Nelson Mandela

While looking through my blog back when I first started it, I discovered a post I had written shortly after the death of Nelson Mandela. When I visited South Africa earlier this year I was fortunate enough to visit Robben Island and see the jail where Mandela spent the majority of his 23 years in prison. The size of the jail cell was tiny and hearing from former prisoners and seeing the island was a very emotive and sobering experience. Although I've always considered him a very inspirational person, he became even more real to me. The work he did and the passion he inspired in others has left a lasting legacy of social change, not only on education, but the wider world.

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Original post - 8th December 2013

I started this post a few days ago and it was going to be about some websites that I find invaluable in the classroom and some of the things I find inspirational. Then of course, someone incredibly influential, not only to me, but the whole world died, so I decided to keep the title of the post and completely re-write the rest!

A friend of mine was devastated by the news of Nelson Mandela's death and asked on Facebook for some positive and upbeat news. Another replied "Nelson Mandela lived". I wholeheartedly agree with that sentiment, yes, the world has lost an inspirational man, yet we should be so glad that we had him at all.

Here are some of my favourite Nelson Mandela quotes:

Around the world

Sometimes I think I should be a travel blogger rather than a teacher one! But being a teacher, and in particular, an international teacher is how I have the opportunities to explore so much of the world during the term breaks (and how I afford it!). I cannot express how grateful I am that my lifestyle allows me to visit such beautiful countries, eat amazing food and experience different cultures and that I get to do it multiple times a year. If anyone out there is considering becoming an international teacher, then you have my fullest support... honestly, go for it! I am happy to answer specific questions, although I've only worked in Asia (and the UK), but I can't recommend it enough. Please comment if you would like to know more, but for now, here are some photos from my latest adventure to the gorgeous island of Lombok in Indonesia.