I've been remiss, I know. It's three weeks since my last blog at the beginning of June, and here we are at the end of the month; mea culpa. I have to admit I've been finding it hard to focus recently and even took a month off Facebook altogether, but maybe I've mentioned that already.
Part of the difficulty has simply been the time of year. There's always a lot to do in May and June with the end of the academic year. Added to the usual course-end scramble, we have staff assessments, official English speaking tests, and coaching sessions for PhDers writing their theses in English. The speaking tests usually involve quite a bit of travelling around so at the end of the week, writing my blog has been something "I'll do later", except that later didn't arrive, not until today, that is.
I enjoy the speaking tests as we often go to schools to conduct them and I find it so interesting to experience the difference between them, which largely depends on where they are.
Take your standard small town Dutch secondary school. Most of the children are competent, well-trained for the exam, polite and, well, dare I say it, a bit boring. They haven't seen or experienced much of life at all so their range of conversation is correspondingly limited, but they can do what's required and do it well. The city kids, on the other hand, especially those from 'alternative' educational backgrounds, are a world apart: feisty, often ill prepared but with so much more to say. They seem to have more life experience, more knowledge of the arts and literature and generally wider interests. It's fascinating to observe and one could easily be forgiven for thinking it's better for young people to grow up in a cosmopolitan, unusual environment if their ability to hold a conversation in English is any gauge of their educational and social development. I'm sure there's more to it than that, but on the surface, that's how it appears.
Anyway, back to our own world and tomorrow we will be testing the Hennie H in preparation for our summer travels. Koos has been away for a week on a well-deserved break to Hungary, so there's been a lull in proceedings there, but July is approaching and we hope to be on our way sometime in the first week.
Last Monday, the bridge was returned to service (see previous post), so no more ferry, and life is more or less back to normal. We have painting on both boats to do before we go, fire extinguishers to have checked, fenders to pump up, diesel to buy and supplies to get in. Oh and in between all that, it will be Koos's birthday. I think things are about to get very busy!
To calm you down after all that exciting news, here are some photos from our world.
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| The Mark heading into Oudenbosch |
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| The Basilica at Oudenbosch |
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| Snack hunting in Zeeland |
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| The Vereeniging– just because |
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| Horses and their foals at a nearby nature reserve |
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| And again–just too adorable |
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| Mummy and baby. The foal was very new |
Have a good week allemaal, and I'll be back again at the beginning of July.
It makes me very aware, reading this lovely post, of how generous you have been with your time to follow my own blog and comment so often on the posts. I'm interested in what you have to say about the types of students you encounter at this time of year - the contrasts you point out are perceptive and, no doubt, absolutely the case! I do hope that you and Koos will be able to wander the waterways free of tribulation and have a relaxing time from all that you do for work. Best wishes, Christina James.
ReplyDeleteThank you very much, Christina. Yes, we have plenty of opportunity to make these observations in this job. The results seem to speak for themselves as to who has the advantage, but there are distinct benefits on both sides. The old adage about children growing up too soon comes to mind when I look at the city children. The country kids have other blessings.
DeleteYou've been very busy and need a break on your boat. Lovely photo's, I liked seeing the horses. They make me feel calm & I always photograph them when we come across them in Lincolnshire.
ReplyDeleteYou mention " both boats", what type is your 2nd one? Enjoy your trip and stay safe, David. 😊 🐕 🐢
Thank you for your kind comment, David. I'm glad you like the horses too. They are particularly appealing with all their foals at the moment. I can stand and watch them for ages. Both boats are old dutch barges. In some ways they are quite similar, but my Vereeniging is more authentically historic, while the Hennie H, the one we use for holiday travel has a more modern build-up. I'll post photos of them both for comparison next time. Unfortunately, they both need a lot of maintenance!
DeleteAs always, outstanding photos and adventures. Have a grand time on your Hennie H. You so deserve a break - probably more than anyone else on the planet. Take care of yourselves and a very Happy Birthday to Koos. (Steph)
ReplyDeleteMany thanks, Steph. We shall enjoy it when we get there. I do hope your arm is healing, my dear!
DeleteHi Val and what a lovely and interesting blog and your photos are fabulous. You sure have been one very busy lady and you and Koos really deserve a restful break on your Hennie Ha, just hope it behaves itself. Sorry that Koos has gone down with a bad cold, but hope he managed to enjoy his birthday. Take care and enjoy your holiday. 💗😁Lorraine xx
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, dear Lorraine. Koos's birthday is actually tomorrow, but his cold is better, thank goodness. We're looking forward to faring forth again! Love to you too, Val xxx
DeleteThe foal is new and see how the mother is looking if there is any threat.
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