446_1b88f905ab_s.jpg" align="" alt="spain_south_seville" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=595447"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/447/595447_ed4e7d5dee_s.jpg" align="" alt="seville-torro-del-oro" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/04/closing_in_on_spain~853476/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/04/closing_in_on_spain~853476/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/01/shevchenko~846118/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-06-01:/2006/06/01/shevchenko~846118/Thu, 01 Jun 2006 13:06:34 +0200 <p>My favourite striker in the world is coming to the Premier League, albeit for the wrong team! I believe Alex Ferguson tried to sign Andriy Shevchenko when he was at Dynamo Kiev, when he almost single-handedly took Kiev to the Champions League final in 1997. However, it is a massive signing for Chelsea and although he may have had his best years at AC Milan, he will no doubt play a big part in Chelsea's attempt to win a hat-trick of Premierships next season. Milan fans are obviously distraught at losing possibly their finest ever player, and I may bear the brunt of their frustration when I start teaching my students from Milan this month. Along with the arrival of Michael Ballack, this addition to the Chelsea squad surely states that Real Madrid are no longer the "Galaticos" of Europe. Arsenal, Manchester United and Liverpool have their work cut out if they are to challenge Chelsea for the crown of English football next season no doubt.<br> <a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=588716"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/716/588716_7cc8f90838_s.jpg" align="" alt=" Shevchenko" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=588717"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/717/588717_69606f38a1_s.jpg" align="" alt="_41710684_signing203270pa" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a> </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/01/shevchenko~846118/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/01/shevchenko~846118/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/01/interview~845921/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-06-01:/2006/06/01/interview~845921/Thu, 01 Jun 2006 11:51:56 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=588657"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/657/588657_a1eb4b586e_s.jpg" align="" alt="The old White Star offices (now International Quest!!)" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=588659"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/659/588659_664a38e944_s.jpg" align="" alt="The old Ocean Terminal, berth 44, starting point for R.M.S Titanic, 14 April 1912" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a>I got the job. International Quest want me to start a temporary contract on June 15th or sooner if the Italian government send their students now to start the intensive programme. It's all a little confusing but nevetheless I will get the call as soon as the students arrive. I will be teaching at Portsmouth University weekday mornings and afternoons.</p> <p>The interview itself was on Queen's Terrace in Southampton, historically quite interesting as a venue. The office is situated next to the old White Star Line offices and directly overlooks the now redundant Ocean Terminal, the starting point for the ill-fated White Star liner, Titanic. The Grapes public house is 20 yards down the road, often frequented by the crew of the old transatlantic liners. Anyway, besides getting a brief local history lesson from the D.O.S for International Quest, we also had an interesting chat about the EFL industry in general. The chat mainly centred around the notion that the industry attracts some bizarre individuals, some positive in that respect and some not so. The D.O.S warned me that I will come across the odd "nutter" in summer school and when I work in Spain. However, on a more disturbing note, we discussed the apparent lack of regulation within the EFL industry. Under current UK law, anyone who wishes to work with young or vulnerable people has to fill in a CRB disclosure (Criminal Records Bureau). The purpose of this is not to investigate your previous cautions for minor Class C drug possessions, but to enquire whether an applicant has previous convictions for child-abuse related crimes. At the moment this does not cover anybody who wishes to work abroad teaching English to young children. When I was in South Korea, I cant say that I can remember any particular cases coming to light, although I can say that there were some teachers who clearly had "issues". Hopefully some kind of governing or policing body will come into fruition that will perhaps monitor the situation if anything.</p> <p>Anyway, the main thing is that I have guaranteed work to see me through to the Bristol summer school which is a great relief. It's well paid and it looks like an easy gig. 4 hours of teaching and no lesson plans to be prepared. The bulk of the lessons will centre around drilling and pronunciation and possibly recyling Trinity examination papers for the end of summer tests. Class size maximum is 13 and all the students will be Italian, mainly Milan and surrounding areas (better not mention Andrey Shevchenko), so I will expect boisterous classes based on my Oxford House experience. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/01/interview~845921/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/06/01/interview~845921/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/29/mary_and_movies~838278/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-05-29:/2006/05/29/mary_and_movies~838278/Mon, 29 May 2006 16:55:35 +0200 <p><a href="http://www.blog.co.uk/srv/media/media_item.php?item_ID=581547"><img src="http://data1.blog.de/media/547/581547_e6b00e8ba8_m.jpg" align="" alt="Da%20Vinci%20Last%20Supper%20Jesus%20Mary%20Detail" vspace="5" hspace="5"></a></p> <p>Damn it all. I've caught the bug. After seeing The Da Vinchi Code movie and having read Dan Brown's bestseller, I have become fascinated overnight with the debate of whether in fact the Holy Grail is a woman (the remains of Mary Magdalene) or a cup (the supposed cup that Jesus drank from during The Last Supper). The woman that appears next to Jesus no doubt has visual feminine qualities and the evidence appears overwhelming. Why were the Gospels written by Philip, Mary Magdalene and other witnesses to the life of Christ mysteriously removed? Why has the established church reacted so strongly to what appears nothing more than a work of fiction? Are they scared we might find out something? However one perceives the Holy Grail, it is no doubt a fascinating puzzle. I intend to open the debate with an intermediate class the first oppotunity I get. </p> <p>On the same subject of movies, Poseidon opens next week. I loved the original and this Wolfgang Petersen remake certainly looks like it will triumph with the CGI factor but without Gene Hackman, I cant imagine the same affiliation with the characters in this version. Damien is back the week after in a remake of The Omen. It looks like a scene by scene copy of the original 1976 chiller and early reviews seem positive but I am dubious. The original worked well because it used very few visual effects (unlike The Exorcist)and managed to obtain some memorable performances from some desperate at the time actors (Gregory Peck especially) not to mention that score by Jerry Goldsmith. Still, although you can argue that rehashing all these old greats is getting repetitive, I would rather see these 70's movies given the treatment rather than another Flinstones or a Charlie's Angels or a another cult TV big screen adaptation. It's just my preference. Later this year, we'll be getting a couple of 09/11 stories on the big screen including an Oliver Stone offering. I'll leave the Americans to weigh up those movies. Too early? I'd rather see a big screen adaptation of the 2004 SE Asia tsunami myself. I'm sure there's more poignant dramas to be renacted from that disaster and less people would get shirty about it of course. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/29/mary_and_movies~838278/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/29/mary_and_movies~838278/#commentshttp://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/28/oxford_house_blues~835192/tag:teflworld.blog.co.uk,2006-05-28:/2006/05/28/oxford_house_blues~835192/Sun, 28 May 2006 13:58:57 +0200 <p>Farah, one of my teaching group colleagues at Oxford House, emailed nearly two weeks ago to ask all of us how we were doing since finishing the course at the end of April. I'm going to reply later today. I really miss Farah, Luke, Rich and Erica. We had such an excellent bond during the course. During those four weeks of stress, deadlines and headaches the five of us set about on tackling the course with a sense of carefree laughs and humour. We helped and buoyed each other up when things were getting doubtful and always heaped praise on each other when we presented good lessons. It was perfect. I'll never forget that night when we danced and drank in that salsa club on Tottenham Court Road. Erica was the queen of the floor, Farah shook her booty, Luke charmed Nicole into near submission and I think Rich passed out. As for me, I missed my last train back to Walton on Thames and ended up crashing on Farah's spare bed in some suburb in NE London. Her mother-in-law must have had the shock of her life seeing me wander into the kitchen without any prior announcement. I saw them all a few weeks ago in Bristol when Luke tried to organise the ill-fated camper van trip to Cornwall. The furthest they got was spending the night outside Nat West Bank in Weston-Super-Mare. The current crop of Big Brother 7 contestants could learn a lot from these guys. I must give Luke a call as well. Hopefully, Rich is getting somewhere with his applications for Korea. He'll fit in there nicely. I will try and see them all after the Bristol contract, maybe before I fly to Ireland. Two days to go now until the Southampton interview. Fingers crossed. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/28/oxford_house_blues~835192/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>http://teflworld.blog.co.uk/2006/05/28/oxford_house_blues~835192/#comments